Lowest Paying Companies in Japan

If you think Japan's corporate world is a guaranteed ticket to a comfortable life, think again. Over the past 30 years, salaries in Japan have stagnated or even declined in real terms, while the cost of living has continued to rise. The dream of lifelong employment with stable and growing income has faded, especially outside of Japan's biggest cities, where many families still rely on a single breadwinner. This economic squeeze has created a landscape where even the most experienced workers struggle to make ends meet.

According to recent data from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the cost of sending a child to university in Japan can easily exceed ¥10 million, a daunting figure for families earning less than ¥4 million (around $27,000) a year, which is the case for all companies on this list. When considering these factors, it's clear why these companies should be approached with caution, both by prospective employees and investors alike.

Top 5 Companies with the Lowest Salaries in Japan

This list is compiled with data from Diamond Inc. and only considers full-time, permanent employees.