The hourly rate reached record highs in three major metropolitan areas in Japan for part-time and temporary workers, according to data from the Jobs Research Center at Recruit Jobs, part of Japanese staffing giant Recruit Holdings.

For temporary workers, the average hourly wage increased by JPY 31 year-over-year to JPY 1,613. By job category, record increases were seen in sales and service; manufacturing, distribution, and cleaning; creative; and IT.

The hourly wage increases in these industries were attributed to the reopening of inbound travel. Japan eased restrictions on foreign travel in October last year. Under previous guidelines, only Japan nationals were allowed to enter the country, with a limited number of tourist group tours being allowed in 2022.

Logistics-related recruitment and call centers were also factors contributing to the rise in the hourly wage.

Part-time workers saw the largest increase in their average hourly wage in December 2022, up by JPY 37 from the same month the year prior, from JPY 1,121 to JPY 1,158. By metropolitan area breakdown, Tokai area saw the average hourly wage by JPY 42, from JPY 1,033 to 1,075 yen; followed by the Kansai region by JPY 34, from JPY 1,092 to JPY 1,126; and finally Tokyo by JPY 27 yen, from JPY 1,169 to JPY 1,196.

Jobs Research Center Director Kuniko Usagawa said that in all occupations, which include sales and service, and manufacturing, distribution, and cleaning, record highs were recorded. She also said that employers are more eager to hire post-pandemic, citing the resumption of retail sales, the recovery of overnight sales, an expansion in the nursing industry, and increased HR needs.