Japan forecasts income growth to outstrip inflation in fiscal 2024

Tax cuts to do most of the heavy lifting, with wage hikes lagging

20231220N commuters

Japanese workers have seen their pay rise more slowly than the cost of living for nearly two years. (Photo by Makoto Okada)

HIROFUMI KANAOKA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japanese incomes will rise faster than inflation in fiscal 2024, a new government forecast will show, a hopeful sign for consumers even if much of the anticipated boost comes from one-time tax cuts.

Per-capita income will increase by 3.8% next year on a combination of lower taxes and higher wages, under a Cabinet Office forecast to be announced Thursday at an economic and fiscal policy council meeting. Inflation is expected to be in the mid-2% range for fiscal 2024, which begins in April.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.