TOKYO -- As Japanese regional businesses wage fierce battles for workers amid a deepening nationwide labor shortage, pay at companies employing 10 to 99 people rose much faster in rural prefectures like Miyazaki than in urban centers during the five years through 2023.
"People here used to accept low wages, but not anymore," said Shigeru Matsuyama, managing director at the Miyazaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "Local companies can no longer stay in business unless they raise pay."
