Since then, his salary has stayed pretty much the same. That’s why, three years ago, after giving up hopes for higher pay, the schoolteacher decided to start writing books. “I feel lucky, as writing and selling books gives me an additional income stream. If not for that, I would’ve stayed stuck in the same wage loop,” Tokiyoshi, now 54, told CNN. “That’s why I was able to survive.
In 2021, nearly 40% of Japan’s total workforce was employed part-time or worked irregular hours, up from roughly 20% in 1990, according to McGowan. “As the share of these non-regular workers has gone up, of course the average wages also stay low, because they make less,” she said. ‘Lifetime’ employment Japan’s unique work culture is contributing to wage stagnation, according to economists.