Japan Sees Steady Wage Growth Despite 25-Month Decline

Japan's real wages fell for the 25th consecutive month in April, declining by 0.7% year-on-year, but the pace of decline has slowed. Analysts expect real wages to turn positive this fiscal year, which is crucial for the Bank of Japan's monetary policy normalization. Despite nominal wages rising and major firms offering significant pay increases, real wages continue to lag behind rising living costs.