2026年日本薪资指南

A guide to salaries & trends in the As we move into 2026, Japan’s job market has settled into a stable phase. Thepandemic-driven surge in hiring has cooled, but opportunities remain strong. Risingliving costs and modest salary increases continue to influence employer andcandidate behaviour. Certain sectors and large companies have led the way withsignificant pay rises, in some cases above 5%, to counter higher inflation. Despite Certain sectors stand out for growth. Technology remains a key driver of opportunity.While global tech markets have moderated, local demand for cybersecurity, dataanalytics and cloud infrastructure expertise remains strong. Healthcare is another Toby Truscott Roles that enhance organisational capability, such as sales, marketing, accountingand human resources (HR) are also highly sought after. In contrast, administrative Managing Director Despite strong demand, recruitment remains cautious – a striking paradox. Manyorganisations only move forward when candidates meet the brief with absoluteprecision. This reflects Japan’s long-standing employment culture, where loyalty and This caution is compounded by shifting candidate priorities. Professionals havebecome more discerning, placing greater emphasis on both compensation andflexibility. Many seek salary increases of 10% to 20% when changing roles, alongside Taken together, these trends point to a market on the brink of change. If talentshortages persist, we could see unprecedented job mobility – challenging traditionalnorms around tenure and loyalty. Success in the year ahead will hinge on foresight.Both job seekers and employers need a clearer long-term vision: job seekers shouldconsider their career trajectory beyond the next promotion, while employers must Accounting The accounting sector in 2026 is driven by cost optimisation and automation, as Chief Financial Officers(CFOs) seek leaner operations and greater use of analytics in decision-making. Regulatory changes, includingthe end of quarterly corporate reporting, simplify compliance but increase the importance of annual Technology adoption:Technology adoption is accelerating. Cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP)systems and AI-enabled platforms are now standard, automating book closings, reconciliations, and varianceanalysis. In financial planning and analysis (FP&A), predictive forecasting and generative AI support Workforce and skills:Hybrid work models are common, typically offering one or two remote days per week,while core accounting remains office-based for compliance reasons. Skills in demand include ERP proficiency,AI tools, and data literacy alongside traditional accounting expertise. Talent shortages are severe for bilingual Hiring priorities:Hiring priorities include senior accountants, accounting managers, FP&A managers, andfinancial controllers in consumer goods, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing multinationals. Cultural shiftsfavour skills-first hiring and openness to job changes, as younger professionals seek purpose-driven roles. Outlook:In 2026, accounting moves towards smarter finance, where automation, analytics, and strategicinsight define success. Sector Insights In-demand skills Sought-after positions Important benefits • Monthly financial closings• ERP system proficiency• Financial reporting andanalysis • Accounting Manager• FP&A Manager• Finance Controller• Accountant Staff• FP&A Staff • Pension and insurancecoverage• Bonus scheme• Commuter benefits Salary Guide Salaries refer to the basic annual amount, excluding bonuses and incentives. All figures are expressed in Japanese Yen (¥) andrepresent the average in Japan. AccountingAccounting Are you open to new career Looking to hire? Speak to one of our experienced consultants about yourrecruitment needs. Get started with your job search today and take the nextstep in your career. Contact us Search for your dream job Banking & Financial Services The banking sector in 2026 is shaped by a surge in mid-career hiring and growing demand for senior talent atSenior Vice President (SVP) and Director levels. Japanese financial institutions are prioritising experiencedprofessionals who can operate independently with minimal training. Regulatory requirements are alsotightening, with Japan Securities Dealers Association (JSDA) Type 1 qualifications becoming increasingly Technology adoption:Technology is transforming operations through generative AI and large languagemodels. Banks are deploying AI for document automation, fraud detection, anti-money laundering (AML)monitoring, credit risk modelling, and compliance reporting. Customer-facing tools such as chatbots andtranslation services are now standard, while outsourcing certain functions overseas is gaining traction. These Workforce and skills:Hybrid work models remain common, particularly among non-United States firms, withone or two remote days per week offered. Skills in demand include data analytics and generative AI literacy,al