Japan Moves to Cut Salaries for Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers by Up to 10 Million Won

Hinted at Abolishing Cabinet Ministers' Salaries During LDP Leadership Election

Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) reported on November 5 that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to reduce the salaries paid to the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers.

In Japan, members of the National Diet receive a monthly salary of 1,294,000 yen (approximately 1.218 million won). In addition, the Prime Minister receives an extra 1,152,000 yen (about 1.084 million won) and each cabinet minister receives an additional 489,000 yen (about 460,000 won). Most Prime Ministers and cabinet ministers are ruling party lawmakers, and due to the higher workload, they receive greater compensation.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara explained that the specific amount of the salary reduction is still under review.

Prime Minister Takaichi had previously stated during last year's Liberal Democratic Party leadership election that she would "abolish the salaries of cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister."

Nikkei reported that if the reduction is implemented, the Prime Minister's monthly salary could decrease by up to around 1.15 million yen.

Nikkei also reported, "Prime Minister Takaichi appears to be implementing the salary reduction policy in line with the drastic reforms advocated by the Japan Innovation Party, aiming to strengthen trust with the party."