Fast Retailing to revise remuneration system in Japan starting March

For new employees, monthly salaries will rise by $189.81 to $2,085.91.

Fast Retailing has announced it will revise its remuneration system in Japan from March 2025 to boost global competitiveness and attract top talent.

This follows a previous overhaul in the fiscal year ending 31 August 2023, where pay for employees was increased by 4% to 40% based on performance.

The new changes will see a 11% increase in pay for full-time headquarters and sales employees, with potential rises of up to 54% for promotions to key roles.

For new employees, monthly salaries will rise by $189.81 (¥30,000) to $2,085.91 (¥330,000), a 10% increase, bringing total annual compensation (including bonuses) to over $31,634.8 (¥5m). Store managers in their first or second year could see monthly salaries increase by up to $126.54 (¥20,000), bringing total annual compensation to around $45,979.30 (¥7.3m).

In 2023, Fast Retailing raised starting hourly wages for sales staff at UNIQLO and GU stores in Japan by up to $0.73 (¥1,700), and will continue to adjust wages based on performance. Additionally, a new program launched in September 2024 allows sales staff to pursue career paths with compensation equal to store managers.

The group said it is also reviewing its global remuneration structure to stay competitive across all industries.

"By revamping our remuneration framework and intensifying efforts to identify and promote globally driven talent, Fast Retailing has positioned itself for further growth by accelerating up its evolution into a globally-competitive organization with a small, elite workforce,” said Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president, and CEO of Fast Retailing.