TOKYO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Japan's real wages fell by 1.8 percent in April from a year earlier, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline, according to preliminary data released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on Thursday.
The decline reflects continued inflationary pressure that outpaces wage growth, eroding workers' purchasing power.
The average monthly cash earnings per employee rose 2.3 percent year-on-year to 302,453 yen (about 2,115.7 U.S. dollars), while base pay (scheduled earnings) increased by 2.2 percent.
Consumer prices used to calculate real wages (excluding imputed rent for owner-occupied housing) rose by 4.1 percent, exceeding the growth in nominal wages and resulting in a decline in real wages.
Rice prices surged 98.4 percent year-on-year, marking a record increase. Major alcoholic beverage companies also raised prices in April, pushing beer prices up by 4.6 percent and beer-like drinks by 5.6 percent. ■
