Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has called on companies to continue raising wages for workers, stressing the importance of substantial pay increases in the upcoming wage negotiations.

This request comes as the government seeks to support stable inflation and promote economic growth in light of the increasing cost of living.

During a meeting with labor union and business leaders, Ishiba emphasized the need to build on the progress made in this year's wage agreements, which reached the highest level in 33 years.

These significant wage hikes reflect companies' response to ongoing inflationary pressures and workers' desire for improved compensation.