Shunto (spring wage negotiations)

Shunto, also known as spring wage negotiations, is an annual labor-management bargaining process in Japan that typically occurs in spring. During Shunto, labor unions and company management discuss wage increases, improve working conditions, and other benefits. This tradition aims to synchronize wage growth with economic conditions, boost consumer spending, and maintain industrial harmony. The process involves coordinated negotiations across industries, often influencing national economic trends. Ultimately, Shunto seeks to balance workers' income expectations with companies' profitability, fostering economic stability and continued industrial development.