Japan unemployment rate rises to 2.5% in August as job ratio holds at 1.18

Oct 1, 2026 23:34 (23d ago)

Japan’s unemployment rate rose to 2.5% in August 2026, while the job openings-to-applicants ratio stayed at 1.18.
Employment increased by 30,000 to 68.34 million; 400,000 people were dismissed and 810,000 left jobs voluntarily.
Job openings declined in eight of 11 sectors, led by accommodation and restaurants and wholesale and retail, while manufacturing and information and communications increased.

Japan’s unemployment rate rose to 2.5% in August 2026 from 2.4% in July, exceeding the 2.4% market forecast after July’s rate reached a 12-month low. The seasonally adjusted job openings-to-applicants ratio held at 1.18, with employment increasing by 30,000 to 68.34 million. Dismissals and voluntary departures rose, while job openings declined in eight of 11 sectors.