Reform of "Equal Work, Equal Pay" in Japan: The Characteristics and Tasks

In June 2018, the Act on Arrangement of Relevant Act on Promoting the Work Style Reform was established. One of the most important pillars of this reform exists in the realization of the principle of "equal pay for equal work." However, this principle will not make introducing a system of job-type based wages compulsory. What is the actual content of the "equal pay for equal work" reform? What is the purpose of undertaking this reform? What are the characteristics of the Japanese government's "equal pay for equal work" concept? What types of problems can arise from this reform? This paper analyzes these questions from the viewpoint of Japanese law. The most important characteristic of this Japanese principle of "equal pay for equal work" exists in the rule which requires not only the equal treatment but also the balanced treatment that will serve as a precedent for the world.