The news sometimes reports that the “average bonus is ¥1 million,” but this figure refers to the level at large companies and is not the average for all companies. The article explains that impressions differ depending on the survey population and conditions used in the published data.
First, the average summer bonus at large companies has been reported as an agreed amount of ¥1.04 million. The survey generally covers large companies with 500 or more employees, and the figures exceeding ¥1 million are explained as data centered on large companies.
By contrast, a Teikoku Databank survey found that the average amount paid per regular employee was ¥477,000 among companies nationwide. This survey covered all companies, including large companies and small and midsize companies, indicating that ¥500,000 is slightly above average.
Bonus amounts vary substantially not only by company size but also by industry, business performance and region. Manufacturers and construction companies with strong performance may pay more than ¥1 million, while small and midsize companies or recently established companies may pay little or nothing. Differences may also arise between sales and administrative positions and according to seniority.
Accordingly, the average bonus differs substantially depending on the survey population and conditions. Readers need to compare data based on conditions similar to their own employment situation before drawing conclusions.