decades-long economic slump. The Japanese government has also recently

made raising wages a top priority. But will this new measure meet expectations?

Kim Min-ji reports. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made

it a top priority to raise wages,... saying that it is the key to success in Abenomics.

The aim is to spur domestic consumption,... with the hope of escaping from a low growth

trap.

"Companies need to raise wages and investment and consider the prices they pay their suppliers."

Last year, Japan′s large corporations lifted their wages by nearly 2-point-3 percent on

average the largest jump in 17 years. About half of listed firms are also considering

raising wages by a similar amount this year. "People around me are spending more. I think

the wage hike has had a big impact." The Abe administration has been going all

out to sustain the economy′s emergence from two decades of stagnation, mainly by pumping

in more money. Although the expected effects haven′t kicked

in yet,... analysts are optimistic. "We can see there are efforts to ease labor-related

regulations and corporate tax rules,... as well as reform of pension management institutions."

With Korea suffering from low consumer prices and looming fears of deflation,... experts

have warned that Seoul is at risk of following the steps taken by Japan during its lost decades.

Korea Finance Minister Choi Kyung-hwan has vowed to do all he can to prop up the economy,...

which includes raising wages to boost domestic spending.

Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.