No Salary raise in 30 years

Japan – About 30 years ago, Hideya Tokiyoshi began his profession as an English instructor in Tokyo. His pay has essentially been the same ever since. The teacher started writing books three years ago after giving up on the idea of getting paid more.

“I consider myself fortunate because book writing and sales provide a second source of income. Without that, I would have continued to receive the same salary, Tokiyoshi, now 54, told CNN. “For that reason, I managed to survive.”

Tokiyoshi is a member of a generation of Japanese professionals that have experienced very little advancement in their careers.