Japan (Asia & Pacific) and New Zealand (Africa & Oceania) operate very different payroll systems, which makes a direct salary comparison interesting. On a $90,000 gross, the effective tax burden in New Zealand is roughly 8.4% higher than in Japan — driven by differences in Shakai vs ACC, bracket structure, and personal allowance.
Same nominal gross applied to both tax systems. Currencies aren't FX-converted — compare structures, not purchasing power.
Japan combines a seven-band national income tax with a flat 10% local inhabitant tax and roughly 15% social insurance (health, pension, employment). The system is automatically deducted via the year-end adjustment (nenmatsu chōsei), so most employees never file a return.
New Zealand keeps it simple: five PAYE income-tax brackets plus a 1.6% ACC Earners' Levy that funds accident cover. There's no separate social-security tax. KiwiSaver is opt-in (3–10% employee, 3% employer) and not included here. Healthcare is funded from general taxation.
Pre-calculated breakdowns at common pay levels in Japan — open either side for the full page.
Last updated: 2026. Estimates only — see the disclaimer above.