AsianFin--Japan's unemployment rate in March remained unchanged from the previous month at 2.6%, government data showed Tuesday.

The job availability ratio was up 0.02 point from February to 1.28, meaning there were 128 jobs available for every 100 job seekers, according to separate data.

The monthly rise was attributed to fewer people looking for new jobs as they anticipate pay rises in their current positions. Major firms awarded their highest salary increases in 33 years during the latest "shunto" spring wage negotiations this year.