It's the fifth straight year of growth, butl short of last winter's 1.82% growth.
This year's limited rise is attributed to the mass retirements of baby boomers receiving larger bonuses and earnings slowdowns because of higher fuel prices.
Bonus payouts in steel, pulp and paper were smaller because of the impact of rising fuel costs.
Nintendo Co., however paid out an average bonus of Y1.47 million ($13K) making it No. 1 for the fourth straight year.
Toyota Motor Corp. paid out the equivalent of 3.2 months' pay.
How would you like to get a $13,000 winter bonus about right now?
