nhk world's daisuke azuma reports. >> reporter: this is headquarters of a major union group with about 2 million members. officials here are gathering proposals from management. many of the companies are submitting figures that are lower than last year. the question many are asking is how much automakers willl raise their wages this year. japan's key sector has been in recovery mode. the largest maker, toyota motor, will offer a smaller increase than last year. nissan has also proposed a smaller base pay hike. the labor group says on average, companies are offffering an increase of $9 a month. that's down about 30% from last year and the lowest in four years. >> translator: we are disappointed the result was lower than last year. >> reporter: managers say one factor they considered this year is uncertainty about overseas developmpment. they're concerned u.s. presisidt donald trump's america-first policies could trigger friction and affect the value of the yen. >>>> translator: our earnings we far below our expectations, and we're unsure about the future, so it was difficult to raise ou