Recently, I’ve noticed more and more franchise stores and chain eateries taking over, while local businesses seem to be disappearing. Maybe I’m wrong, but it feels like the changes around us are making life harder for ordinary people. Salaries haven’t really gone up, but prices for everything keep rising. Many families, especially those with NEETs, hikikomori, dropouts, grandparents, or fleeters at home, are forced to stretch one person’s earnings to cover everything. They’re trying to make ends meet by buying cheap discount items and cutting back wherever they can.
But this isn’t the solution. I want people to stop and question the changes happening around us. Why are wages stagnant while expenses keep climbing? Why are we just adjusting and surviving instead of demanding what’s fair and right?
The Reality of Rising Costs and Stagnant Wages
The cost of living in Japan has been going up steadily, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where rent, food, and transportation costs are climbing fast. According to a 2023 report by The Japan Times, consumer prices rose by 4.3% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, salaries in many industries haven’t changed much, leaving workers struggling to maintain their quality of life.
Instead of pushing for better pay, people are just trying to adjust—shopping at discount stores like Daiso and Seria to save money. While this might help in the short term, it doesn’t address the real problem: wages that don’t match rising costs.
Non-Regular Employment: The New Normal?
Another issue is the rise of non-regular employment. More than 37% of Japan’s workforce is now in part-time or temporary jobs, according to Nikkei Asia in 2022. These workers often don’t get benefits like paid holidays, bonuses, or health insurance. Companies save money, but workers end up with no job security and a paycheck that barely covers their needs.
This shift to non-regular jobs creates a cycle of instability, with families relying on hourly wages and living paycheck to paycheck. Without stable jobs, Japan’s social safety net weakens, leaving workers and their families even more vulnerable.
We Need Real Solutions, Not Band-Aids
The solutions offered so far—like flexible working hours—are only temporary fixes. What we really need is a fundamental change in how work and wages are structured.
Shorter workweeks could be one answer. According to an NHK report, overwork is one of the leading causes of Japan’s mental health crisis. Cutting down on work hours could improve mental well-being and create a healthier, more productive workforce.
We also need to rethink education and career choices. People should feel empowered to follow their own paths instead of being pressured to fit into rigid societal expectations. This requires policies that encourage creativity, innovation, and adaptability, which are crucial for Japan’s aging population and shrinking workforce.
The Power of Community
One key part of the solution lies in rebuilding local communities. Right now, opportunities are concentrated in big cities like Tokyo, while rural areas are being left behind. If we invest in small businesses, local industries, and regional development, we can create jobs and a better quality of life in smaller towns and villages.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the potential of remote work and local economies. Many people left the cities for a quieter life, and this trend could be the start of something bigger. To support this shift, we need to create stronger local economies and help small businesses thrive.
A Call for Change
Japan is facing big challenges: rising costs, stagnant wages, more non-regular jobs, and increasing financial pressure on families. But we can’t just keep adjusting and surviving. It’s time to push for real change.
We need:
- Shorter workweeks to reduce stress and improve mental health.
- Policies that encourage creativity and independence.
- Stronger regional development to support local communities and businesses.
- Fair pay that reflects the value of people’s time and work.
Most of all, we need people to start asking questions and demanding what’s right. Let’s stop settling for less and start building a future that works for everyone.
This questionnaire is designed to gather meaningful insights into the challenges faced by individuals and communities in Japan due to economic and social changes. We kindly ask you to answer according to the category that applies to you. Thank you for your cooperation!
1. How often do you feel that the cost of living in Japan has outpaced wage increases?
- A. Always
- B. Often
- C. Sometimes
- D. Rarely
- E. Never
2. What has been your main strategy for coping with rising living costs?
- A. Buying cheaper or discounted items
- B. Cutting back on non-essential expenses
- C. Taking on additional work or side jobs
- D. Relying on savings or family support
- E. Other (please specify): _______
3. Do you believe wages in Japan are fair and reflective of rising living costs?
- A. Yes, completely fair
- B. Somewhat fair
- C. Neutral
- D. Not very fair
- E. Completely unfair
4. How has the rise of franchise stores and chain eateries affected your community?
- A. It has improved convenience and accessibility
- B. It has reduced the presence of local businesses
- C. It hasn’t had much impact
- D. I’m unsure
5. How often do you encounter non-regular employment (part-time, temporary) in your household or among people you know?
- A. Very often
- B. Sometimes
- C. Rarely
- D. Never
6. What do you think is the biggest drawback of non-regular employment?
- A. Lack of benefits (health insurance, paid leave, etc.)
- B. Low and inconsistent income
- C. Lack of job security
- D. Difficulty planning for the future
- E. Other (please specify): _______
7. Do you think shorter workweeks could improve Japan’s work-life balance and mental health?
- A. Yes, it would be very effective
- B. Yes, but only to some extent
- C. Neutral
- D. No, it wouldn’t help much
- E. No, it wouldn’t help at all
8. How important do you think regional development is for Japan’s economic future?
- A. Extremely important
- B. Important
- C. Neutral
- D. Not very important
- E. Not important at all
9. What factors do you think contribute most to stagnant wages in Japan?
- A. Economic policies favoring large corporations
- B. Declining labor union influence
- C. Increased reliance on non-regular employment
- D. Global economic pressures (e.g., inflation, recession)
- E. Other (please specify): _______
10. How do you think rural areas could be revitalized to support local businesses and communities?
- A. Increased government investment in local infrastructure
- B. Promoting remote work and decentralizing job opportunities
- C. Offering subsidies or incentives for small businesses
- D. Encouraging local tourism and cultural activities
- E. Other (please specify): _______
11. Do you believe Japan’s education system prepares people to adapt to economic changes and career challenges?
- A. Yes, very well
- B. Yes, somewhat well
- C. Neutral
- D. No, not very well
- E. No, not at all
12. How has your family or household been affected by the rising costs of living?
- A. We’ve had to make significant lifestyle adjustments
- B. We’ve noticed some financial strain but are managing
- C. There hasn’t been much impact
- D. I’m unsure
13. What is the most important change Japan needs to make to improve quality of life?
- A. Increase wages to match rising costs
- B. Reduce working hours and improve work-life balance
- C. Support local businesses and regional development
- D. Provide better job security and benefits for workers
- E. Other (please specify): _______
14. How often do you question or discuss the economic changes happening in Japan with others?
- A. Very often
- B. Occasionally
- C. Rarely
- D. Never
15. What do you think would encourage people to demand fairer wages and better working conditions?
- A. Increased awareness through media campaigns
- B. Stronger labor unions and advocacy groups
- C. Government policies supporting workers’ rights
- D. Community-driven movements for change
- E. Other (please specify): _______
16. How do you feel about the role of large franchises and chain stores in shaping Japan’s economy?
- A. They are beneficial for the economy
- B. They provide convenience but hurt local businesses
- C. They negatively impact communities and local economies
- D. I’m unsure
17. Do you think mental health is connected to Japan’s current economic and employment challenges?
- A. Yes, very much connected
- B. Yes, somewhat connected
- C. Neutral
- D. No, not really connected
- E. No, not connected at all
18. How can Japan support families with NEETs, hikikomori, or dropouts?
- A. Provide financial assistance and subsidies
- B. Offer mental health and counseling services
- C. Develop community programs and local support networks
- D. Create more flexible and inclusive job opportunities
- E. Other (please specify): _______