Time: The Most Valuable Yet Overlooked Asset
Time is one of the most precious things we have, yet it often gets buried under the weight of our daily tasks and problems. Many people, especially young adults in Japan, focus so much on the “now” or immediate issues that they lose sight of the bigger picture. Without valuing time or being open to learning and adapting to the changes around us, we risk losing our sense of identity and failing to live meaningful lives.
Living passively, driven by external circumstances, blinds us to the possibility of building a better future. I believe that even one minute or one day freed from struggles is worth fighting for, especially for families and young people like hikikomori, NEETs, dropouts, and fleeters.
Rethinking Time in Today’s Japan
In the past, young people in Japan chased stable, full-time jobs, accepting long hours as part of life. But this mindset has started to shift. A 2019 survey by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare revealed that more young people in their 20s are choosing part-time or freelance work over traditional full-time positions. This shows that many are beginning to understand that stability doesn’t always equal happiness.
The COVID-19 pandemic sped up this change. Remote work showed people how valuable their time really is, leading many to rethink how they balance work and life.
The Struggle to See Time’s True Value
Despite these changes, many young people still don’t grasp just how limited and valuable time is. According to a 2023 NHK survey, nearly 40% of people in their 20s feel anxious and stressed about the future due to overwork. Many are so caught up in their daily routines that they forget to ask themselves: “Am I living the life I want?”
In cities like Tokyo, hours are lost to packed commutes and late nights at the office. The grind becomes a cycle that robs people of time they’ll never get back. This kind of lifestyle eats away at personal growth, mental well-being, and relationships.
Time as a Tool for Freedom
If young people want to live fuller lives, they need to rethink how they value and use their time. Success isn’t measured by how many hours you work but by the quality of your life. Time should be spent wisely—on family, friendships, hobbies, learning, and relaxation.
Even if we live to 100, our lives are fleeting compared to Japan’s rich history. Once time is gone, it can’t be reclaimed. Sacrificing all of it to work is a waste of the one resource that truly defines our lives. A meaningful life comes from balance—time spent improving ourselves, building relationships, and pursuing joy.
A Call for Change
Young people in Japan are starting to question the traditional ways of valuing time, but the struggle continues. Long hours and demanding schedules still dominate, overshadowing the freedom and happiness that come from valuing time differently.
We need a society that encourages young people to prioritize their well-being, question the status quo, and find purpose beyond work. For families and individuals struggling with social withdrawal or financial stress, every step toward valuing time is a step toward freedom and a better future.
Let’s aim for a life where time is cherished—a life that allows everyone to live with more joy, purpose, and connection.
These questions aim to gather insights into the struggles, barriers, and potential solutions for struggling families and youth in Japan. We kindly ask you to answer according to the category that applies to you. Thank you for your cooperation!
1. What do you think is the biggest challenge faced by struggling families and youth in Japan?
- A. Financial instability
- B. Lack of access to mental health resources
- C. Social isolation or stigma
- D. Educational or employment barriers
- E. Other (please specify): _______
2. How much do you believe societal expectations impact the struggles of youth and families?
- A. Very significantly
- B. Somewhat significantly
- C. Neutral
- D. Not very significantly
- E. Not at all
3. What kind of support do you think is most urgent for struggling families and youth?
- A. Financial aid or subsidies
- B. Counseling and mental health support
- C. Vocational training and job placement services
- D. Educational resources and flexible learning options
- E. Other (please specify): _______
4. How often do you think struggling youth and families reach out for help?
- A. Very often
- B. Sometimes
- C. Rarely
- D. Never
- E. I’m unsure
5. What do you think prevents youth and families from seeking help sooner?
- A. Stigma or fear of judgment
- B. Lack of awareness about available resources
- C. Financial constraints
- D. Trust issues with organizations or institutions
- E. Other (please specify): _______
6. What would give struggling families and youth the most hope for the future?
- A. Better financial security
- B. Stronger community support networks
- C. Opportunities for education and skill development
- D. Reduced societal pressures and stigma
- E. Other (please specify): _______
7. How important is early intervention in helping struggling families and youth?
- A. Extremely important
- B. Important
- C. Neutral
- D. Not very important
- E. Not important at all
8. What role do you believe mental health support plays in addressing the struggles of families and youth?
- A. A critical role
- B. A significant role
- C. Neutral
- D. A minor role
- E. No role
9. What kind of educational opportunities would help struggling youth the most?
- A. Flexible learning programs
- B. IT and technical skills training
- C. Life skills and emotional intelligence development
- D. Traditional academic pathways
- E. Other (please specify): _______
10. How do you feel about the availability of resources for struggling families and youth in Japan?
- A. There are plenty of resources available
- B. There are some resources, but not enough
- C. Neutral
- D. There are very few resources
- E. There are no resources available
11. How do you think local communities can better support struggling youth and families?
- A. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue and support
- B. Organizing community-led vocational and educational programs
- C. Offering financial or material aid through local initiatives
- D. Promoting mental health awareness and access to counseling
- E. Other (please specify): _______
12. What do you think is the most effective way to reduce the struggles of NEETs, hikikomori, and dropouts?
- A. Providing tailored job training and placement programs
- B. Offering affordable mental health services
- C. Raising public awareness to reduce stigma
- D. Supporting families with financial and emotional guidance
- E. Other (please specify): _______
13. How important do you think it is to involve families in solutions for struggling youth?
- A. Extremely important
- B. Important
- C. Neutral
- D. Not very important
- E. Not important at all
14. How would you describe the impact of social stigma on youth and families struggling with issues like NEET, hikikomori, or dropouts?
- A. Very impactful—it creates more barriers to help
- B. Somewhat impactful—it adds challenges but is manageable
- C. Neutral—it doesn’t make much of a difference
- D. Not impactful at all
- E. Other (please specify): _______
15. What kind of societal changes do you think are needed to help struggling families and youth?
- A. Stronger policies for financial and social support
- B. More flexible and inclusive education systems
- C. Reduced pressure to conform to traditional career paths
- D. Greater awareness and acceptance of mental health issues
- E. Other (please specify): _______
16. What can employers do to support struggling youth re-entering the workforce?
- A. Offer flexible and part-time opportunities
- B. Provide mentorship and on-the-job training
- C. Foster a non-judgmental and inclusive work culture
- D. Create partnerships with counseling and support organizations
- E. Other (please specify): _______
17. What would make you or someone you know seek help sooner?
- A. Knowing about available resources
- B. Feeling less judged or stigmatized
- C. Having easier access to affordable services
- D. Hearing success stories from others in similar situations
- E. Other (please specify): _______
18. How do you think time plays a role in helping struggling families and youth?
- A. Early intervention can prevent problems from worsening
- B. Giving time to reflect and heal is essential
- C. It depends on the individual and their unique situation
- D. Time doesn’t play as significant a role as resources or support
- E. Other (please specify): _______