63% of Japanese Express Concerns About Future: Poll

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Ankara: A record 63.2 percent of respondents expressed feeling financially insecure and harboring a negative outlook on their future, according to a recent government survey in Japan.

This represents an increase of 0.7 percentage points compared to the previous year, as reported by Tokyo-based Kyodo News referencing a Cabinet Office poll.

The survey, conducted last November and December with over 57% participation from approximately 3,000 individuals aged 18 or older, revealed various concerns.

Among these, 28.6% reported difficulties in child-rearing, followed closely by 28.2% expressing concerns about the challenges young people face in achieving independence.

Additionally, 26.2% of respondents felt that it’s challenging for women to play active roles in society, while 25.8% expressed dissatisfaction with their work environment.

Furthermore, a significant majority (69.4%) of respondents expressed worry about inflation’s adverse effects on the country, reflecting widespread concerns about the economy.

In 2023, Japan experienced a notable increase in core consumer prices, rising by 3.1%, marking the fastest pace of inflation in 41 years. Conversely, real wages saw a decline of 2.5% for the second consecutive year, failing to keep up with inflation, according to government data.

In a separate private-sector poll conducted in November, over 46% of regular workers from dual-income households in Japan acknowledged struggling financially, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.

However, amidst these challenges, there are glimpses of optimism. The Cabinet Office poll noted that 25.1% of respondents believed that medical and welfare services are improving, offering a positive outlook amidst the prevailing economic concerns.