Are We Heading Into an Era Where It’s Hard to Make Ends Meet Even With a Regular Job? The Reality of the Rising Number of People “Falling into Poverty” and the Voices of Those Affected

In recent years, we’ve been hearing more and more comments such as, “I’m working hard as a full-time employee, but I’m still struggling to make ends meet,” and “Even though both my spouse and I work, we can’t seem to save any money.”

Based on testimonials from people who have faced the injustice of falling into poverty despite working hard, I would like to examine what is currently happening in Japan, identify the causes, and outline potential solutions for the future.

Why Is It That Even With a Regular Job, It’s Hard to Make Ends Meet These Days?

In the past, it was commonly believed in Japan that as long as one continued to work as a regular employee, one could maintain a certain standard of living; however, in recent years, a combination of the following factors has made it increasingly difficult to make ends meet even with the same income as before.

• Rising Prices
• Increase in Social Insurance Premiums
• Rising Education Costs
• Mortgage Burden
• Anxiety About Retirement Savings

[Real Customer Reviews]

“My salary has gone up somewhat, but with the increase in my mortgage payments and the rising costs of my children’s extracurricular activities, it’s hard to make ends meet even with a regular job.”

The middle class is continuing to erode

In the past, it was common for people to “own a home,” “raise children,” and “go on a trip once a year,” but today, an increasing number of families—even those who are employed—feel insecure about their future.

[Real Customer Reviews]

• "We're both full-time employees, but I'm worried about whether we'll be able to make ends meet if we get divorced because of the burden of our mortgage."
• "I've raised three children, but I don't have nearly enough money for my retirement."

Real Customer Review #1: Extreme Cost-Cutting to Make Ends Meet

More and more people are giving up “pleasures” in order to make ends meet.
While they are able to save money, the reality is that they are living a life in which they have drastically cut back on hobbies, entertainment, and family outings.

[Real Review (Male, Annual Income: 3.5 Million Yen)]

“I save 1 million yen a year. I drink only the cheapest beer, and I split my bento into two meals. I don’t travel or own a car.”

An Era When Eating Out Became a Luxury

The days of the “one-coin lunch” are long gone, and as the restaurant industry raises prices, diners are struggling because their wages haven’t kept pace.

[Real Customer Reviews]

• "It feels like a 500-yen lunch has gone up to 1,000 yen."
• "A katsu don for 1,000 yen feels like a luxury item."
• "More people are lining up at the half-price bento section at the supermarket."

Real-Life Testimonial #2: The Struggles of Families with Children

Since expenses for education and extracurricular activities increase as children grow, they place a significant burden on household budgets.

[Real Customer Reviews]

• "The monthly tuition for the swimming lessons went from 6,800 yen to 11,000 yen."
• "Even the shuttle bus now costs money."
• "It's no longer easy to enjoy dining out or leisure activities."

The Realities Faced by Single Mothers and Single Fathers

In single-parent households, “reduced income,” “the burden of child-rearing,” and “lack of time” often occur simultaneously, increasing the risk of poverty.

[Real Customer Reviews]

• "Even when I work, I'm barely making ends meet. It's hard to balance raising children with a full-time job."
• "I can't rely on my parents, so I'm constantly worried about money."

The Reality of Having to Keep Working in Old Age

As life expectancy continues to rise, the shortage of retirement savings is becoming more severe, and there are real-life accounts from older adults who are forced to keep working even after they turn 70.

[Real Customer Reviews]

• "I can't make ends meet on my pension alone, so I work as a traffic director."
• "It's physically demanding, but I don't make enough to cover my living expenses."
• "My pension is about 140,000 yen a month. Once I pay rent and utilities, I'm in the red."

“New NISA Poverty”: A New Phenomenon

A phenomenon known as “NISA poverty” is emerging, in which people prioritize investing out of anxiety about the future, to the point where their current standard of living suffers.

[Real Customer Reviews]

• "I put most of my salary toward investments."
• "I'm building my wealth by turning down all drinking parties and trips."
• "Youth and time—which exist only in the present—are also important."
• "Balance is key in both investing and life."

A Necessary Mindset in a Japan Where Poverty Is on the Rise

While it is true that “we’ve entered an era where simply working hard is no longer enough to feel secure,” there are also some positive perspectives being voiced.

[Real Customer Reviews]

• "Reading books is important."
• "Without knowledge, you can't even get to the starting line."
• "You should keep investing in yourself."

In fact, by combining the following elements, you can expand your future options.

• Skill Development
• Side Job
• Wealth Building
• Saving Money
• Staying Healthy

Summary

The era when “if you work a normal job, you can live a normal life” is gradually changing.

The key is not to be pessimistic, but to accurately assess your household finances and work to reduce fixed expenses, increase your income, and build wealth to the best of your ability.

In the years ahead, it will be important not only to have the “ability to earn” but also the “ability to protect” and the “ability to continue learning.” We must take action to safeguard our own lives and those of our families while adapting to rising prices and changes in the social
environment.