Japan’s inflation paradox is creating winners and losers
The rising cost of living is challenging Takaichi's triumphant rhetoric about Japan's economy, as inflation causes pain for many, while also ushering in an era of renewed dynamism.
In the coastal city of Murakami, north of Tokyo, a pensioner named Chieko Sugai struggles to make ends meet on her monthly stipend of ¥110,000. The rising cost of kerosene, driven by the Iran conflict, has consumed more than a third of her budget in April. With many elderly residents facing a similar predicament, Murakami residents passed a petition in December, calling on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to increase pension payments to match inflation rates and "revitalize local towns."
In 2024, Japanese citizens aged 65 to 74 living alone found themselves grappling with a financial crisis. On average, they spent 21% more than their disposable income of ¥142,000 per month, according to the latest government figures.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
