Japan is becoming poorer and poorer. How do Japanese people feel about current situation of Japan.

Japan is becoming poorer and poorer. How do Japanese people feel about current situation of Japan.

[@DoubleSpy]

Please continue making your content. It gives us a perspective for the normal citizens of Japan that isn't click bait or shock content. You give a realistic perspective of Japan life.

[@brealistic3542]

that goes double for me

[@zukariexp]

true that

[@QuadDamage-tt7sj]

What do you think guys, does it make sense to to move to Japan now being a foreigner? Will there be some perspectives for foreigners now?

[@DoubleSpy]

@@QuadDamage-tt7sj I honestly believe it is probably the best time within the next 6-14 months to move to Japan. The Yen is at an all time low and globally there is an entire generation of people whom are absolutely fed up with the status quo, and I believe that extends to Japanese people in some aspects. I believe in the next 10 years we will see massive change in terms of the global economy as well as Japans “desperation” to encourage younger people to have children. Big changes are upon us and it would be wonderful to be a part of it in Japan.

[@chasedownblocks1736]

I’m curious to know which countries who are part of G6 are doing well and who isn’t. The U.S. has definitely suffered here due to inflation especially the housing market and cost of food.

[@Aelh93]

this channel is priceless. You got the sentiment of the average japanese citizen in plain english and straight from the source. Just like having a conversation with a friend . Thank you for the content.

[@Justcetriyaart]

I used to spend 25$ a week on food now it's about 100$ a week. I am not paid 4 tines as much

[@johnswanson217]

How did you spend 25$ a week??? That's about 3.5 dollars a day and that would only give me 1 meal a day. Does your employer provide 2 meals?

[@keith48993]

In what year span?

[@StevenKeery]

For $25 a week, what were you surviving on, pot noodles? I would spend that much on one meal.

[@vicvic2081]

I spent 200$ this week because I pay for food my nephews and parents. I'm single thou

[@privatethoughts3798]

Its the same in UK. 2,3 years ago, with 40 pound i buy food for almost 2 week for me and my girlfriend. But now we spending 100 every weekend, buyng almost same stuff...?! I m realy scared to go shopping.....

[@glovester]

KEEP GOING keep uploading your channel is going viral - keep posting good videos dude. It will pay off your mortgage.

[@mfer134]

He`s correct...post. Lots

[@QuadDamage-tt7sj]

His will become more popular after that his leadership at work might know about him and his content. What he is saying here isn't typical for japanese employees. They might laid him off (they will find any reason why). Once he gets laid off it would be horrible. That is worst case scenario

[@fringelord]

People in the USA can't afford to eat at restaurants in the USA either 🤣

[@tvcomputer1321]

esp. not with that tipping culture nonsense. turns going out into a guilt-trip. no thanks. take me back to Japan please

[@popNdawg]

@@tvcomputer1321 tipping does not bother me and i have no problem with it when i visit the USA, the entitled youth with the cow piercing under the nose are what i have problems with

[@Omikoshi78]

Not with 30% tip on top of the exorbitant menu prices.

[@caveteethjoe]

​@@popNdawgWhat part of the US did you visit? I've lived here all my life and have yet to encounter one of these people.

[@nihilisticpuppy3799]

@@caveteethjoe I too have lived here all of my life. I do believe they were referencing the eclectic people you can find more commonly on the coastal states (California, New York, Florida, etc.)

[@maxrebo8455]

Not many Japanese visit us in Australia anymore. However on the other hand there are ever growing numbers of young Japanese working holiday makers who can earn AUD$23-30 an hour or more in hospitality, retail work and farming compared to around 1000 yen / AUD$10 back home. Employers love them because they’re so polite and diligent and we have countless Japanese restaurants which is a good place to get started before branching out and doing a bit of sightseeing.

[@brealistic3542]

I thank the Japanese people most sincerely for producing some of the best cameras, cars and Motorcycles in all the world. Our companies got completely sloppy and greedy and just took total advantage of their customers till you great people stepped in and turned this totally around. That forced our companies to try to do the same. Thank You

[@kelvin-uh7tf]

in video games , japanese also became sloppy . with konami stop producing AAA games .and sega also considered on doing it

[@Tascountrygirl]

I really appreciatw by the wonderful Japanese influence on the lives of myself and fellow Australians. For example, Japanese food in is very in healthy, beautifully prepared and presented. Also Japanese cars have been a wonderful means of transport. I have personally owned and driven several different Japanese cars. My favourite was a Toyota Camry station wagon. I could go on and I am sure many agree with me.

[@chickenbroski99]

The Japanese people are great but I don't believe slobbing all over their corporations knobs is the answer. They had bailouts and cheated the system as well, before us in the 90s. It's why people in Japan have to work 12 hours a day. To dig themselves out of the hole their banks and corporations dug them into.

[@thadtuiol1717]

@@Tascountrygirl It's people like you who betrayed the Aussie manufacturing industry. Traitor.

[@Centre14]

plaza accord fucked us over

[@maxrebo8455]

Foreign tourists may be having a blast, but when Japan imports 60% of its food, all of its fuel ect it’s devastating for the locals.

[@arcticredpanda4598]

I'm a poker player in Los Angeles and recently I noticed many Japanese people in the poker room. I talked to some of them. They live in share house and are remote workers in Japan. They stay for 3 months to play poker and then go back. They do say everything is expensive in LA but it is easy to make money and save it. They say they can make one month salary in just a few days.

[@transforgoku]

Interesting, would be nice to live that lifestyle for a while...

[@hansolo8225]

Hawaii has many Japanese immigrants who own property here. Lately many of them have sold their property and moved back to Japan with the favorable dollar to yen.

[@sirmon3175]

Good idea short term but not so much long term lol

[@hansolo8225]

@@sirmon3175 Japan needs to increase its population, bringing back overseas Japanese citizens will help.

[@skoog5600]

It’s going to get a lot worse and not just here in Japan. Best to hunker down and curtail your spending.

[@askjapan9669]

True, thanks

[@mariuscash2144]

Just back from Japan.. it is true that things are incredibly cheap there...

[@gaalxystar1873]

Don't let you guard down. It true it's cheap but they are willing to charge non Japanese people even more

[@mariuscash2144]

@@gaalxystar1873 I don't believe u..Japanese people are not racists as Americans

[@leegameruk]

Im late 40s and stopped going out many years back when my kids were born and I didn’t ever feel lonely back then, as they got older and started to move out and started their own lives it hit me like a sledgehammer and bam, lonely feelings. Now I look back and I’m glad I spent those Friday nights and Saturday nights in with them as work during those times was brutal. I do wish I worked less but I feel we did good raising 2 kids who will do great things and are amongst the first in both sides of the family to go to university. Your videos have really touched me and as now I have more time on my hands have inspired me to start streaming the games we play, as all of us are gamers at heart. I dug out my ps2 and ps1 games yesterday and had a blast so thank you for making me feel less alone since I found your channel.

[@anewcreature7]

Wow your subscribers amount doubled! Congratulations 👍🏽

[@workforyouraims]

I used to live in Japan. Yen devaluation makes me sometimes think if it is the right choice. But I really have to come back. There is not any better place on this planet than Japan.

[@DF-ss5ep]

What do you like about it?

[@transforgoku]

Just earn money in a different currency like the dollar or euro and you'll be fine...

[@Teutoburg09]

We're getting poorer in the US, as well, but for different reason. Our prices have recently risen so much, we can't afford to eat out anymore, or go on road trips within our own country. Our grocery bill has nearly doubled in only a few years. Middle class families can no longer afford houses. Our incomes are still rising, but not fast enough.

[@atg2269]

only minimum wage rise. middle class incomes are just staying the same

[@feldspar230]

Your frank and candid assessment of local concerns and opinions makes for compelling viewing. We appreciate your unvarnished views and observations. Awesome stuff.

[@GK-up6xz]

As you describe it’s a crazy situation but we shouldn’t forget that tourists are happy for the few days they are in Japan, but as in my case, I return to an Australia where a can of cola may cost $5 and no young person has the chance to ever buy a house…. Who is actually poor?

[@shrunkensimon]

We're all poor, that's the tragedy. Nobody wins in this global competition, except those who own the corporations and banks, because they are able to move assets around the world and dodge taxation.

[@poil8351]

​@shrunkensimon well everyone but a very select group are obscenely rich and flaunt it.

[@kay-no]

Everyone is poor, point blank, except for the select few though. The local and national economy of Australia and Japan are incomparable anyways. By your logic, where do the local people go then?

[@GK-up6xz]

@@kay-no After living in Japan for 35 years I seem to have found a few places.

[@kay-no]

@@GK-up6xzyou’ve lived in Japan 35 years, and you’re asking “who is actually poor?” Make it make sense please. Japanese middle class citizens are struggling to make ends meet, just as, I imagine, they are in Australia. I am confused on your original take. Did you mean that the bright side is foreigners can have a grand time while citizens are unable to afford things?

[@findtherightbeat]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on midlife in your prior video. I just subscribed a few days ago. It seems I'm not alone in my habit of going out only once every two months and finding enjoyment in something as simple as drinking soda. It's a cheap thrill that I truly appreciate.

[@ANDIBO987]

When I studied in Japan 10 years ago it was the opposite. With my euros everything was painfully expensive in Japan.

[@stevelanghorn1407]

Here in England, many people have a great deal of admiration and respect for Japan, your people, history, culture and beautiful country. Select, wealthy people here are prepared to pay a ridiculous fortune for “fashionable” Japanese clothes…even “work wear” that garbage truck drivers wear on your streets. That would be “fashion” here! And Japanese hot-forged garden tools is another trendy thing here now. So it’s not all bad news. A lot of highly discerning people love Japanese stuff. The quality. The precision. The love and skill that goes into making them.

[@StevenKeery]

StevenLanghorn: What clothing brand is this you speak of?

[@stevelanghorn1407]

@@StevenKeery Kyoto work jackets. Niwaki Kojima jackets etc.etc..

[@sweetaznspice1]

Very true, the Japanese have always excelled in manufacturing/hardware but they are way behind in terms of software and emerging tech. I recall in my youth all the Japanese made goods (walkmans, tv/radio, gaming, cars).

[@afroninjadeluxe]

Weak Yen means more export! Everyone respects Japanese quality goods.

[@StevenKeery]

Afroninjadeluxe. Fuji Camera Company have moved production of their X100Vi cameras to China. I suspect Chinese wages were the deciding factor.

[@sflxn]

Export what? Their industries have stagnated for 2 decades. Name one TV brand outside of Sony that is still selling outside of Japan. It takes decades of weak Yen to strengthen their companies again, but there are no young people left to work, so...

[@yunzhu4815]

I laughed at this 😂 Japanese brand doesn’t mean they are manufactured in Japan😂

[@aphrodite7194]

Outsourcing is everywhere.

[@mattraschke2889]

Sir - I thank you for your channel, your perspective and for regularly sharing unvarnished content. Keep up the great work and I wsh you success.

[@askjapan9669]

Wow, thanks

[@djskampy]

Just discovered your channel a few days ago and immediately subscribed. Thank you for your clear and comprehensive views on Japanese society!

[@TheTungdil2]

This is a reality in the US for the average person as well. Issues with the Yen aside, we have cases where the cost of everything has gone up. Value of currency doesn’t matter if everything else goes up with it. I hope all of us can pull out of this sane on the other side. Good luck to you my brother. I’ll keep following you sir.

[@1jackal1]

Your videos are so relaxing to listen to. And despite the sometimes serious content, they are positive.

[@TDK2K]

I really feel bad for the average Japanese seeing their wealth fade away. Going forward what's the point of even working when the yen becomes 160...165.... 170 to the US dollar. That's how I would feel if I were in that position or figure out a way to leave the country. Growing up in the 80s and seeing how wealthy and unstoppable japan used to be it's unbelievable to me to see japan in the state it's in. Good luck to you.

[@-RoyBatty-89]

Well as long as domestic inflation doesn't rise too much and they continue to make the vast majority of their own products and food, they will be fine. Of course it's imports and luxuries like travel which take the hit.

[@donii7092]

Even more incentive to move overseas. More to those Japanese who take advantage of that.

[@TDK2K]

@@-RoyBatty-89 Japan is resource poor, they are one of the biggest global importers of oil and oil by-products. they import a lot of their food and machinery also. very weak yen affects all Japanese. Long term weak yen affects the entire world.

[@twnb7733]

Life is a cycle: up and down. We learn the humility. Bless God that the poverty exists, to make us think!

[@GMDMD]

BTC is the only answer

[@btlim4316]

Not able to vacation in Europe is not a big deal. There are lots of beautiful places in Asia like China. China is huge with diverse climate and spectacular landscape and it's a shame it's not listed in one of the more popular places for Japanese to visit. I suggest it as it is likely very affordable for Japanese to visit it.

[@foozao]

Japanese passports need a visa to go to China, which is why it's probably not higher on the list of places Japanese travel to.

[@anchored555]

I think Japanese generally dislike China.

[@jacqueslee2592]

Due to politics and history, Japanese do not travel China.

[@tommytran5962]

Thank you for making these videos sir! Keep doing what you're doing! Subscribed!

[@geishasha]

I lived in Tokyo in the 1990's and it was wonderful. I'm scared to go back........

[@CM-cy3qo]

its still amazing but you need to consider the economy/work options.

[@akbarmalik8064]

It’s true with the current exchange rates. But within Japan itself, the living cost situation isn’t as bad as many other places

[@laupewoh]

I just came back from Japan - I cannot believe that Japan is now cheaper than Thailand for food and public transport. Hotel Accommodation is on par … I have travelled back and forth and worked in Japan on and off for 25 years and this is the cheapest I have seen it. Good post…

[@Anomalyy666]

Thailand isn't cheap anymore. Philippines Indonesia are.

[@user-wx9og3rm9k]

Thank you, friend

[@askjapan9669]

Thanks for your comment

[@JegErN0rsk]

Its easy to get fixed up conversion rates.. Japan is one of the best countries in the world when it comes to living standards, health, food quality and so much more. Your nature is beautiful and diverse. To me thats more important than anything Travelling abroad is overrated. I've been a lot of places. There are very few places Id willingly go back to. Now all the places I want to see are in my own country, Italy or Japan

[@rc3398x]

This is true in the US as well

[@koma7778]

Taxes are too high all across the world. Taxes didn't use to be high like this. Historically high taxes

[@Centre14]

aging population and pension system =

[@taipangwong356]

We all are going through similar turbulence, my two cents is to hang on in there and never let negative thoughts overtake you. Live one day at a time, when tomorrow comes then yesterday was just another day.

[@LINJ638]

Well you are sitting duck anyway.

[@poil8351]

Most of the world is unfortunately getting poorer. Australia food costs are getting ridiculously expensive and housing is insane.

[@thadtuiol1717]

The Lucky Country my arse

[@williamlee3572]

I'm an American who visited Japan on a week long vacation this month. I found once you got out of the busy train stations and scramble crossings the country is very quaint, quiet, and pleasant. Anyways, whilst I had been doing my brief trek around Japan it unsettled me how so many other Westerners (North American and European alike) were boasting about how cheap everything was in Japan. So many Westerners do not understand that it's no longer 100¥=$1 or 1€ or 1£, and the fact that wages have only marginally increased since the early 90s. I completely understand the disgruntlement of regular working Japanese today, if one's salary was that of $30,000 a year with the current prices of everything at a Japanese Supermarket I would be outraged. I would have probably have a panic attack. Thank you for the video.

[@freddo93]

Thanks. I am from France and believe me, our economic situation is far worse. The French national debt is enormous, and most is own by foreign interests... Which is not the case for Japan. Take care

[@geertstroy]

I think you dont understand economics. but alas....

[@romulodelmendo8361]

Like many Japanese people I've met, I noticed from your videos that you explain all your points by sharing concise written notes. It's very easy to understand when the presenter does this, and I'm sure it helps you drive the points across. Thank you.

[@Erik_001]

Thank you. Enjoyed the video.

[@PGFFFFFFFFFFF]

this is such an enjoyable ASMR, a side of what you are explaining -which is quite concerning-. Hope current situations gets better sooner than expected, many people we do love japan and its people. Best regards

[@Ar41e]

真面目なコンテンツに感謝いたします。引き続きなさいますようにお願いいたします。

[@askjapan9669]

Thanks for your comment

[@markfish1113]

its true man, i went to Japan last month to catch the Cherry Blossoms, things are so cheap. Even the Japan rail pass for Shinkansen going up by 70% in prices is cheap. Japanese service and products are extremely high level and disciplined so i think you will not be poor. But its not so good to work in Japan now or live as a local due to the weakening Yen. 15 years ago Yen was strong, things were expensive for foreigners. But at current Yen rates, I would definitely visit Japan again. I had the Hitsumabushi at 3300 yen while my country will charge more than $30 for this dish. I hope the Japanese government looks after the people by more work-life balance and retirement safeguards.

[@MAYTHEFORCEBEWITHYOU888]

Your voice is so calm, soothing and relaxing. You should create another KZbin channel for ASMR. Which is people making videos speaking like you getting the relaxing feeling by there voices. You should definitely do it for your Japanese audience and English listeners. I would subscribe right away! Great videos and keep em coming. 😊👍💎

[@askjapan9669]

Thanks

[@MAYTHEFORCEBEWITHYOU888]

@@askjapan9669 Your welcome. Go for it 😎

[@CreamPuffthePom]

I really appreciate these serious discussions from your perspective. Please keep it up. Very interesting to hear

[@askjapan9669]

Thanks

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

Japan's economy was built on exports but Japan simply isn't competitive any more. And I don't just mean in terms of prices, I mean in terms of innovation and marketing. Look at Samsung or Xiaomi, they are what used to be Sony or Hitachi. Japan is still present in the auto sector and in cameras but home appliances, musical instruments, watches, it's no longer a player. The weak yen might actually help Japanese exports become more competitive but if the problem is lack of innovation and poor marketing than lower prices alone will not help and Japan will slide down to becoming a tourism dependent third word economy.

[@debbieg6449]

Thank you for sharing. Many blessings to you.

[@AG-so4gl]

My son goes to private university in Japan. Annual tuition fee is approx 8000 dollars. Its so reasonable!

[@dannylo5875]

But what is quality like!?

[@user-uj6ky9ut1b]

I live in Shanghai and I've already travelled to hokkaido last year, the hotel prices are rising, plane tickets aren't cheap either, so travelling to Japan isn't cheaper than a few years ago, it actually feels more expensive now since there are so many travelers. Sure many goods in Japan are cheaper, but there are so many cheaper options in China, the Japanese items are still more expensive than Chinese alternatives. Even though many people from rich countries are buying brand goods from Japan, but as Chinese I still think I will not buy brand stuff just to save money and enjoy the trip.

[@Californiansurfer]

The United States values Money. I am Mexicano American which we are called Chicano .. People who live in Mexico are much happier because family and friends are more important than money. My white friends who go to Philippines , Vietnamese , thiallinad and bring back their wife’s. After two years, they want money. The poor guys get divorced. Americans value Money Must important.. Just being honest.. Frank 😅

[@TheTungdil2]

That’s a very massive generalization of 350 million people lol. I’d say you’re right to some extent but there’s many people in USA who I have met that value family over money. Anyways best of luck to you on this journey of life.

[@armorcore666]

I live in Canada and all the foreingers here are the ones who buy nice houses and nice food, all of us born in Canada can't afford to go to mcdonalds or buy a home. Only the rich foreigners can afford to move to Canada.

[@thethirdeye8893]

I eat noodles everyday and save a lot of money )) please keep up the great work, really like your content !!

[@philho.youtube]

This channel is much better than that abroadinjapan garbage.

[@askjapan9669]

Thanks for your comment

[@tyhan2159]

Thank you so much for making this video, I learned a lot from you❤

[@SentMyOwnWay]

The US is getting poorer for the most part as well. The rich are getting richer, of course, so the statistics are skewed.

[@latte8680]

The US is poor because the sushi. This is the main reason and then we have the homeless🍙🍙

[@buttsbrown2442]

Seems like even if median American is making more, things are costing more than that, it's not keeping up.

[@happycakes1946]

@@nicolasgirard2808 is that measured in dollars? The cost of living has been increasing more than wage growth as far as I know.

[@giomusah2155]

I had difficult times in the US, but found new friends in Bangkok, if only for a night....Sometimes u need to enjoy life to forget troubles

[@nicolasgirard2808]

@@happycakes1946 it's in terms of net worth. From 2019 to 2023 the net worth of millennials gained 49%. Now, after inflation that's probably more like a 20 to 25% real gain, but still. People on average did gain wealth over the past few years, the issue is that it was the result of an unsustainable government deficit.

[@josephyeo6966]

On the contrary, with the influx of tourist spending their dollars in Japan, soon your balance of payment will improve and the country and the Yen will recover. Tourism always bring in money, lots of money, but your Govt must deal with the unsavoury tourists. In other words target the big spenders and get rid of the rude trouble makers. As a foreigner, I can tell you that many people wants to visit Japan because the culture and the people are so polite and peaceful. You need to maintain that.

[@askjapan9669]

wow, so wise

[@privatethoughts3798]

A real content from a normal citizen in Japan. Very interesting !

[@gzubeck3]

Yes, It looks bad if your traveling abroad but in reality your currency devaluation will really help your economy and to also export products made there. It's not all bleak only if you do a lot of traveling abroad. Part of it is also that the US has really high interest rates which is also part of the problem which makes it more attractive to have US deposits in US Banks. This wont last forever. Interest rates will drop by the end of the year which could help the yen out so that's on the horizon.

[@Surfrz3]

Japan isn't poor because of its weak currency. It's just much more expensive to import and travel. Prices and wages within Japan are consistent unless for imported goods. The Yen was at 358.44 to the dollar at the beginning of 1971 and managed to recover. Japan can make huge profits from exports during this period. The tourism sector will also boom. Time to tide out the storm. It's a temporary phenomenon. Maybe try not to have the doom and gloom mindset. Appreciate your openness and honesty.

[@formxshape]

All currencies are backed by governmental mafia. They are a myth. They are all globally collapsing into the USA dollar, as they have the most powerful army/navy and the currency is the global currency… however the USA Dollar is collapsing into bitcoin. If you look at the bitcoin chart vs dollar, yes bitcoin gone has gone up a lot… or the dollar has gone down a lot, depends which side you stand on. Bitcoin is your life boat to escape your countries collapsing currency. That’s why governments are trying and failing to control or ban bitcoin… but there is no actual way to stop bitcoin or ‘turn it off’, it’s here, slowly absorbing value. Look at the national debt of Japan, China, USA, UK, EU… it’s horrific. All the central banks do is print more while moving interest rates up and down a bit. Move interest rates up and you can curb inflation but at the same time you make your national debt even harder to service, so then interest rates are cut… just a silly game avoiding the inevitable collapse. All fiat currencies have eventually become worthless through history.

[@williamdavies1192]

The problem is that Japan has to import oil and raw materials and with a weak Yen anything they have to import like that will be very expensive for them. They are in a tough spot.

[@danmac0]

Super interesting videos

[@greendragonspirit1646]

The UK is also getting poorer and poorer , I think the world is going through a silent great depression.

[@thadtuiol1717]

Unless you are standing in line at a soup kitchen for hours every day with holes in your clothes and shoes, then no, you are not going through a great depression.

[@yellowbird5411]

@@thadtuiol1717 Not everyone ended up standing in a soup line in The Great Depression. Some had money, some had farms, some had fishing fleets and various businesses. Some were in the military, and the military takes care of itself. My mother's father was a Colonel in the army, and they lived "on post." She said they never felt the depression years. But, regardless, back then most of the very poorest had homes to live in - some were shacks. Few lived in tents, which has taken over America. The homeless situation wasn't as bad, I don't think. But yes, we have many who stand in line for free meals all over America. We have tens of thousands going to food banks which didn't exist in The Great Depression. Both scenarios meet the definition of a depression. When more and more people are hungry, homeless, without work and without money, it's dire. And many countries are having their own version of The Great Depression.

[@ianthesiow3013]

TQ for sharing.

[@askjapan9669]

Thanks for your comment

[@stephenbarusso]

I’m so glad I’ve found your channel. I am absolutely fascinated with the Japanese culture. I deployed to Japan in 2020 and spent 7 months in Okinawa and a base in Gotemba, Japan. Even back then I noticed how “cheap” everything was for us. I am starting to learn Japanese now and practice Iaido at a local dojo near me. I plan to hopefully visit again soon. I am sorry for what is happening within your country and I hope your KZbin channel takes off so you can start earning some money through your channel. Wishing you the best, Stephen Edit: JUST BOOKED MY FLIGHT TO JAPAN! I am very excited and will be visiting Kyoto.

[@thadtuiol1717]

Your country is a major part of the problem.

[@Psyql]

動画をアップしてくれてありがとう。

[@dwkchung]

The Hong Kong dollar is one of the few currencies still pegged to the US$. Therefore the Yen will also be at a 34 year low against HK$. So my guess as to why Hong Kong is the fifth most popular destination for Japanese people must have something to do with the short travel time of 4.5 hours, therefore cheaper than going to other destinations.

[@mjmf1430]

In Hong Kong there’s no import duty on many things, including designers’ items, unlike Japan. Also food and transport are generally inexpensive in Hong Kong compared to Japan.

[@pamthepainter]

Same with the USA The World is changing rapidly God Help Us All!

[@askjapan9669]

One world. Same problem

[@s7c841]

I find this oddly relaxing. And interesting at the same time.

[@askjapan9669]

thanks for your comment.

[@gaalxystar1873]

Don't let your guard down. Japan is willing to create a tier 2 price system where tourists are going to get charged more than locals.

[@oiausdlkasuldhflaksjdhoiausydo]

Same in europe…

[@thewildgoose7467]

It's simple, the Bank of Japan is Keynesian economics on steroids. They've kept interest rates at near zero or negative for twenty years or more by printing currency, which devalues the yen and increases the national debt. Now the government debt stands at $13.4 Trillion (300% of GDP) which is really the debt of the Japanese people, and works out at $107,000 fro every man, woman and child in Japan. When the yen/dollar exchange rate reached 160 they dumped US treasuries and bought yen to lower the ratio but it's rising again and they can't keep doing that for long, so it's either let the yen crash or increase interest rates and let the housing market crash.

[@derjenichederscheissebaut5922]

The Problem in Japan is the Hierarchy System. Working 15 Hrs a day does not make more Innovative. People work like Robots.

[@YaminoSeigi]

Just found your insightful channel and subscribed to it! Could you show any insights on how Japan was like before 2008 GFC? Last year I went to Japan and things were not as wonderful it appeared back in early 2000s

[@DaBinChe]

This is normal Macro Economics Equilibrium of world economy. As more countries get more developed everything starts to equal out. Perfect example is the US in its economic height post WW2 cause every industrilized country was flatten only the US produced. Once others started to produce the US looses that production which was the 70's. Same has happened to Japan, where Japan's economic height was the 80's. Currently we are seeing this with China, their peak was the 2010's.

[@jjjjjjjjooolllllllllll8395]

The Japanese stock market is performing great. So just saying it's not only bad news.

[@jjjjjjjjooolllllllllll8395]

@nathanguergis No, it's not only inflation. It's rising expected earnings per share among publicly traded companies in Japan. Why has Warren Buffet been investing so much in Japan recently? Just inflation?

[@jjjjjjjjooolllllllllll8395]

Investment pouring out of China into Japan is not just inflation and neither is the new semiconductor chip plant(s) that's planned to be built.

[@sleepyz2z2]

Everywhere is getting poorer it seems. In the west, the price of practically everything has gone up exponentially over the last 5 years.

[@initialdwu7821]

This is good, so I can travel to Japan on the cheap.

[@budstep7361]

Thank you for sharing, America may face a similar problem... I watch a channel "Uneducated Economist" and he is constantly discussing the Cantillon effect, which is a type of money exchange thought-experiment that explains relative advantage of economies and their cyclical nature of ups and downs across very large time spans. In my opinion, government intervention and advantage taking of free markets caused this problem, and I don't know how to solve it without stopping the fake stimulus and letting it collapse back to increase the relative advantage

[@askjapan9669]

thanks, very interesting indeed. I will check it out

[@Lion_McLionhead]

The fed is bent on weakening the dollar as fast as it can. Would bet on a stronger yen but fiat money is gone overall.

[@silversurfer8237]

Most people are experiencing hard times. Saving money is a virtue becausing living beyond one's means will always lead to disaster at sometime in the future.

[@Momo-qo7is]

Not easy to promote child births. People prefer to follow the long-term outlooks than receiving short-term incentives. By the way, Japan is not a poor country but just in the stage of decline from being so powerful.

[@SteveKarpali]

No guitar at the end???

[@oreowhity4440]

Yes I am totally agree with you life here in Japan is getting difficult. Salaries are not increasing and the common goods or foods are getting very expensive. Anyway I lived here in Japan for more than 24 years.

[@askjapan9669]

Many Japanese people get sick

[@il35215]

30 years of recession can’t improve Japanese situation, your country needs more workers and more jobs for add fuel to the economy, so only one solution is attracting more foreign specialists and direct more money to businesses growing.

[@bailey309]

I went to the UK for the first two weeks of March. I could only do that because I could stay with family. I had wanted to buy some UK size clothes while I was there but gave up because it was just too expensive. The only thing I bought was an L size Uniqlo shirt 😂 it’s a good fit but it cost me at least 50% extra than if I had bought the XL equivalent in Japan.

[@keith48993]

Scandianvians travel to the UK to shop in thrift stores when they are on holliday. Here they find cool gems and real British atmoshere.

[@hans1783]

It depends on wht market u are. Some will get shafted, and for some this has been the greatest decade for a long time.

[@hacker4chan180]

My cousin in the marine and one of my co workers keep telling me how cheap stuff is over there compared to the US and my co work told me it was so cheap he went to Japan twice in one year

[@mariwa5286]

Obviously because they need the liberalism that made them grow in the 70-80s, Japan's government has become too interventionist to not let the old big companies die to provide 'stability' (more like stagnation). And workers stay in the same company for decades

[@EIGOmanOkamoto]

Keep it up. It is good to see and hear your perspective on what is happening. I live here in Japan and can see how things have been deteriorating. Unfortunately Japan's debt to GDP ratio is the highest in the world and the government seems oblivious to this issue and seems to have no good solutions. Some Japanese exporting companies will do well in this situation of weak Yen but importers will struggle and the prices will start to go up for everything. It is funny but If a person saves money in the USD, they can get 10% on 1 month time deposits (annual rate so 1/12 of that in a month). They can roll it over each month and if the Yen gets weaker, they can exchange back to Yen and get a big benefit. Is that what the rich are doing in Japan these days? I am sure some people are doing that. But as for the bigger picture, will Japan ever become a truly independent country? Will the education system ever change to teach young people to be skeptical and have their own opinions? These are topics you could also cover.

[@lroberts3329]

Our cost of living is high in the UK but the good thing for us is when we travel our currency is stronger in most places. I dread to think what it’s like for people from lower currency countries. It makes everywhere so expensive for you.

[@AlinasilviaAndrei]

Domnule îți doresc multa sănătate că-i mai buna decât toate zice o vorbă românească și e mult adevăr în ea,restul sunt detalii

[@askjapan9669]

True, thanks

[@AlinasilviaAndrei]

Scuze,am 56 de ani și sunt româncă,in privința sărăcirii ,e o chestie care se întâmplă în multe țări,in privința grijilor pentru viitorul în carieră,stai liniștit,consultate cu familia și o să găsiți solutii

[@MustardSkaven]

It's the same situation in my country in Europe, brother. The fact I feel lucky to have been able to buy a house seems wrong. Being able to buy a house should be affordable to any working man. It shouldn't depend on the economy allowing it at a specific time.

[@chickenbroski99]

Japan faced their liquidity crisis before the US and responded the same way with bailouts and interest rate manipulation. It's a testament to the Japanese people that their hard work and discipline has kept their country afloat, but this is essentially why you have the 9AM-9PM culture in Japan. I believe they have to work this hard to pay for the debt and bailouts to their economy since the 90s. The west is going through the same thing now although I don't believe we have the same culture and will probably result in a revolution. I hope it is a global revolution and we can fix all of our economic systems. We need less governments, less spending and more austerity. We have been and are still paying for the debts we have accumulated. 2020 only made it worse.

[@SakuraBurma]

I just came back from Japan 2 weeks ago, I wouldn't say the average food/meal price in Japan was that cheap. Probably 10~20% cheaper, not more than that. From Australia.

[@olegpristashkin9078]

there is no way for good life for middle class in any country. Only rich can live well.

[@sonampenjor4846]

It’s good for the manufacturing and export companies

[@askjapan9669]

Thanks for your comment. コメントありがとうございます。

[@ssssaa2]

A large part of the reason for this is that interest rates are now higher in the US and other countries but in Japan they are still very low, so people want to move to those other currencies to get higher interest rates in their bonds and savings accounts. In the US it is easy to get 5+% interest rates now with government bonds or even just a savings account at a bank. The exchange rate actually was fine before that, even despite the economic stagnation in Japan. I think it will mostly go back if the interest rate gap reduces again. But I think the US is not going to cut rates in the immediate term. Another thing to note is that the Yen has gotten even weaker than it looks because the US has experienced higher inflation than Japan in the last several years by quite a bit, so wages in terms of USD have gone up a lot more than wages in Japan have in yen.

[@TRAVELYIP]

Wonder why Japanese never thought about fighting back against the US!

[@askjapan9669]

thanks for your comment. コメントありがとうございます。

[@ddhgerlb]

While it is true that a country with few natural resources can thrive, it becomes extremely difficult when global trade slows or stops. How can a country thrive without global trade? What are the alternatives, and what would be your solution?