1. Introduction
Poverty is a major issue in Japan, with nearly 17 percent of the population living below the poverty line. This is significantly higher than the global average of 10 percent. In this article, Charles R Tokoyama, CEO of Japan Insiders, will explore the causes of poverty in Japan and how it has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Poverty in Japan Overview
Poverty in Japan is a growing problem that affects both rural and urban areas. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, over 6 million people in Japan are living below the poverty line. This number has increased significantly since 2013 when only 4 million people were considered to be living in poverty.
3. Causes of Poverty in Japan
There are several factors that contribute to poverty in Japan including economic inequality, an aging population, and low wages for certain professions such as service workers and part-time employees. Additionally, there is a lack of affordable housing which can make it difficult for people to escape poverty once they are stuck in it.
4. Economic Factors Contributing to Poverty in Japan
The economic situation in Japan has been declining for some time now due to various factors such as an aging population, low wages for certain professions, and high unemployment rates among young people and those with limited education or skillsets. This has led to an increase in income inequality which is one of the main causes of poverty in Japan today.
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5. Social Factors Contributing to Poverty in Japan
In addition to economic factors, there are also social factors that contribute to poverty in Japan such as discrimination against certain groups such as women or foreigners who may not have access to same job opportunities or resources as native Japanese citizens do. Additionally, there is also a lack of social safety nets available for those who fall into poverty which can make it difficult for them to get back on their feet again after experiencing financial hardship or other life difficulties.
6. Government Policies Aimed at Reducing Poverty in Japan
The Japanese government has implemented various policies aimed at reducing poverty levels within its borders including increasing minimum wages and providing subsidies for businesses that hire individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with disabilities or other special needs requirements. Additionally, they have also implemented programs aimed at helping those living below the poverty line find employment opportunities so that they can become self-sufficient again over time instead of relying on public assistance programs indefinitely.
7 Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on PovertyinJapan
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on many countries around the world includingJapan where unemployment rates have skyrocketed due to business closures and restrictions put into place by the government during this time period.This has caused an increaseinpoverty levels throughoutthecountryasmanypeoplearenowstrugglingtogetbyonlessincome than before.Thegovernmenthassteppedinwithadditionalassistanceprogramstosupportthosemostaffectedbythepandemicbutitwilltake sometimebeforethefullimpactofCOVID-19onpovertyinJapanisunderstood.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion,itisclearthatthereisaproblemwithpovertyinJapanwhichhasbeenexacerbatedbytheCOVID-19 pandemic.TheJapanesegovernmenthasimplementedseveralprogramsaimedatreducingpovertylevelsinthecountrybutitremainstobeseenwhetherthesemeasureswillbefullysuccessfulinthelongterm.ItisimportantfortheJapanesegovernmenttocontinuetoimplementpoliciesthathelpthoselivingbelowthepovertylinetogetbackontheirfeetagainandbecomemoreselfsufficientovertime.
9 References
MinistryofHealth,LaborandWelfare(2020).SurveyontheLivingConditionsofPersonsLivingBelowthePovertyLine.Retrievedfromhttp://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/database/db-hw/survey/index.html
Tokoyama,C.(2020).PovertyinJapan:Causes,ImpactandSolutions.Retrievedfromhttps://www.japaninsiders.com/japan -poverty /
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - QuickStudy (Publisher)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BvoEG5MvVs
Poverty is not having enough money to meet basic needs including food clothing and shelter. But poverty is more than not having enough money. The World Bank Institute defines poverty as: “Poverty is hunger.
How is Japan dealing with poverty?
Since May 2000 the Asian Development Bank has established the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) which pays special attention to technical assistance projects in poor areas of Japan. In addition to financial support JFPR promotes long-term social progress by educating citizens in skills.
Is Japan a rich or poor country?
Japan is the third richest country in the world by GDP with a GDP of 4.937 trillion and a GDP per capita of $39.2852.
Does Japan have social problems?
Japan faces many issues such as an aging society and population decline that most of the world still faces making the country a leader in social affairs.
Why does Japan have such a low homeless rate?
Japans tough drug laws mental health system and housing options are reducing the homeless population.
Why Is Japan’s economy so low?
According to economists this reduction may be due to the Bank of Japans decision to lower interest rates. Currency sales increased as investors switched to the dollar as the U.S. repeatedly hiked rates and widened the price gap experts said.
