This article by Charles R Tokoyama examines the causes and effects of poverty in Japan. It highlights economic inequality, an aging population, low wages for certain professions, a lack of affordable housing and social factors such as discrimination against certain groups as the main causes of poverty in Japan. The article also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty levels in Japan, and how the government has implemented various policies to reduce poverty levels within its borders. Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of continuing to implement policies that will help those living below the poverty line become more self-sufficient over time.