Hardship Continues for 98 Pct of Needy Families in Japan: Survey

Tokyo, Dec. 23 (Jiji Press)–As prices keep rising, 98 pct of struggling families with children in Japan said they have been suffering economic hardship since the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey by nonprofit organization Kidsdoor shows. “We want the central and local governments to expand assistance through cash benefits and other means,” Kidsdoor head Yumiko Watanabe has said, adding that needy families do not have enough money to spend on food or other necessities. The survey was conducted online from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10, covering 4,474 households registered for Kidsdoor aid projects. Valid responses came from 1,924 households, or some 40 pct. Asked if respondents continue to experience economic difficulties after the pandemic, 74.9 pct answered “very true,” and 23.5 pct “true,” bringing the total to 98.4 pct. Asked about the impact of surging prices on their lives, with multiple answers allowed, the biggest chunk, at 77.9 pct, said they have become unable to save money, followed by 75.2 pct who pointed to a deterioration in the parents’ nutritional balance due to reduced meals, and 74.3 pct said they are refraining from using electricity and gas. With the Christmas and New Year festive season coming, more than 60 pct said they find it difficult financially to arrange for Christmas cakes or “otoshidama,” money traditionally given to children in Japan at the New Year. In the open comment section, some respondents said they took fewer baths and set the heater’s temperature to 18 degrees or lower to cut costs. Other respondents said they declined a pay increase to prevent cuts in child care allowances. Kidsdoor recently held a press conference in Tokyo to announce the survey results. Participants included a mother in her 30s who said she was raising her son, an elementary school fourth grader, by herself. “I have concerns about future educational expenses,” she said. “My child wants a game console as a Christmas present, but I can’t buy one. We’d like to ask for sustained support from the government.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]