People in Japan Are Becoming Less and Less Happy

In several international surveys, it has been pointed out that the level of happiness of people in Japan is relatively low. A recent study by Professor Kazuma Sato (佐藤一磨) of Takushoku University revealed that the percentage of Japanese who consider themselves happy has decreased by 13% in the last 13 years. In addition, another study highlighted that children's happiness is also at low levels.

Japan is a prosperous nation, being the fourth largest economy in the world. Citizens enjoy high levels of health, safety, and a rich culture, including anime, manga, and video games. However, problems such as slow post-bubble economic growth, population decline due to low birth rates and aging, increased natural disasters, and persistent gender inequality negatively impact the perception of happiness.

According to an Ipsos poll, which included 2,000 Japanese between the ages of 16 and 74, happiness in Japan has been on a downward trend since 2011. In international comparison, Japan ranks third lowest among the 30 countries surveyed in 2024.

This trend is also reflected in children and young people. A UNICEF study in 2020 showed that Japanese children's life satisfaction is the second lowest among the countries assessed, and their suicide rate is above average. In addition, Japanese children have difficulty making friends, which can affect their happiness.

Another study by Japan's Cabinet Office revealed that young Japanese people have the lowest self-esteem compared to their international peers. Less than half of them feel satisfied with themselves or acknowledge having positive qualities.

Despite its economic prosperity and quality of life, Japan faces a conundrum: why aren't its citizens so happy? Professor Yukiko Uchida (内田由紀子) of Kyoto University suggests that the "average orientation" of the Japanese could be a factor. This tendency to compare oneself to others and seek to be "on par" can limit one's perception of happiness.

Japan, despite its economic achievements and advances in various aspects of daily life, faces a significant challenge in terms of its citizens' perception of happiness. It's crucial to foster a mindset that values individuality more and social comparison less. In a world where social media magnifies the successes of others, learning how to measure happiness on a personal scale could be a key to improving overall well-being in Japan.

"I guess we've become too accustomed to peace."
"It's because they impose a lot of unreasonable rules on compulsory education and don't value the individuality of children."
"If taxes are levied and politicians squander money everywhere, it's no wonder that Japan becomes poorer and the level of happiness drops. It is not fair that the money squandered by politicians is not paid for by the politicians themselves. It is obvious that the number of poor people is decreasing year by year. Japanese politicians are the most corrupt."
"It's because people give importance to titles and faces, and because the culture of perception works in the wrong direction, giving the impression that you can't say what you think."
"Happiness has different forms for different people. Just having a rich economy doesn't necessarily lead directly to happiness. In this age of subcultures, there is no end to what can be asked for."
"It's just self-perception, so it's no surprise that Japanese people who don't like exaggerated appeals score low."
"I've heard that rich people live comfortably in Japan, but when you think about working, the pay is low and it sucks."
"Japan and South Korea are still your neighbors. And what the hell is it about Hungary that surpasses them?"
"So this country not only makes its children unhappy, but it also chooses to make itself unhappy. That's terrible."
"The Japanese who have been smiling and making up smiles in real life and storing up their resentment. The result is a world that is a condensation of the raw human underworld. Here, the unhappiest people are the strongest. The display of unhappiness never ceases."