日本开始征收“单身税”，奇葩方案让年轻人彻底愤怒了

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government's new policy, starting in 2026, will impose a "Child Support Tax" on all citizens enrolled in public health insurance, regardless of marital status, which has been criticized as a "single tax" due to its perceived inequity [1][6]. Group 1: Policy Details - The tax will be based on income, with higher earners paying more; by 2028, high-income individuals could pay up to 19,800 yen (approximately 900 RMB) annually [1][4]. - Initial monthly payments will start at 200 yen for those earning 2 million yen (about 90,000 RMB) and increase progressively with income [1][4]. - The funds collected will be used to expand child allowances and support services for families with children, but single individuals and childless couples will not receive direct benefits [1][4]. Group 2: Public Reaction - A recent poll indicates that 42.1% of the public opposes the tax, with younger demographics expressing significant discontent, citing issues like stagnant wages and high living costs as barriers to starting families [6][9]. - Some individuals have expressed extreme views, suggesting they might engage in repeated marriages and divorces to avoid the tax, reflecting a sense of desperation among single citizens [6][9]. Group 3: Societal Implications - The policy highlights systemic discrimination against single individuals in Japan, where married people often enjoy more benefits in various aspects of life [7][9]. - The government's approach to addressing the declining birth rate through economic penalties may backfire, potentially leading to increased resistance to traditional family structures among young people [11][12]. Group 4: Broader Context - Japan faces a severe demographic crisis, with a total fertility rate of 1.26, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1, and projections suggest a potential population decline of one-third by 2065 [7][8]. - Historical evidence suggests that financial incentives alone may not effectively address the complex reasons behind low birth rates, as seen in other countries like France [9][12].