看完日本消费贷款发展史，我知道了为什么大家活得这么累

Core Insights - The history of consumer loans in Japan serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the impact of economic cycles on borrowing behavior and the consequences of high-interest loans [1][5][9] Group 1: Historical Development - The origins of consumer loans in Japan can be traced back to the 1950s, during the post-war economic recovery, with Osaka emerging as a hub for consumer finance [1] - The Tokyo Olympics in 1964 significantly boosted consumer demand, leading to a rise in consumer loans as people sought to purchase durable goods [1][3] - By the 1970s, the scale of consumer loans expanded, but issues such as defaults and predatory lending practices began to surface, prompting government intervention with the introduction of the Money Lending Business Control Law in 1983 [1][5] Group 2: Economic Boom and Bubble - The late 1980s saw an economic bubble fueled by easy access to credit, with consumer finance companies shifting from small unsecured loans to larger secured loans, contributing to rising asset prices [3] - The bubble burst in 1990, leading to a prolonged economic downturn known as the "Lost Decade," yet consumer finance companies continued to operate aggressively, introducing automated loan machines and extensive advertising [3][5] Group 3: Regulatory Changes and Consequences - High-interest rates, averaging 29.2%, led to widespread borrower defaults and the emergence of debt slavery, prompting the government to enact stricter regulations in 2006 [5][9] - The implementation of the Interest Rate Restriction Law forced many consumer finance companies, including major players like Wakuichi, into bankruptcy due to the requirement to refund excessive interest [5][9] Group 4: Societal Impact - Consumer loans have significantly influenced Japanese society, fostering a culture of borrowing that can lead to severe financial distress during economic downturns [7][9] - The interplay between economic conditions and consumer loans creates a vicious cycle, where economic prosperity encourages borrowing, but downturns exacerbate debt issues, leading to increased defaults and societal instability [7][9]