在“失去的三十年”，日本如何避免中产返贫？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how Japan managed to avoid a significant decline in the middle class during its "lost three decades" despite economic stagnation and rising inequality, providing insights for other societies facing similar challenges [1][2]. Economic Context - Japan's average annual income decreased from approximately 4.63 million yen in 1990 to 4.33 million yen in 2018, indicating stagnation in nominal wages and a decline in real income due to inflation [1][3]. - The relative poverty rate rose from about 10% in the 1980s to 16% in 2012, ranking Japan second among G7 countries in terms of income inequality [3][4]. Consumption Patterns - The Engel coefficient, which measures the proportion of food expenditure in total consumption, increased from around 20% in the late 1980s to 26.6% in 2022, reflecting a decline in disposable income and a shift towards essential spending [3][4]. - The perception of being middle class in Japan remained relatively stable, with self-identification as middle class only slightly declining from 90% in 1990 to 89% in 2024 [4][5]. Social Stability - Despite economic challenges, Japan maintained a stable social structure, with the net Gini coefficient remaining around 0.38 over 30 years due to effective social redistribution mechanisms [7][8]. - Social security spending accounted for 25.12% of GDP in 2023, supporting a comprehensive welfare system that includes various insurance programs and cash subsidies [8][9]. Consumer Behavior - The rise of affordable brands like Uniqlo and Muji during Japan's economic downturn exemplifies "defensive consumption," allowing families to maintain a decent standard of living despite reduced spending power [11][12]. - Japanese companies focus on efficiency through management philosophies like Kaizen and Just-in-Time, which emphasize waste reduction and responsive production without compromising quality [12][13]. Cultural Factors - Japan's societal norms emphasize reputation and reliability, leading to a culture where businesses prioritize quality and service over merely competing on price [15][16]. - The concept of "cooperative fulfillment" reflects a societal commitment to maintaining standards and mutual respect, which has helped Japan navigate economic difficulties without severe social fragmentation [15][17].