学经营的高市早苗，算不清这本账

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the structural economic challenges facing Japan, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Sanna Takashi, highlighting the dual pressures of external and internal demand leading to economic recession and increasing wealth disparity in society [1][2][4]. Economic Growth and Recession - Japan's GDP contracted at an annualized rate of 1.8% in Q3, marking a return to negative growth since Q1 2024 [1]. - External demand has been negatively impacted by U.S. tariffs, resulting in four consecutive months of declining exports [2]. - Private consumption, which constitutes over half of Japan's economy, slowed significantly from 0.4% in Q2 to 0.1% in Q3 due to rising living costs and stagnant real wages [2]. Inflation and Wage Stagnation - The core consumer price index in Tokyo rose by 2.8% year-on-year in October, exceeding the Bank of Japan's 2% inflation target [2]. - Real wages adjusted for inflation fell by 1.4% in August, marking the eighth consecutive month of decline [3]. M-shaped Society and Wealth Disparity - The article describes Japan's wealth distribution as an "M-shaped society," where the average savings of single individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 50s are significantly higher than the median savings, indicating severe wealth inequality [4][5]. - The disparity in wealth distribution is leading to a collapse of the middle class, as noted by management expert Kenichi Ohmae [5]. Intergenerational Poverty and Low Birth Rates - The M-shaped society is perpetuating intergenerational poverty, as low-income families struggle to provide quality education for their children, leading to a cycle of poverty [7]. - High-educated individuals are opting not to have children due to financial constraints, further exacerbating the low birth rate issue, which negatively impacts domestic demand [8]. Political Response and Limitations - Prime Minister Takashi's approach of "responsible active fiscal policy" aims to restore Abenomics and temporarily freeze fiscal surplus targets, but it risks exacerbating wealth inequality by primarily benefiting high-income earners and large corporations [10][11]. - The article critiques the government's failure to recognize the fundamental structural changes in society, suggesting that without addressing these issues, any policy measures may be ineffective [12].