日本家庭恩格尔系数达29.4%
日经中文网·2025-12-31 06:57

Core Viewpoint - Japan's Engel coefficient has reached a record high of 29.4% in Q3 2025, indicating a significant burden on food spending amidst persistent food inflation [2][5][7]. Group 1: Engel Coefficient and Food Inflation - The Engel coefficient for Japan in Q3 2025 is 29.4%, the highest since the current standard was adopted in 2000, with a moving average of 28.4% for the last four quarters [2][5]. - Japan's Engel coefficient was already the highest among G7 countries in 2024, with the lowest being around 16% in the United States, indicating a stark difference in food spending [7][9]. - Food prices in Japan have shown a year-on-year increase of around 6%, with specific items like chocolate and coffee beans experiencing significant price hikes due to high import costs [7][9]. Group 2: Household Financial Pressure - Real wages in Japan have seen negative growth for ten consecutive months as of October 2025, exacerbating financial pressure on households [9][10]. - The average proportion of disposable income spent on food for households of two or more was nearly 19% from January to October 2025, higher than previous years [9][10]. - Households are reaching their limits in cutting food spending, indicating a need for a shift in strategy to manage overall expenses [10][11]. Group 3: Strategies for Financial Management - Households are encouraged to reassess fixed expenditures such as housing, communication, and insurance to find areas for potential cuts [11]. - Despite ongoing wage increases, concerns about corporate salary adjustments have risen, potentially leading to stagnation in salary growth [11]. - Families are advised to explore various strategies, including job changes, to cope with inflationary pressures [11].