Group 1 - The core belief in the 1980s Japan was that graduating from university guaranteed a stable life, leading to a strong demand for university graduates in the job market [2][3] - Companies offered attractive benefits to recruit graduates, including free meals, gifts, and even cars, creating a culture of educational elitism [3][5] - The tutoring market in Japan saw significant growth, with a market size exceeding 1.2 trillion yen in 1985, as parents invested heavily in their children's education [3][4] Group 2 - The economic bubble burst in the 1990s led to a drastic decline in the job market, with corporate profits dropping by 20% and over 10,000 companies going bankrupt [7][8] - The job market faced an overwhelming influx of graduates from the baby boom generation, resulting in a sharp decline in employment rates starting in 1992 [9][10] - The once-coveted status of university graduates diminished, with many graduates struggling to find jobs despite sending out numerous applications [9][10] Group 3 - The trend of pursuing further education, such as graduate school, emerged as a coping mechanism, but it did not alleviate the worsening employment situation [12][13] - The number of applicants for civil service positions nearly doubled from 1991 to 1995, reflecting the high demand for stable jobs during the employment crisis [13] - The government implemented various measures to address the employment crisis, including increasing funding for higher education and promoting job training programs [17][18][22] Group 4 - The introduction of labor dispatch laws in 1999 led to a significant rise in non-regular employment, with non-standard employment forms becoming more prevalent in the job market [23][24] - The proportion of non-regular employees reached 34.6% by 2003, indicating a shift in employment dynamics and the challenges faced by job seekers [27] - Many individuals from the "lost generation" continued to struggle with non-regular employment, facing societal stigma and financial difficulties [28][29] Group 5 - In recent years, the employment market for university graduates in Japan has shown signs of recovery, with a record high employment rate of 98.1% for 2024 [31] - The demographic shift, characterized by an aging population and declining birth rates, has created a labor shortage, leading to improved job prospects for graduates [32] - The historical context of educational devaluation highlights the need for economic innovation and industry upgrades to align educational outcomes with labor market demands [33]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of degree devaluation in Japan, highlighting the shift from a strong belief in the value of higher education to a situation where degrees no longer guarantee employment, particularly following the economic bubble burst in the 1990s [4][21]. Group 1: The Lost Generation - In the 1980s, Japanese society held a strong belief that graduating from university ensured a stable future, with companies offering attractive benefits to recruit graduates [6][8]. - The economic bubble burst in the 1990s led to a drastic decline in employment opportunities, with the employment rate for university graduates dropping significantly from 1992 onwards [8][11]. - Many graduates faced unemployment or underemployment, leading to a rise in the "NEET" (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) phenomenon, where young people relied on their parents for support [12][21]. Group 2: Government Response and Policy Failures - The Japanese government implemented various measures to address the employment crisis, including the "Graduate Doubling Plan" and funding for doctoral students, but these efforts did not yield the desired results [15][17]. - The increase in the number of graduates did not correspond with job availability, leading to a surplus of highly educated individuals struggling to find work [16][21]. - The introduction of labor dispatch laws in 1999 allowed for more flexible employment practices, but this resulted in a rise in non-regular employment, further exacerbating job insecurity for young people [18][20]. Group 3: Economic and Structural Issues - The article emphasizes that the root cause of the employment crisis lies in the shrinking demand for labor due to a lack of industrial innovation and economic dynamism [21][22]. - Japan's failure to adapt to new economic waves, such as the PC and mobile internet revolutions, has contributed to the stagnation of job creation and the devaluation of degrees [22][24]. - The article concludes that without significant industrial upgrades and the creation of new job opportunities, the cycle of degree devaluation and employment challenges will persist [24].

Core Insights - The article discusses the decline in the value of degrees in Japan over the past 30 years, highlighting the shift from a strong belief in the security provided by a university degree to a reality where degrees have become less valuable [1][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - In the 1980s, Japanese society believed that obtaining a university degree guaranteed a stable future, with companies offering attractive benefits to recruit graduates [2][3]. - The job market was highly competitive, with top graduates receiving multiple job offers and high salaries, leading to a culture of intense academic pressure among students [3][4]. - The economic bubble burst in the 1990s, leading to a significant decline in corporate profits and a surge in unemployment, particularly affecting the large cohort of graduates entering the job market during this period [5][7][8]. Group 2: Employment Crisis - The employment rate for university graduates began to decline sharply from 1992, with the job market becoming increasingly bleak as companies laid off employees and reduced hiring [9][12]. - Many graduates turned to further education, such as graduate school, in hopes of improving their job prospects, but this strategy did not yield the expected results as the job market continued to worsen [12][13]. - The rise in competition for limited public sector jobs led to a significant increase in the number of applicants for civil service positions, but the government’s hiring capacity could not keep pace with demand [13][14]. Group 3: Societal Impact - The phenomenon of "NEET" (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) emerged, with a significant increase in young people living with their parents due to unemployment [14][15]. - The term "lost generation" was coined to describe those who faced severe employment challenges during the economic downturn, leading to a societal perception of failure among these individuals [15][26]. Group 4: Government Response - The Japanese government implemented various policies to address the employment crisis, including initiatives to increase the number of graduate students and improve job training programs [17][18]. - Despite these efforts, the expansion of higher education did not correlate with improved employment rates, leading to a surplus of highly educated individuals without corresponding job opportunities [18][19]. - The introduction of labor dispatch laws in 1999 allowed for more flexible employment practices, but this often resulted in lower wages and job security for workers [21][22]. Group 5: Current Trends - Recently, Japan's job market has shown signs of recovery, with the employment rate for new graduates reaching a historical high in 2024, driven by demographic changes such as an aging population and declining birth rates [28][29]. - However, the article emphasizes that the underlying issues of educational inflation and a mismatch between degree attainment and job market needs remain unresolved, highlighting the need for economic innovation and industry growth to create sustainable employment opportunities [30][31].

Core Points - The article discusses the rise of non-regular employment in Japan, particularly focusing on the "lost generation" who entered the job market during the economic downturn of the late 1990s and early 2000s, leading to a significant increase in non-regular workers from 8.81 million in 1990 to over 20 million by 2016 [2][4] - It highlights the systemic issues that have led to this phenomenon, including government policies favoring flexible employment and the impact of neoliberal reforms on job security and income inequality [4][6] Group 1: Employment Trends - The increase in non-regular employees began in the mid-1990s, with many graduates unable to find stable jobs, leading to a significant portion of the workforce remaining in non-regular positions well into their 40s [1][2] - The proportion of non-regular employees who are "involuntary" is notably high, with 70.7% of men and 57.6% of women in non-regular positions not choosing this path voluntarily [2][3] - The "lost generation" faces stark disparities in marriage rates compared to regular employees, with only 24.4% of non-regular male employees married by age 30-39, compared to 69.3% of regular employees [2] Group 2: Socioeconomic Implications - The article points out that the rise of non-regular employment has contributed to the creation of a "lower class" in Japan, characterized by low education and income levels, with a significant number of single women and single mothers [3][4] - The neoliberal reforms initiated in the 1980s have led to a labor market that favors low-cost, flexible employment, exacerbating the issues faced by the lost generation [4][5] - The widening income gap and the perception of poverty as a personal failure are prevalent, with a significant portion of the lower class internalizing the belief that their economic struggles are due to a lack of effort rather than systemic issues [12][13] Group 3: Political and Economic Context - The article discusses how political decisions, particularly tax reforms favoring corporations and the wealthy, have contributed to the growing income inequality and the challenges faced by the lower class [6][12] - It emphasizes the low political engagement of the lost generation, which is paradoxical given their direct experience with the consequences of neoliberal policies [8][9] - The concept of "parental gacha" reflects the deterministic view of socioeconomic mobility in Japan, where individuals feel their fortunes are largely dictated by their family background [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in the context of the increasing number of university graduates in China, drawing parallels with Japan's historical experience during the 1990s economic downturn [2][3]. Group 1: Current Job Market Situation - The number of university graduates in 2023 is projected to reach a record 12.22 million, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [1]. - The offer acquisition rate for 2024 master's and doctoral graduates is only 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% rate for undergraduate graduates [1]. - The job market is increasingly competitive, with the employment rate for undergraduate graduates being lower than that of vocational school graduates [1]. Group 2: Historical Context and Lessons from Japan - Japan experienced a similar "degree devaluation" phenomenon in the 1990s, where a significant economic downturn led to a drastic drop in employment rates for university graduates [10][12]. - The 1990s marked a turning point for Japan, where the employment rate for graduates fell from 80% to below 70%, leading to a generation labeled as "lost" due to their struggles in the job market [10][30]. - The Japanese government attempted various measures to alleviate the employment crisis, including increasing the number of graduate students, but these efforts did not address the underlying issues of economic stagnation and job market demand [21][35]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The article highlights that the root cause of degree devaluation is not merely the oversupply of graduates but the lack of corresponding job opportunities due to economic stagnation and a failure to innovate [35][37]. - Japan's experience illustrates that without significant economic growth and innovation, an increase in educational attainment can lead to a surplus of graduates without adequate job prospects [35][37]. - The article concludes that creating new job opportunities through industrial upgrades and innovation is essential to prevent degree devaluation and ensure that higher education translates into economic productivity [35][37].

Group 1 - The article highlights the record number of 12.22 million university graduates entering the job market in 2024, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [3] - The offer acquisition rate for 2024 master's and doctoral graduates is 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% rate for undergraduate graduates [3][4] - The trend of increasing university graduates is expected to continue until 2038, peaking at 14.45 million, indicating a persistent job market challenge for new graduates [5] Group 2 - The phenomenon of "degree devaluation" is not unique to China, as Japan has experienced similar issues over the past 30 years, providing valuable lessons [6] - In the 1980s, Japan's economy was booming, leading to high demand for university graduates, with many receiving multiple job offers before graduation [8][9] - The economic bubble burst in the 1990s resulted in a significant decline in employment opportunities, with the employment rate for university graduates dropping from 80% in 1992 to below 70% by 1995 [12][18] Group 3 - The Japanese government implemented various measures to address the employment crisis, including the "Graduate Doubling Plan" and funding for doctoral candidates, but these efforts did not effectively resolve the underlying issues [24][25] - The introduction of labor dispatch laws in 1999 led to a rise in non-regular employment, with a significant increase in the proportion of non-standard employment types, which negatively impacted job security and wages for graduates [28][32] - By 2024, Japan's employment rate for new graduates reached a historic high of 98.1%, attributed to demographic changes such as an aging population and declining birth rates [36][37] Group 4 - The article emphasizes that the root cause of the employment market's challenges lies in the shrinking demand for labor, exacerbated by a lack of innovation and industrial upgrades in Japan [39][40] - Japan's failure to adapt to new industrial trends has led to a situation where the supply of highly educated individuals exceeds the demand for their skills, resulting in a devaluation of degrees [41][42]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in Japan, drawing parallels with the current situation in China, particularly regarding the challenges faced by university graduates in the job market [3][4][29]. Group 1: Degree Devaluation in Japan - The belief that obtaining a university degree guarantees a stable future was prevalent in Japan during the 1980s, with companies offering attractive benefits to recruit graduates [6][7]. - The economic bubble burst in the 1990s led to a drastic decline in job opportunities, resulting in a significant drop in the employment rate for graduates, marking the beginning of the degree devaluation era [9][10]. - By 1992, the university graduate employment rate began to fall, with figures dropping from 80% to 70.5% over the years, reflecting a shift in the job market dynamics [9][10]. Group 2: Impact of Economic Changes - The economic downturn resulted in a surge of graduates entering the job market, coinciding with a wave of corporate layoffs, creating a mismatch between job seekers and available positions [9][10]. - The rise of "freeter" culture, where young people took on part-time or temporary jobs instead of stable employment, became a common response to the bleak job market [12][14]. - The government attempted to address the crisis through various initiatives, including increasing the number of graduate programs, but these measures failed to improve employment rates significantly [18][19]. Group 3: Long-term Consequences - The term "lost generation" emerged to describe those who graduated during the economic downturn, as many faced prolonged unemployment or underemployment [14][26]. - The shift towards non-regular employment, such as temporary and contract work, became prevalent, with non-regular employment rates rising significantly over the years [25][22]. - The article highlights that despite recent improvements in employment rates for graduates, the underlying issues of degree devaluation and economic stagnation remain critical challenges for Japan [27][30].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in the context of the increasing number of university graduates in China and draws parallels with Japan's historical experience during the 1990s economic crisis, highlighting the challenges faced by graduates in securing employment and the implications for the labor market [4][11]. Group 1: Current Situation of Graduates - The number of university graduates in China is expected to reach a record 12.22 million this year, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [4]. - The offer acquisition rate for 2024 master's and doctoral graduates is only 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% for undergraduate graduates [4]. - The trend of increasing university graduates is projected to continue until 2038, when the number is expected to peak at 14.45 million [4]. Group 2: Historical Context from Japan - In the 1980s, Japan experienced a booming economy where university graduates were highly sought after, with many receiving multiple job offers before graduation [6][7]. - The economic bubble burst in the early 1990s led to a drastic decline in employment opportunities, with the employment rate for graduates dropping from 80% in 1992 to below 70% by 1995 [8][9]. - The term "lost generation" was coined to describe those who graduated during this period, facing severe employment challenges and often resorting to temporary or low-paying jobs [11][21]. Group 3: Government Response and Policy Failures - The Japanese government implemented several initiatives to address the employment crisis, including the "Graduate Doubling Plan" and funding for postdoctoral researchers, but these measures failed to improve the job market significantly [15][16]. - The increase in the number of graduate students did not correspond with a rise in employment rates, leading to a surplus of highly educated individuals without job opportunities [15][16]. - The introduction of labor dispatch laws in 1999 led to a rise in non-regular employment, which further complicated the job market for graduates [17][21]. Group 4: Lessons Learned and Future Implications - Japan's experience illustrates that simply increasing the number of graduates does not guarantee employment; economic innovation and industry upgrades are crucial for creating job opportunities [24][25]. - The article emphasizes the need for a shift from protecting existing industries to fostering new growth and innovation to prevent a repeat of the degree devaluation phenomenon [25].

Core Viewpoint - The narrative emphasizes the importance of living freely and authentically, especially for those over 50, advocating for a lifestyle that resists societal pressures to conform to traditional work and life expectations [118][119]. Group 1: Personal Experiences and Background - The speaker operates a second-hand store, a youth hostel, and a bar in the Koenji area of Tokyo, which are not primarily profit-driven but serve as spaces for community and creativity [4][48]. - The speaker's university experience at Hosei University introduced them to a countercultural environment, which shaped their views on freedom and societal norms [6][12]. - The establishment of the "Guardians of Hosei University’s Poor Culture Association" was a response to the university's plans to restrict freedoms, highlighting the importance of maintaining a space for diverse activities beyond just academic and career pursuits [17][19]. Group 2: Cultural and Social Commentary - The speaker reflects on the "lost generation" of the 2000s in Japan, where many faced employment difficulties but found freedom in pursuing personal passions instead of traditional careers [39][40]. - The emergence of unique spaces such as bars, cafes, and live houses in Japan is attributed to the economic downturn, fostering underground culture and community [43][44]. - The speaker criticizes the increasing commercialization and gentrification of urban spaces, advocating for the preservation of cultural diversity and freedom in public areas [100][102]. Group 3: Business Ventures and Community Engagement - The second-hand store "Sujin no Ran" was established to counteract mass consumerism and promote community interaction through the exchange of goods and stories [52][54]. - The bar "Nandokabar" operates with a rotating cast of guest managers, creating a dynamic and varied atmosphere that fosters community connections [71][72]. - The establishment of a youth hostel aimed to provide a space for both local and international visitors to engage with the community, enhancing cultural exchange [76][92]. Group 4: Future Aspirations and Societal Change - The formation of the "Elderly Death Squad" aims to challenge societal expectations for older individuals to continue working, promoting a lifestyle of freedom and enjoyment in later years [116][119]. - The speaker calls for a shift away from profit-driven capitalism towards a society that values personal connections and shared experiences, encouraging people to create their own spaces for joy and community [121][122].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in Japan, drawing parallels with the current situation in China, particularly in the context of the increasing number of university graduates and the challenges they face in the job market [4][5][6]. Group 1: Current Job Market Situation - The number of university graduates in 2024 is projected to reach a record 12.22 million, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [4]. - The offer acquisition rate for master's and doctoral graduates is only 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% for undergraduate graduates [4]. - The trend of increasing university graduates is expected to continue until it peaks at 14.45 million in 2038, indicating a persistent job market challenge for graduates [5]. Group 2: Historical Context of Degree Devaluation - The article references Japan's experience with degree devaluation, which began in the 1990s after the economic bubble burst, leading to a significant decline in employment rates for graduates [11][14]. - In 1992, the employment rate for university graduates began to drop, with figures falling from 80% to below 70% over the following years [14][21]. - The phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in Japan was characterized by a surplus of graduates and a shrinking demand for high-skilled labor, resulting in a generation of "high-education refugees" [33][40]. Group 3: Government Response and Policy Measures - The Japanese government implemented several measures to address the employment crisis, including the "Graduate Doubling Plan" and funding for postdoctoral researchers, aiming to increase higher education enrollment [30][31]. - Despite these efforts, the number of graduate students increased significantly, but the employment rate continued to decline, highlighting a mismatch between education and job market needs [32]. - The revision of the Labor Dispatch Law in 1999 led to a rise in non-standard employment, which provided short-term solutions but ultimately worsened job security for graduates [36][40]. Group 4: Lessons Learned and Future Outlook - The article emphasizes that the root cause of degree devaluation lies in the shrinking demand for skilled labor due to a lack of innovation and industrial upgrades in Japan [48][49]. - The current job market in Japan has shown signs of recovery, with a 98.1% employment rate for new graduates in 2024, attributed to demographic changes and a balance in supply and demand [46][47]. - The experience of Japan serves as a cautionary tale for other countries, including China, regarding the importance of aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs to prevent degree devaluation [53].