Core Viewpoint - The return on effort is decreasing over time, leading to a perception that hard work is becoming less valuable in achieving success [2][3]. Group 1: Changing Work Dynamics - The transition from an "opening era" to a "ranking era" has made it difficult for individuals to advance, as opportunities for new entrants are limited [3][10]. - The influence of familial connections is becoming more pronounced, making it challenging for individuals without such advantages to succeed [3][14]. - Companies often prioritize organizational goals over individual aspirations, leading to a work environment that stifles innovation and personal growth [5][7]. Group 2: Performance Metrics and Employee Mindset - The overemphasis on performance metrics like KPIs can lead to a narrow focus on immediate tasks, diminishing long-term vision and cross-disciplinary thinking [5][6]. - Many employees feel increasingly like cogs in a machine, losing motivation and the desire to innovate [6][9]. Group 3: Outsourcing and Job Security - The rise of outsourcing has created a work environment where job security and career advancement are compromised, particularly for contract workers [8][9]. - The trend towards outsourcing reflects a broader pattern of job market instability, reminiscent of practices seen in Japan [9]. Group 4: Education and Career Advancement - The effectiveness of education in transforming lives is declining as higher education becomes more accessible, leading to a saturation of qualified individuals in the job market [10][11]. - The perception that academic achievement guarantees career success is increasingly misleading, as many find themselves in precarious positions despite their qualifications [12][13]. Group 5: Social Mobility and Wealth Distribution - The advantages of wealth and resources are becoming more pronounced, leading to a society where social mobility is increasingly difficult for the less privileged [14][20]. - The commercial landscape remains fluid, allowing for potential upward mobility through entrepreneurship, but this path is fraught with challenges [15][19]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The future may see a coexistence of both inherited advantages and grassroots efforts, creating a bifurcated society where opportunities are unevenly distributed [18][21]. - Maintaining individuality and curiosity is essential for navigating a competitive landscape, as conformity can lead to stagnation [23][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist candidate for New York City mayor, who won the Democratic primary with a focus on wealth redistribution and addressing income inequality in the city [3][6]. Group 1: Wealth Tax Proposal - Mamdani proposes a 2% "wealth tax" on individuals earning over $1 million annually, which is expected to generate $3.7 to $4 billion in revenue for the city to fund public services like free transit and affordable housing [6]. - The number of millionaires in New York has increased by 36% over six years, while 25% of the city's residents live below the poverty line, highlighting the growing wealth gap [6][8]. Group 2: Political Reactions - Business leaders, including hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, have expressed strong opposition to Mamdani's tax proposals, warning that they could make New York less attractive for businesses [8][12]. - Former New York Governor David Paterson has called for a united front among other candidates to counter Mamdani's appeal to younger voters, emphasizing the need for pragmatic solutions [14][18]. Group 3: Election Dynamics - Current polls show Mamdani leading with 35% support, but his path to victory is complicated by potential splits within the Democratic Party, particularly from former Governor Cuomo, who may run as an independent [20][22]. - The upcoming mayoral election is framed as a choice between radical egalitarianism represented by Mamdani and the warnings from the business community about the economic consequences of increased taxation [22][24].

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government is implementing a nationwide social security fee, termed as "child-rearing support fund," to address the severe declining birth rate, rather than a tax specifically targeting single individuals [1][3]. Group 1: Population Crisis - Japan's birth rate has reached a historic low of 1.2, with only 758,600 births in 2023, significantly below the 2.1 needed to maintain population levels [1][3]. - The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research had predicted that the birth rate would fall below 760,000 by 2035, but this milestone was reached 12 years earlier than expected [1][3]. Group 2: Financial Implications - By 2028, the government plans to allocate 3.6 trillion yen annually for measures against declining birth rates, with 1 trillion yen sourced from the child-rearing support fund [3]. - The fee structure is income-based, with individuals earning 2 million yen paying 2,400 yen in 2026, increasing to 4,200 yen by 2028, while those earning over 10 million yen will pay 12,000 yen in 2026 and 19,800 yen in 2028 [3]. Group 3: Social Equity Concerns - The policy has sparked debates over social equity, as families with children can receive various subsidies, while single individuals or childless couples bear the financial burden without compensation [3][5]. - Over 60% of respondents oppose the policy, particularly younger individuals who feel it unfairly shifts the financial responsibility of child-rearing onto them [5]. Group 4: Structural Changes in Society - The lifelong unmarried rate has surged, with over 25% of men and nearly 20% of women choosing to remain single, reflecting a significant societal shift [5]. - Factors such as unstable income, high housing costs, and work pressure deter young people from marriage and childbearing, indicating that economic incentives alone may not suffice to encourage higher birth rates [5][6]. Group 5: Policy Implementation Challenges - The policy is viewed as a wealth redistribution mechanism, transferring resources from childless individuals to families with children, which may create adverse incentives [7]. - Concerns exist regarding the effective use of funds for child-rearing support and the potential for misuse or inefficiency in the implementation of the policy [7]. Group 6: Long-term Considerations - The policy may exacerbate societal divisions between single individuals and families, highlighting the tension between personal choice and collective societal interests [9]. - A comprehensive approach addressing systemic issues such as housing affordability, job stability, and educational burdens is essential for effectively tackling the declining birth rate [9].