Group 1 - Major cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen are experiencing a stark contrast between luxury real estate and impoverished areas, with a housing price-to-income ratio reaching 100:1 in core urban areas [3][5] - The phenomenon of luxury homes coexisting with slums is a result of distorted real estate development, where high land prices are passed on to urban villages, creating a cycle of wealth extraction from affluent areas and poverty creation in others [3][5] Group 2 - Despite lowering household registration barriers to attract talent, major cities are witnessing accelerated population outflows, with Shanghai losing 72,000 residents in 2024, while the number of incoming residents decreased by 238,000 [5][6] - Contributing factors to this trend include stagnant income growth, high living costs, and a decline in blue-collar job opportunities due to manufacturing relocation and layoffs in the financial sector [6][8] Group 3 - Retail dynamics have shifted dramatically, with luxury stores seeing a significant drop in foot traffic, while discount stores thrive, exemplified by a 35% drop in average transaction value for LVMH in China, despite a 20% increase in purchase frequency [8][12] - The increase in foreclosed properties by 35% in 2024 indicates a collapse of wealth effects, pushing the middle class to cut spending and downgrade their consumption habits [9][12] Group 4 - The widening wealth gap is attributed to certain interest groups capturing most of the urban development benefits, while the relocation of manufacturing has deprived ordinary workers of upward mobility [12] - High operational costs are driving businesses away from urban centers, with vacancy rates in office buildings in Shenzhen exceeding 30% [12][14]

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].