People in Japan are becoming less and less happy

In several international surveys, it has been noted that the level of happiness of people in Japan is relatively low . A recent study by Professor Kazuma Sato (佐藤一磨) of Takushoku University revealed that the percentage of Japanese who consider themselves happy has decreased by 13% over the past 13 years . In addition, another study highlighted that children's happiness is also at low levels.

Japan is a prosperous nation, being the fourth largest economy in the world. Citizens enjoy high levels of health, safety, and a rich culture , including anime, manga, and video games. However, problems such as slow post-bubble economic growth, population decline due to low birth rates and aging, increased natural disasters, and persistent gender inequality negatively impact the perception of happiness .

According to an Ipsos survey, which included 2,000 Japanese people between the ages of 16 and 74, happiness in Japan has been on a downward trend since 2011 . In international comparison, Japan ranks third lowest among the 30 countries surveyed in 2024 .

This trend is also reflected in children and young people . A UNICEF study in 2020 showed that Japanese children's life satisfaction is the second lowest among the countries evaluated , and their suicide rate is above average. Additionally, Japanese children have difficulty making friends, which can affect their happiness .

Another study by Japan's Cabinet Office revealed that Japanese youth have the lowest self-esteem compared to their international peers . Less than half of them feel satisfied with themselves or acknowledge having positive qualities.

Despite its economic prosperity and quality of life, Japan faces a conundrum: why aren't its citizens so happy? Professor Yukiko Uchida (内田由紀子) of Kyoto University suggests that the “average orientation” of the Japanese could be a factor . This tendency to compare oneself with others and seek to be “on par” can limit the perception of happiness.

Japan, despite its economic achievements and advances in various aspects of daily life, faces a significant challenge in terms of the perception of happiness of its citizens. It is crucial to foster a mindset that values individuality more and social comparison less . In a world where social networks magnify the successes of others, learning to measure happiness with a personal scale could be a key to improving general well-being in Japan .

" I guess we've gotten too used to peace ."
" It's because they impose a lot of unreasonable standards in compulsory education and do not value the individuality of children ."
« When Mexico occupies second place in happiness, it has no credibility .»
« If taxes are levied and politicians waste money everywhere, it is not surprising that Japan becomes poorer and the level of happiness drops. It is not fair that the money wasted by politicians is not paid for by the politicians themselves. It is obvious that the number of poor people decreases year after year. Japanese politicians are the most corrupt .
" It's because people give importance to titles and faces, and because the culture of perception works in the wrong direction, giving the impression that you can't say what you think ."
« Happiness has different forms for each person. Simply having a rich economy does not necessarily lead directly to happiness. In this era of subcultures, there is no end to what you can ask for .
" It's just self-perception, so it's not surprising that Japanese people who don't like exaggerated appeals score low ."
" I've heard that the rich live comfortably in Japan, but when you think about working, the pay is low and it stinks ."
« Japan and South Korea are still your neighbors. And what the hell does Hungary have that surpasses them? ».
« So this country not only makes its children unhappy, but also chooses to make itself unhappy. That's terrible ".
« The Japanese who have been smiling and inventing smiles in real life and storing their resentment. The result is a world that is a condensation of the raw human underbelly. Here, the unhappiest people are the strongest. The display of unhappiness never ceases .