Japan, a wealthy nation with poor children. Need the community’s participation to resolve it.

Japan – a wealthy nation with poor children

Increasing numbers of young Japanese are existing below the poverty line and that the government should be doing more to tackle a problem with major implications for society.

Given its status as one of the wealthiest nations in the world and a reputation as a nurturing and caring society, Japan is not usually associated with poverty. But it is a growing problem here and the issue is causing particular concern when it impacts children.

Wealth Distribution and Income Inequality by Country 2018

Gfmag

Japan, with one of the highest GDP in the world, has a relatively small gap between rich & poor than in the US and the UK.

However, the new generation seems to be living in poverty.

Japan needs to address its child poverty problem

Asia.nikkei Oct. 2019

With a rapidly aging and declining population, human capital is one of Japan’s most precious resources. Yet despite Japan’s need to draw on every individual in the workforce, there is a section of the population whose potential is being overlooked: children in poverty.

However, additional resources from the government will add a burden to the existing payers. Community participation such as donation can help to generate extra resources.

Why do the Japanese make fewer charitable donations than people in other countries?

Japan Today Aug 2019

Donations are not Japan’s forte.

In 2016, charitable donations by individual Americans totaled 30 trillion yen – 1.44 percent of U.S. gross domestic product. Individual Japanese, that same year, donated 770 billion yen – 1/40 as much as Americans – or 0.14 percent of GDP – 1/10 the American ratio.

Why do the Japanese give so much less than Americans?

Religion, in the form of Christianity, plays a vital role in American society. Japanese entrepreneurs seem less inclined to philanthropy – whether because less generous, less guilt-ridden, or more committed to an ideal of self-reliance need not be settled here.

Community Crowdfunding for the youth

If the funding can be coming from cashback from merchants such as people eating out every day, buying out every day.

The mathematics:

As an example, GDP per capita for Japan is about US$ 47,608 per year https://data.worldbank.org
The assumed retail merchant network can cover all walks of life in Japan.
5% cashback will equate to 5% x US$ 47,608 =US$2,380 per year
Japan has a population of 125 million. If they all participate, it will generate cashback close to US$ 300 billion annually.