80% of Japan's struggling families in tougher situation: survey

A Kidsdoor official has called on the government to create a system in which people can raise children with a sense of security, amid pledges by political parties to tackle inflation in the lead-up to the July 20 election for the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of Japan's parliament.

The survey was conducted online from late May to early June, covering 3,227 households including single-parent families and others registered for a Kidsdoor aid project.

Valid responses came from 2,033 households, or 63 pct.

Respondents saying that their household finances have become much worse than a year before accounted for 82 pct of the total, while 17 pct said finances have become somewhat worse, highlighting tougher economic conditions due to persisting inflation.

Fully 90 pct said that food expenses have increased, with 27 pct of children and 81 pct of parents saying that the amount of food they eat has decreased.

The survey also asked about specific food items lacking in meals due to economic reasons.

Over 90 pct mentioned rice, whose prices have spiked, with 64 pct saying they very much lack the staple and 29 pct said they somewhat lack it.

In a free comment section of the survey, one respondent complained of tough conditions as "many things such as foods and electricity bills are expensive," while another said, "We're cutting costs by reducing the frequency of bathing and eating."

"I sometimes can't make bento lunch boxes for my child because (rice) is too expensive," a respondent said.

Kidsdoor head Yumiko Watanabe argued that Japan should not leave alone families struggling so much that they cannot eat properly.

In the Upper House race, the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito has pledged to hand out 20,000 yen per citizen as well as an additional 20,000 yen to adults in resident tax-exempt households and all children.

"Redistributive measures providing generous aid for children who don't have adequate food, clothing and housing are needed, not uniform handouts," Watanabe said.