May 2, 2026
Akahata ‘current’ column
“I have a job, but with prices so high that it’s difficult to make ends meet,” said a young person waiting in line for public food distribution in Tokyo. Even with a job, life is not getting any easier for many people.
It is estimated that there are now 8.9 million non-regular workers in Japan, many of whom are struggling to make a living despite having a job. Poverty and inequality have widened over the last 30 years, often called the “Lost 30 Years”. Compounded by a wave of price hikes and oil shortages caused by the U.S. attack on Iran, ordinary people are finding it increasingly difficult to make a living.
“Ms Prime Minister, please take a look at this situation,” pleaded another person waiting for the government-sponsored food distribution. Yet, PM Takaichi is turning her back on wage increases for workers in Japan while praising U.S. President Trump to the skies. Furthermore, she is attempting to expand the discretionary work system, which allows for the imposition of long working hours and is a breeding ground for death from overwork or “karoshi”.
American workers, 140 years ago, went on strike and marched in demonstrations demanding an 8-hour workday. This is the origin of May Day.
In Europe, the “7-hour workday and 4-day workweek” are gaining ground, and policies where wages are maintained even as working hours are reduced are said to be becoming mainstream. Apparently, there are countries where workers can “save up” overtime hours, such as those worked on public holidays or outside regular hours, and can use them for paid leave.
In Japan today, the rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. The government should impose a fair share of the tax burden on the wealthy and large corporations, and prioritize supporting people’s livelihoods over military expansion.
“I have a job, but with prices so high that it’s difficult to make ends meet,” said a young person waiting in line for public food distribution in Tokyo. Even with a job, life is not getting any easier for many people.
It is estimated that there are now 8.9 million non-regular workers in Japan, many of whom are struggling to make a living despite having a job. Poverty and inequality have widened over the last 30 years, often called the “Lost 30 Years”. Compounded by a wave of price hikes and oil shortages caused by the U.S. attack on Iran, ordinary people are finding it increasingly difficult to make a living.
“Ms Prime Minister, please take a look at this situation,” pleaded another person waiting for the government-sponsored food distribution. Yet, PM Takaichi is turning her back on wage increases for workers in Japan while praising U.S. President Trump to the skies. Furthermore, she is attempting to expand the discretionary work system, which allows for the imposition of long working hours and is a breeding ground for death from overwork or “karoshi”.
American workers, 140 years ago, went on strike and marched in demonstrations demanding an 8-hour workday. This is the origin of May Day.
In Europe, the “7-hour workday and 4-day workweek” are gaining ground, and policies where wages are maintained even as working hours are reduced are said to be becoming mainstream. Apparently, there are countries where workers can “save up” overtime hours, such as those worked on public holidays or outside regular hours, and can use them for paid leave.
In Japan today, the rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. The government should impose a fair share of the tax burden on the wealthy and large corporations, and prioritize supporting people’s livelihoods over military expansion.
