Inflation is increasingly reshaping daily life for young people in Japan, with higher food costs forcing many to rethink how much — and how often — they eat. A recent survey suggests that rising grocery prices are placing particular strain on those at the early stages of their working lives.
According to research conducted by DxP, a nonprofit organization based in Osaka that supports vulnerable youth, more than three-quarters of respondents reported that their monthly food spending has increased compared with the previous year. For many, these higher costs have not been matched by equivalent growth in income, leaving less room in already tight budgets.
The survey highlights troubling coping strategies. Some young people said they had begun cutting back on meals or reducing portion sizes to manage expenses. Others reported relying on cheaper, less nutritious food options, raising concerns about long-term health impacts as well as financial stress.
The findings are based on a November survey of users of DxP’s consultation service, which operates through the Line messaging app. While thousands of people were contacted, several hundred provided valid responses. The average age of respondents was just over 21, underscoring how early inflationary pressures are being felt among students, part-time workers, and those in entry-level jobs.
DxP said the results point to a growing gap between living costs and the financial resources available to young people. Many in this age group have limited savings, unstable employment, or are still completing their education, making them especially vulnerable to price increases in essential goods such as food.
Experts note that while inflation affects households across all age groups, young adults often have fewer safety nets and less access to support systems. Rising food prices can therefore have outsized effects, influencing not only diet and health but also mental well-being and future economic prospects.
The nonprofit has called for greater awareness of the issue and stronger support measures for young people struggling with basic living costs. As inflation remains a persistent challenge, the survey serves as a reminder that its impact is not evenly distributed — and that Japan’s younger generation may be paying a particularly high price.