What are Japanese workers cutting when funds are tight?

Since City-Cost is an expat focused blog that often zones in on cost of living issues, I thought this press release that I read today was super interesting. A company called Bizhits surveyed 500 working adults in Japan about what they cut out of their budgets when extra spending money is low, and these were the results. 

1. Eating Out (36%)

No real surprises here. When funds are low, Japanese workers are ditching things like their lunch dates and after-work drinking sessions. I think that’s something that rings true no matter where you’re from…when prices go up, people retreat to their home kitchens.

2. Snacks (23.6%)

Japanese sweets and seasonal snacks are something I succumb to regularly, but the survey showed many locals are surprisingly good at self-restraint when funds are tight. Honestly, I probably could take a leaf out of this book, both for my waistline and my wallet.

3. Fashion (10.8%)

The survey revealed a strong trend: people tend to delay purchases that don't meet an immediate need. Fashion is definitely an area I'm personally spending less on, opting to re-wear things rather than feel I need to be keeping up with all the trending styles.

Some of the other categories were alcohol, other drinks (e.g. coffees), and beauty items. Even daily food items made the cut, with one respondent saying they skip breakfast and just drink coffee at their workplace.

What is the first thing to go for you when finances are tight?

Survey conducted by Biz Hits Career Blog