Delaying a new hobby due to cost? You're not alone!

If you've been thinking about starting a new hobby in Japan lately, you're apparently far from alone. The problem, though, is that rising prices may be making many people hesitate before taking the plunge.

A new survey from the Circular Economy Research Institute, operated by Mercari, found that more than 66% of people in Japan feel that inflation and rising living costs are affecting their willingness to start something new.

It's probably a feeling many expats here on City-Cost (myself included!) can relate to. Between rising grocery prices, utility bills, and the overall cost of daily life creeping upward, I think hobbies and self-improvement can sometimes start feeling like "maybe later" expenses rather than things to worry about in the here and now.

According to the survey, the biggest barriers weren't just financial ones. Many respondents also worried they wouldn't stick with a new hobby, or simply wouldn't have enough time to justify the investment. The most popular things people wanted to start included language study and qualifications, sports and fitness, and cooking or home gardening.

One of the survey's more interesting findings was the growing reliance on secondhand shopping when trying something new. Mercari users were more likely to have started a new hobby or activity within the past year, with many saying buying used items helped lower the pressure and upfront cost.

That said, it's also worth remembering who conducted the survey. Since Mercari is one of Japan's biggest secondhand marketplace apps, the focus on reuse and buying pre-owned items aligns with the company's business model. Still, for many people living in Japan, it's a pretty practical approach!

When it comes to starting new hobbies, do you buy new items, opt for secondhand, or are you avoiding starting new hobbies at all right now?