Rethinking summer travel, taking on extra work is the new reality for many in Japan

I think for most of us living here in Japan, rising prices have become impossible to ignore. Inflation is forcing folks to rethink how they spend, save, and even earn, and a new survey from Gokinjo Work suggests that these pressures are also reshaping how people approach summer holidays. Many are choosing to cut back on travel, while also looking for new ways to boost their income.

The survey of 487 registered workers found that around 90% feel the impact of rising prices, with respondents almost evenly split between reducing expenses and finding ways to earn more. Saving money on groceries and daily necessities ranked as the most common cost-cutting measure, while taking on side jobs or part-time work came a close second. 

Summer travel is one of the biggest areas where households are tightening their budgets, and that doesn't surprise me at all. More than twice as many respondents planned to reduce spending on travel, leisure, and trips to visit family than those intending to keep their holiday budget unchanged. Others said they were reconsidering travel plans altogether or choosing to stay closer to home during the Obon period.

At the same time, many people are looking to make the most of their free hours. Nearly 60% of respondents said they had either already arranged or were considering working during July and August to supplement their income. Covering everyday expenses such as food and utility bills was the biggest motivation, followed by making productive use of spare time and increasing savings.

One particularly interesting trend was the growing interest in flexible, short-term work while travelling or visiting family. Many respondents said they'd consider taking on nearby jobs during their stay to help offset transportation and travel costs. 

Have you been cutting down on travel or perhaps trying to find ways to make a bit of extra cash?