Over 90% of Poor Families in Japan Unable to Provide Proper Meals for Children

TOKYO — More than 90% of low-income households in Japan are struggling to provide adequate food for their children as soaring prices and stagnant wages deepen the country’s food insecurity crisis, according to a new survey.

The report, released last week by international NGO Save the Children, revealed that nearly 60% of these households have reduced or completely stopped purchasing staple items such as rice due to rising costs.

The nationwide survey, conducted in June, covered 7,850 households — representing around 14,000 children. Findings showed that families with monthly incomes of about 112,200 yen (US$760) for a two-member household (typically a single parent and child) and 151,000 yen for a family of four were the hardest hit.

The study highlights the severe challenges faced by low-income families in maintaining balanced diets for their children amid Japan’s ongoing economic strain. Child rights groups are now urging the government to step up welfare support and expand food assistance programs to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable children.