TOKYO: People in need are calling for a swift expansion of government support as political parties vow economic measures including efforts for future wage hikes in their campaigns for Sunday’s election for Japan’s House of Representatives.

Many people are suffering from rising prices while wages have not risen much.

About 700 people stood in a line near the Tokyo metropolitan government building in Shinjuku Ward earlier this month to receive food from the Moyai Support Center for Independent Living.

Previously, people who came for food “were mostly rough sleepers,” said Ren Onishi, head of the Shinjuku nonprofit, which has distributed food every week since 2020. Now “we see more people who earn money but have difficulty making ends meet.”

“There isn’t enough support for people who are close to living on welfare,” Onishi said.

Those in the long line for food included Yusuke Shigaki, who is now looking for work. “I started working after graduating from high school but life has gradually become difficult,” said the 29-year-old Setagaya Ward resident.

“Prices for things like rice and coffee are higher every time I buy them,” he said. “I’m barely sustaining my life. I can’t think about saving money or getting married.”

A 60-year-old unemployed man from Toshima Ward in the same line has lived on welfare since quitting his job because of illness.

“Food costs and heating and lighting expenses are rising but welfare benefits aren’t,” he said. “Welfare policy has been put on the back burner. The government is turning a blind eye to poverty.”

Life is also tough for families supported by single parents.

A female company worker in her 30s raising a child of junior high school age in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Akita did not have people to turn to after getting divorced.

She could not get enough work when the child was younger and even ate grass.

Her income has stabilized but her family is still in economic distress as she receives less government support while being burdened by higher living costs and tax.

“I hope (the government) ensures sufficient livelihoods and education for children,” she said.

According to a survey conducted in May and June on households getting support from Kidsdoor, a Tokyo nonprofit providing support to single-mother families and others, 98 pct of about 1,800 respondents said their livelihoods had become difficult in the past year.

Kidsdoor head Yumiko Watanabe said there are people who will be left behind if the government only helps low-income households.

“I want the government to give top priority to policies that help all children,” she said.

JIJI Press