The Dark Side of Japan: The Lost Generation

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Understanding the Dark Side of Japan - The Lost Generation

Introduction:

Japan, known for its low crime rates, rich culture, and strong economy, also has a darker side known as the Lost Generation. This group comprises individuals who have been left behind by the rigid Japanese work culture and economic downturns, leading to isolation and challenges in finding stable employment and building a fulfilling life.

Step 1: Background on Japan's Economic Rise

1. In the 1980s, Japan was seen as the next economic superpower poised to overtake the United States.
2. The Japanese economic system relied on cooperation between large corporate alliances (keiretsu) and government support.
3. This system led to three decades of rapid economic growth, making Japan the second-largest economy in the world by 1991.

Step 2: The Bursting of the Economic Bubble

1. In the late 1980s, Japan experienced a speculative economic bubble where asset prices soared.
2. By 1990, the bubble burst, leading to a 43% drop in the stock market and a collapse in real estate prices.
3. Widespread corruption and the existence of zombie companies (kept afloat by cheap loans) were exposed.

Step 3: Impact on the Job Market and Lost Generation

1. Japan's rigid work culture emphasized lifetime employment and promotion from within (shushinkoyo and shanichoshen).
2. The economic crisis in the 1990s led to a freeze in hiring, leaving a generation of graduates without job opportunities.
3. Those who missed the chance to secure corporate jobs during this period became known as the Lost Generation.

Step 4: Consequences of the Lost Generation

1. The Lost Generation, comprising around 15% of the population, faces challenges in finding stable employment and building families.
2. Their absence from the job market contributes to Japan's aging population crisis and the rise of hikikomori (socially isolated individuals).

Step 5: Addressing the Issue

1. The Japanese government acknowledges the negative impacts of the Lost Generation and hikikomori on society and the economy.
2. Efforts are being made to reintegrate the Lost Generation and support those who have become socially isolated, but success has been limited due to the rigid work culture and economic challenges.

Conclusion:

Understanding the plight of Japan's Lost Generation sheds light on the complexities of its society and economy. Efforts to address the challenges faced by this group are crucial for the future well-being of Japan as a whole.

By following these steps, you can gain a deeper insight into the dark side of Japan and the struggles faced by the Lost Generation.