About 953,000 households, or 1.8% of Japan’s total, can be classified as affluent—with savings, property and other assets valued at ¥100–500 million. In addition, some 54,000 households worth more than ¥500 million account for the rarefied 0.1% super-affluent sector of society. Their lifestyles and spending patterns, in sharp contrast with those of the hoi polloi, are eagerly studied by marketers seeking to meet their demands.
So reports the tabloid Nikkan Gendai—which ran a five-part series on wealth in Japan during the week commencing 10 October—have been eagerly studied. The Nomura Research Institute has calculated that, as of 2013, the average household comprised 2.49 individuals, meaning that roughly 2.5mn people in Japan have financial assets of at least ¥100 million.
“Those who are born into affluence are quite different from the nouveau riche and have little interest in items such as Chanel or Hermès brand goods”, said journalist Yuta Nakamori. “Their lifestyles are rather modest and they may reside in a rented condominium. They accumulate savings and don’t really perceive themselves as being wealthy”.
Hiroshi Mikitani, the Rakuten Ichiba shopping portal founder, whose wealth is estimated at over ¥1 trillion, has been ranked the world’s 19th richest person. Mikitani drives a Mercedes-Maybach valued at ¥40 million.
“Mikitani bought a golf course in Gunma Prefecture through a holding company and built an expansive home next to the 18th hole”, according to a source in the financial industry. “Susumu Fujita, founder and president of Cyber Agent, Inc. owns a place nearby. Tadashi Yanai of Fast Retailing (holding firm of Uniqlo) is also said to considering purchasing a course in Hawaii. The affluent are never far from the golf scene, it seems”.
Not surprisingly, the affluent also enjoy the privileges of top-quality medical care. For a joining fee of ¥2.34 million, and an annual charge of ¥540,000, they can become members of the Grand Himedic Club, which has ties to the University of Tokyo Hospital and other top-rated medical facilities.
In the final instalment, Nikkan Gendai noticed that one of the easiest ways to move up into the moneyed class is through marriage to a member thereof. Noting that, over the past half century, the number of women attending medical school has roughly doubled in Japan, the tabloid observed that female physicians court the sons of the wealthy at organised matchmaking parties.
FAQs
About 953,000 households, or 1.8% of Japan's total, can be classified as affluent—with savings, property and other assets valued at ¥100–500 million. In addition, some 54,000 households worth more than ¥500 million account for the rarefied 0.1% super-affluent sector of society.
What percentage of Japanese are rich? ›
Adults with 100 thousand to one million U.S. dollars in wealth made up around 53 percent of the Japanese population in 2020, while the second largest share of people were worth between 10,000 and 100,000 dollars. Together, these groups accounted for approximately 86 percent of the population.
How much yen is considered rich in Japan? ›
The most common answer for the amount of annual income the respondents considered would make them "rich" was "10 million yen (around $70,000) or more," at 41.4%.
What is the top 1% wealth in Japan? ›
Japan meanwhile comes across as a little more egalitarian, with $2 million in assets being the entry ticket to the 1% club and the group holding 19% of wealth.
How many millionaires are there in Japan? ›
Countries with the Most Millionaires:
Japan - 3.36M millionaires.
What percent of Japan is upper class? ›
Perception of social status in Japan in 2019
| Characteristic | Share of respondents |
|---|
| Upper class | 1.5% |
| Upper middle class | 15% |
| Lower middle class | 42.2% |
| Working class | 26.4% |
2 more rowsOct 13, 2020
at ¥100mn of financial assets. 29% of Japanese HNW households have financial assets of ¥500mn or more. In the global wealth management market, 57% of households have over US$5mn of investment assets and 34% have over US$30mn (Figure 1).
Is $50,000 yen enough for a week in Japan? ›
Spending Money for Longer Trips to Japan
Whether you're planning to spend the duration in one city or you'd like to get further afield, we recommend the following spending money for one week in Japan: Budget trip: ¥55,000. Mid-range trip: ¥135,000. Luxury trip: ¥340,000.
What is a livable salary in Japan? ›
Recent data from SalaryExplorer shows that the average salary in Japan in 2024 is approximately ¥ 516,000 per month, about ¥ 6,200,000 annually. For a single-working professional, around a minimum of ¥ 200,000 per month may be required to cover the basic living expenses.
What is considered a high income in Japan? ›
The average monthly salary in Japan is around 515,000 Japanese yen. Salaries can range from a low average of 130,000 yen to a high average of 2,300,000 yen.
Let's have a look at some of the highest paying jobs in Japan for 2022:
- Executive Management. ...
- IT Professional. ...
- Business Analyst. ...
- Doctor. ...
- Engineer. ...
- Translator/Interpreter. ...
- Lawyer. ...
- Banker. Many people are drawn to banking as it can be quite a lucrative career no matter where you are.
The average salary in Japan is 6,200,000 Japanese Yen (JPY) or 39818 USD per year in 2024 (as per the exchange rate in May 2024). In this article, we'll explore further details surrounding the average salary in Japan and the factors that influence it.
What is the richest family in Japan? ›
Embark on an enriching exploration of Japan's dynamic billionaire landscape, where visionaries from diverse industries shape economic prosperity. Tadashi Yanai & family, leads as the 1st in Japan, with $39.11B in Fashion & Retail sector.
How rich is the average person in Japan? ›
In Japan, the average household net wealth is estimated at USD 294 735, lower than the OECD average of USD 323 960. For more information on estimates and years of reference, see FAQ section and BLI database.
Is Japan mostly poor middle class or wealthy? ›
An astonishing fact: 92 percent of Japanese consider themselves middle-class, according to a labor ministry report published in 2019.
What city in Japan is wealthy? ›
Minato Ward, Tokyo's crown jewel, hosts the most exclusive residences for Japan's wealthiest individuals. Home to CEOs and corporate executives like Hiroshi Mikitani (Rakuten), Takashi Okuda (Suntory Holdings), and Masayoshi Son (SoftBank Group), Minato Ward is a haven for high-powered professionals.
What percentage of Japan is in poverty? ›
Poverty rate Japan 1994-2021
In 2021, the poverty rate in Japan was 15.4 percent. The rate has been on a downward trend since it peaked in 2012 at 16.1 percent. The poverty rate refers to the ratio of the number of people whose income is less than half the median household income of the total population.
What is the average wealth in Japan? ›
In Japan, the average household net wealth is estimated at USD 294 735, lower than the OECD average of USD 323 960.
What is the top 1% of the world? ›
In the U.S., it may take you $5.81 million to be in the top 1%, but it takes a minimum net worth of $30 million to be considered among the ultra-high net worth crowd. As of the end of 2023, this ultra-high net worth population is on the rise, reaching 626,000 globally, up from just over 600,000 a year earlier.
Is Japan wealthy or poor? ›
Despite being one of the world's richest nations, Japan has one of the highest rates of child poverty among the world's wealthy countries, with one in every seven children living in poverty. About half of single-parent households live below the poverty line.
