Over 90% of Okinawa Parents Say Life Has Become Harder Due to Soaring Prices

NAHA, May 27 (News On Japan) - More than 90% of parents of elementary and junior high school students in Okinawa say their lives have become more difficult, according to a 2024 survey on child poverty conducted by the prefecture. The results highlight how rising prices are putting serious pressure on households raising children.

The survey, known as the Okinawa Children’s Survey, is conducted by the prefectural government to guide policy for tackling child poverty. First launched in 2015, this was the fourth time it was conducted and the first in three years.

More than 90% of respondents said inflation had worsened their household situation, with the burden felt most heavily among lower-income groups. Roughly 30% said they had been unable to afford food due to financial constraints. Among economically disadvantaged second-year junior high school students, 58.2% reported such experiences—up 9.5 percentage points from the 2015 survey.

Ryoichi Yamano, a professor at Okinawa University, said, "The sharp rise in prices, especially food costs, is having a major impact—particularly on low-income families."

Based on the findings, the prefectural government plans to step up support for households raising children.

Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

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