Is it realistic to find a lunch option for as low as ¥500 (£2.60) per day in Tokyo, with its vast array of restaurants, many of which have Michelin stars? Will one have to settle for a repetitive and modest meal every day?
According to office workers in Tokyo who are facing financial difficulties, the answer is a definite yes.
For the past 20 years, Japan has been stuck in a cycle of deflation. However, due to the conflict in Ukraine, problems with supply chains, and the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Japan is now facing increasing prices. Although it has not experienced the extreme inflation seen in other major economies, households are still feeling the effects and have had to adjust their spending habits.
This results in less prosperous periods for countless sarariman, or male office workers who typically dine close to their workplaces during lunchtime, possibly reserving the majority of their monthly budget for mandatory post-work drinks with coworkers.
In 2021, there was a significant increase in the cost of imported beef, causing the popular gyudon chain Yoshinoya to raise the price of their regular-sized dish for the first time in seven years. This dish is a common choice for salarymen.
However, even with the current higher costs, one can still purchase the dish for the affordable price of ¥468.
Due to the fact that the third largest economy in the world is still struggling with a high cost of living, with over 30,000 food items experiencing price increases in the last year, it’s no wonder that being frugal is a top priority for many salaried individuals during lunchtime.
Last year, Lendex, a social lending service based in Tokyo, conducted a survey which revealed that almost half of employed men in their 20s to 50s spent less than ¥500 on lunch per day. This group included individuals who brought their own bento from home, as well as a significant number (22.6%) who opted for a cheaper “one-coin lunch” to sustain them until the afternoon.
A recent study conducted by Edenred’s Japan branch, a payment service company, revealed that approximately 40% of both male and female employees in office settings have cut back on their lunch spending. Additionally, nearly 70% reported refraining from indulging in their preferred meals in order to save money.
As a display of unity, the Guardian explored the streets of a specific area in the city during a typical work week. The goal was to eat at a new restaurant each day, without resorting to grocery store delis or convenience stores, which are often frequented by people during lunchtime.
The meals did not have enough fruits and vegetables, but they were still worth the cost as they included gyudon, a gyoza set lunch, ramen, soba noodles, and a Japanese curry.
Everyone met the requirement of being under ¥500, even with the addition of a 10% consumption tax. They were gracious enough to provide enough food to keep even the most enthusiastic eaters, including myself, satisfied until dinner.
Source: theguardian.com
