Child poverty in Japan has remained around 13–15% from 2000 to 2021, with single-parent households showing higher rates (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2021). Poverty affects children not only financially but also in multiple areas, including education, health, and social life.
In education, children from low-income families often cannot attend cram schools or extracurricular activities, which can widen the learning gap. Limited access to digital devices and internet connections may also restrict online learning opportunities. These factors can influence future education and career options. In terms of health, children in poverty sometimes skip breakfast or rely on simple meals, which may lead to nutritional imbalances. Regular health check-ups or vaccinations may also be delayed, affecting physical growth and disease prevention.
Poverty also impacts children psychologically and socially. Economic stress at home and parents’ mental burden can cause children to feel isolated or lower their self-esteem. Limited opportunities to play or interact with friends can affect social development and emotional stability. Life restrictions and academic challenges may create a sense of inadequacy, known as feelings of insufficiency.
Feelings of insufficiency occur when children feel they cannot meet expectations or lack abilities. Excessive expectations, social comparisons, inequality, and prejudice can reinforce these feelings. Children may avoid challenges, suppress self-expression, or experience social isolation. Educational support, including positive feedback and small successes, can help strengthen self-confidence and reduce these negative feelings.
Children may also experience double-bind messages, where conflicting instructions or expectations create confusion. For example, they may be told to “speak up” but then criticized for their opinion, or asked to “try harder” while being given overwhelming tasks. Such experiences can increase feelings of inadequacy and make social relationships harder to develop, affecting long-term psychological growth.
In conclusion, child poverty in Japan is not only about living standards. It affects education, health, psychology, and social development. Schools and communities need to provide not only financial support but also psychological safety and opportunities to build self-confidence. Creating an environment where children in poverty can challenge themselves and maintain self-esteem is essential for their healthy growth and future success.