Japan's dual-income households face economic and social pressures

Dual-income households in Japan, often referred to as ‘power couples’ or ‘power families,’ face significant economic and social pressures despite high combined earnings. While these households may have a combined income exceeding 10 million or 15 million yen, rising prices and the necessity of dual employment to maintain a standard of living are reducing real disposable income.

Reports indicate that for households with workers, real disposable income has seen a year-on-year decrease of 1.7% when adjusted for inflation. This economic reality often forces parents to balance demanding careers with intensive childcare and household management, frequently leading to exhaustion and interpersonal tension.

Social friction also arises from generational gaps. Older generations, often living on pensions, may offer advice—such as suggesting a spouse focus solely on homemaking—that fails to account for the modern economic necessity of dual incomes and the high costs of urban living and education.