Top 3 Ways Japanese Salarymen Spend Money
In today’s fast-paced Japan, salarymen juggle various financial responsibilities amidst their demanding daily schedules. Beyond working long hours from early morning to late at night, they allocate funds to support their families, maintain social connections, and find moments to unwind. Recognizing this, AirTrip Corp., the operator of the travel platform AirTrip, conducted a comprehensive survey of 843 individuals aged from their teens to their 70s. The survey delves into the items people were happy to spend money on and those they regretted purchasing.
This article takes a closer look at the top three expenses that particularly define the spending habits of Japanese salarymen, offering insights into their financial priorities and lifestyle choices.
Top Spending Habits Among Salarymen
- Drinks
- Hobbies
- Lunch
1. Drinks
The top expense for many salarymen is drinking, a staple of after-work culture in Japan. Sharing a drink with colleagues or superiors serves as more than relaxation; it’s a vital avenue for strengthening interpersonal relationships and fostering camaraderie. These social gatherings often go beyond unwinding, as they can spark fresh ideas, build trust, and even open doors to new business opportunities. However, the downside of frequent outings lies in the potential toll on both health and finances. To strike a balance, it’s wise to establish personal boundaries, such as limiting outings to once a week or setting a fixed monthly budget, ensuring the benefits of this tradition are enjoyed without unnecessary drawbacks.
Tip to Save Money
- Avoid Attending After-Parties: While it can be tempting to join colleagues for additional rounds at multiple bars, these spontaneous decisions can quickly inflate your expenses. Skipping after-parties helps keep your spending in check and ensures you’ll feel better the next day. Prioritizing an earlier return home can balance socializing with self-care.
2. Hobbies
Next on the list is the expense of hobbies, which play an important role in offering respite from the pressures of daily life. Engaging in activities such as sports, music, cinema, reading, or travel provides relaxation and a sense of spiritual fulfillment. For example, avid cyclists often invest in high-end road bikes and equipment for their weekend rides, while music enthusiasts attend concerts and live performances to recharge through these immersive experiences. By dedicating time and money to their passions, individuals can alleviate stress, boosting their mental well-being and productivity at work.
However, indulging in hobbies can also strain personal finances if not carefully managed. To prevent overspending, it’s crucial to establish a clear budget for leisure activities and stick to it. Setting monthly spending limits on hobbies can help keep costs in check. Additionally, exploring free or more affordable alternatives can provide the same enriching experiences without compromising your financial goals.
3. Lunch
Finally, there is the expense of lunch, which is an essential part of the day for most salarymen. According to the 2019 Salarymen's Pocket Money Survey by Shinsei Bank Ltd, the most common choice among male office workers is bringing a homemade lunchbox (34.0%), followed by purchasing lunchboxes from convenience stores or supermarkets (23.6%), dining at company canteens (18.4%), and eating out (16.1%). Lunchtime offers a valuable opportunity to recharge, and a nourishing meal can provide the energy needed to power through the rest of the day. For many, it represents a small, enjoyable luxury.
There are many ways to strike a balance between enjoyment and cost-efficiency when it comes to lunch. Bringing a packed lunch from home saves money and allows you to control the nutritional value of your meals. For example, using leftovers from dinner to prepare a simple, yet satisfying lunch is an easy way to cut costs while reducing food waste. On occasion, it’s also worthwhile to treat yourself to a meal out, especially when the workday demands a break or a change of pace. By managing lunchtime expenses with a thoughtful approach, salarymen can enjoy a fulfilling and balanced midday break that supports both their health and their wallet. With a little creativity, it’s possible to turn lunchtime into a satisfying, revitalizing, and cost-effective part of the day.
Tip to Save Money
- Prepare Your Own Lunch: Opting to cook and pack your lunch is a practical way to cut down on daily food expenses significantly. This habit is particularly beneficial for those seeking to maintain a healthier lifestyle while avoiding the higher prices associated with meals from convenience stores and restaurants.
Conclusion
The top three categories where salarymen allocate their pocket money are drinks, hobbies, and lunch. These expenditures help to alleviate work-related stress and enrich daily life, offering a necessary balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. Thoughtful management of these expenses allows individuals to enjoy the pleasures of socializing, pursuing personal interests, and savoring daily meals, while still maintaining financial discipline.
Striking a balance between enjoying life’s small luxuries and adhering to a budget is a way for salarymen to enhance their overall quality of life while supporting their health, and steadily increase their savings for a more secure future. This mindful approach to spending fosters both immediate satisfaction and long-term financial stability.
