© Bloomberg
The result partly reflects the consumption tax hike from 5 percent to 8 percent in April last year, the ministry said. The previous record high was 61.5 percent in July 2011.
The proportion of households having "severe difficulty" in living came to 29.7 percent, and 32.7 percent said their financial conditions are "somewhat difficult."
Meanwhile, 34.0 percent said their living is "normal." The proportion of households which said they are "somewhat well-off" stood at 3.2 percent, and 0.4 percent said they are "very well-off."
The survey also showed that the average household income in 2013 fell ¥83,000, or 1.5 percent, from the preceding year to ¥5,289,000, the fourth-lowest level since comparable data became available in 1985. The fall is partly due to an increase in nonregular employees, according to the ministry.
The average income fell 2.8 percent to ¥3,005,000 at elderly households, consisting only of people aged 65 or over, or of elderly people and children under 18.
The average income at all households with children under 18 increased 3.4 percent to ¥6,963,000.
As of June 2014, the number of households in Japan was estimated at about 50,431,000, the ministry said. Elderly households accounted for a record high of 24.2 percent, while households with children fell to 22.6 percent, an all-time low.
The average number of children and members per household both dropped to record lows as well, at 1.69 and 2.49, respectively.
The survey was conducted in June-July 2014. Valid responses were given by about 47,000 households for questions related to the family composition and by 7,000 households as to questions on income.
Source: Jiji
Survey conducted in June/July 2014? So, by now that number has increased too what? 65% or more? Not everyone in Japan works in the financial markets or its affliated parties, like politics, govt propaganda offices et al. And this is the same pattern/policy we here in the States are following, as it's been so successful over there in Japan, or so we've been told.... Hmmmm... so is it time to visit the ATM before the line forms? Seems so, if you haven't already.... and before that option has expired.