主要先進国のエンゲル係数比較、日本は最悪！
エンゲル係数 日本圧迫：日本経済新聞
消費支出に占める食費の割合「エンゲル係数」（総合2面きょうのことば）が日本で急伸し、主要7カ国（G7）で首位となっている。身近な食材が値上がりし、負担が家計に重くのしかかる。実質賃金が伸び悩むなかで仕事と家事の両立に課題を抱える共働き世帯は、家事の時短のため割高な総菜など中食への依存が強まる。支出に占める食費の割合が高くなりやすい高齢者の急増も係数急伸の背景だ。生活の質の劣化が懸念される。
有料記事なので全文は紹介できないが、重要な箇所は伝えたいと思う。まず、日本のエンゲル係数は、G7で最悪（最も数値が高い）であることは客観的な事実である。これは、日本は食品の多くを輸入に頼り、過度な円安によるものが大きいと考えられる。また、消費税も10パーセント（店で買って持ち帰る場合は8パーセント）であり、比較的高い。
日本: 8%（軽減税率）
アメリカ: 州によって異なるが、多くの州で食品は非課税または軽減税率
イギリス: 0%（ゼロ税率）
ドイツ: 7%（軽減税率）
フランス: 5.5%（軽減税率）
イタリア: 4%（軽減税率）
カナダ: 0%（ゼロ税率）
ちなみに、エンゲル係数が最も低いのはアメリカである。しかし、アメリカの場合は、医療や家賃が高いため、エンゲル係数が低いから庶民の生活が楽であるというのは間違いだ。エンゲル係数だけでは、庶民生活を推計することはできない。
とはいえ、日本のエンゲル係数が先進国で最悪レベルなのは非常にまずい。庶民は食費だけで大変であり、贅沢する余裕もない。だから、観光や高級飲食店、衣服、書籍などは節約せざるをえないだろう。日本は内需（特に家計消費）がGDPの最大項目だ。家計消費がダメージを受けるのは好ましくない。アメリカは関税を上げるので、輸出による経済成長は期待できないだろう。
English essay by AI
The Engel Coefficient in Japan: A Cause for Concern
The Engel coefficient, representing the proportion of household spending allocated to food, has become a troubling indicator for Japan. Recent statistics show that Japan's Engel coefficient is the highest among the G7 nations, reflecting a significant strain on household finances. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including rising food prices, a weak yen, and societal changes. This essay explores the underlying reasons and the broader implications of Japan’s escalating Engel coefficient.
Key Drivers Behind the Surge
Japan’s dependence on food imports is a fundamental issue. A depreciating yen has increased the cost of imported goods, including staple food items, making everyday meals more expensive. Compounding this issue is Japan's relatively high consumption tax, which stands at 10% for most items, with an 8% reduced rate for take-home food. In contrast, many G7 nations, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, either exempt food from taxation or impose significantly lower rates.
Changing lifestyles also play a role. In dual-income households, the demand for convenient, pre-prepared meals has risen, driving up expenditures on "ready-to-eat" foods. Additionally, Japan's aging population, with its unique consumption patterns, contributes to the higher Engel coefficient. Seniors, who often spend a larger share of their income on food, represent an increasing portion of the population.
Limitations of the Engel Coefficient
While the Engel coefficient is a useful measure, it is not an all-encompassing indicator of living standards. For example, the United States boasts the lowest Engel coefficient among the G7, but this does not equate to a higher quality of life. In the U.S., other costs, such as healthcare and housing, are disproportionately high, placing significant financial burdens on households. Therefore, the Engel coefficient should be interpreted within the broader context of overall living expenses.
Implications for Japan’s Economy
Japan's high Engel coefficient signals a troubling trend for its domestic economy. Household consumption, a critical driver of Japan's GDP, suffers when families allocate a growing share of their income to basic necessities like food. This leaves less room for discretionary spending on items like travel, luxury dining, clothing, and books, which are vital for economic growth.
Moreover, with global trade becoming increasingly challenging due to protectionist policies in key markets like the United States, Japan cannot rely solely on exports to fuel its economy. Strengthening domestic consumption, therefore, becomes imperative.
The Path Forward
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Policymakers should consider measures to alleviate the financial burden on households. Reducing the consumption tax on food or subsidizing basic food items could provide immediate relief. Additionally, wage growth must keep pace with rising living costs to ensure that households have sufficient disposable income. Finally, fostering local food production to reduce reliance on imports could help stabilize prices and mitigate the effects of currency fluctuations.
Conclusion
Japan's high Engel coefficient underscores the financial challenges faced by its households and reflects deeper economic vulnerabilities. While the coefficient alone does not capture the entirety of living standards, its rise highlights the need for targeted interventions. By addressing wage stagnation, consumption taxes, and food import dependence, Japan can mitigate the strain on household budgets and revitalize its domestic economy. Only through such measures can Japan ensure a more stable and prosperous future for its citizens.