Photo/Illutration Kanegon, third from left, poses with two other “monsters” from the “Ultra Q” television drama series during a ceremony for the Tokyo International Film Festival in the capital’s Minato Ward in October 2019. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Kanegon is a “kaiju” (monster) that eats money. With his large, zippered mouth, he gleefully devours 10-yen and 100-yen coins.

He has to get through a certain amount each day to stay alive. For some reason, the sum turns out to be 3,520 yen ($22.89), according to a book.

This strange creature debuted on the “Ultra Q” television drama series in 1966.

Based on the consumer price index, 3,520 yen back then would have been equivalent to around 15,000 yen today. I’m afraid Kanegon must work really hard to feed himself properly.

The government is poised to raise Japan’s minimum wage by a uniform 50 yen across the nation--the highest on record--to bring the national average to 1,054 yen per hour.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says this is a “powerful raise.” Is it really?

Many people are struggling with soaring prices. To make their lives any easier, a much bigger hike is needed.

Of course, I am not so naive as to think that all will be well if the minimum wage keeps growing.

On the contrary, any sudden increase would hit small- and medium-size businesses really hard, and there is a limit to how much can be passed onto their client companies and consumers.

Still, Japan’s minimum wage is definitely too low by global standards, and something needs to be done about that.

At 1,054 yen an hour, Kanegon will earn only a little more than half of 15,000 yen, even if he puts in eight solid hours of work.

To escape starvation, Kanegon has two choices: One, to act like a real kaiju and refuse to work, or two, to leave Japan. Because of the weak yen at present, there are many developed countries where he can earn almost twice as much as in Japan.

I picture Kanegon departing from Narita Airport. I sense an unmistakable air of melancholy emanating from his back.

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 27

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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