Heutzutage können sich weniger einkommensschwache Studierende in Japan ein Studium leisten, und die meisten Todai-Studenten kommen mittlerweile aus wohlhabenderen Familien. Folglich wissen weniger japanische Führungskräfte direkt, wie gewöhnliche Japaner leben.

>Consequently, fewer of Japan’s officials and business leaders have direct knowledge of how ordinary Japanese manage day-to-day living. That surely skews their view of which policies are wise. Nor does the country’s leadership get a much-needed infusion of fresh blood with fresh ideas. As in many other countries, the elite increasingly feels like a self-perpetuating caste.

Government officials being totally disconnected from the reality of the everyday lives of their constituents is more or less the status quo, is it not?

Reminds me of that time when Abe went on social media during the COVID-19 lockdowns, having tea, reading a book, and playing with his dog in an attempt to appeal to the masses, showing how *easy* it is to stay home.

Like, real great that that is an option for you and your class, Abe, but it is not for most others. I still had to go in. I still had to put myself at risk because I am *“an essential worker“* for the functioning of society.

The leaders are so out of touch with reality. They keep saying „get quality education so you could have a better future“ but how could ordinary students get education if they don’t have the resources for it. Getting a baito is a solution of course but come on, the time allotted for a work shift could have been used for studying.