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Yating Yang

A well-educated 38-year-old woman from Japan has been financially dependent on her parents for eight years and demands a monthly “star-chasing allowance” of 50,000 yen (US$340) to support her fan lifestyle.
Her 70-year-old father, identified as Yuichi, has two children and worked tirelessly in his youth, eventually becoming a director at a trading company.
He proudly sent both his children to prestigious universities. His income is unknown.
Although his 40-year-old son has long been financially independent, he continues to support his 38-year-old daughter, who has been unemployed for the past eight years.

She relies entirely on her parents for daily expenses, including food, clothing, and housing.
Her struggles reportedly began after graduating from university, when she faced repeated setbacks in her job search, having been rejected by all 100 companies to which she applied.
Although Yuichi initially helped her secure a position at a subsidiary of his trading company, she resigned shortly afterwards, saying she found the work “boring”.
She then bounced between jobs, and at one point encountered an exploitative employer who reportedly made her work such long hours that she had to sleep on cardboard in the office.
During that period, she began losing her hair, and she eventually attempted suicide due to extreme physical and mental exhaustion.

Over the years, her monthly income has never exceeded 100,000 yen (US$70).
Even when she attempted basic jobs, her strong sense of pride made it difficult for her to adapt, and she was dismissed quickly.
Her mother also tried arranging marriage introductions for her, but all 10 of the arranged dates ended in rejection.
At one point, she tearfully asked her parents: “Have I done everything wrong? Have I not tried my best to do what you told me to?”
The mother blamed her husband for their daughter’s situation, criticising him for being largely absent in her upbringing.
“Because you never said anything, we failed at parenting. Children are a reflection of their parenting,” she said.
Currently, the 38-year-old’s father covers her utility bills, insurance and even gives her a monthly “star-chasing allowance” of 50,000 yen to support her fandom activities.
“My daughter is obsessed with voice actors, and when I see her happily chatting about this with her mother, I feel like maybe everything is OK,” the father, who is still working, said.
“I want to prepare for her while I am still healthy. I still hope to leave something behind for my daughter. I am still working, purely out of a parent’s love.”

The family’s story, reported by Serai, highlights Japan’s so-called 8050 problem, a growing social issue in which people in their 50s remain financially dependent on their parents in their 80s.
The story has divided public opinion online.
One person said: “Truly a responsible father. We only chase idols by watching free clips on our phones.”
However, another online observer said: “A doting father ruins a daughter. This is the result, no sympathy!”
If you have suicidal thoughts or you know someone who does, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.


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People & Culture

Well-educated 38-year-old with fascination for actors suffers from emotional problems, cannot hold down a job


Well-educated 38-year-old with fascination for actors suffers from emotional problems, cannot hold down a job.


Japan

Ageing society

Japanese woman lives off parents for 8 years, demands monthly ‘star-chasing allowance’

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Well-educated 38-year-old with fascination for actors suffers from emotional problems, cannot hold down a job

Well-educated 38-year-old with fascination for actors suffers from emotional problems, cannot hold down a job