The State of Career Choice Amid Rising Prices: Insights from SAMURAI

The Survey on Career Choice in the High-Price Era by SAMURAI

Samurai Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, has recently conducted a survey analyzing how rising costs are affecting career choices in Japan. The survey involved 300 working men and women from various demographics across the country, focusing on the influence of inflation on their income and career decisions.

Key Findings

- Stable Salaries in the Face of Inflation: Over 66% of participants reported that their salaries have not changed in the past year, while 17% experienced a salary decrease and only 16% saw an increase. This indicates a significant stagnation in wages as the cost of living continues to rise.
- Growing Anxiety but Inaction: Approximately 62% expressed increased anxiety regarding their financial situation due to inflation. However, only 30% of respondents took action to address these concerns, leaving 70% inactive. This highlights a troubling trend where uncertainty leads to inaction even amid rising costs.
- Age Related Inertia: The survey revealed that older participants are increasingly resistant to change, with 60% of respondents in their 30s, 66% in their 40s, and 73% in their 50s indicating they were not taking any action toward career advancement. This phenomenon is attributed to a “status quo bias,” where older individuals feel it is too late to make significant changes in their careers.
- Doubts about the Effectiveness of Actions Taken: A notable reason for their inaction is that many individuals feel uncertain whether their efforts would lead to increased income, with 40% of respondents stating they did not know if their actions would be fruitful. In addition, many cited a lack of clarity on what steps to take, contributing to a paralyzing sense of confusion.
- Demand for Practical Skills: The skills that workers expressed interest in developing were predominantly in areas linked to income improvement. Language skills were sought by 38%, while IT and management skills followed closely behind at 33% each. This underscores the increasing value placed on tangible skills that can provide direct benefits in the job market. The IT sector, in particular, is anticipated to face a significant talent shortage by 2030, making these skills even more sought after.

Background of the Survey

The survey was conducted via a web-based questionnaire and targeted working individuals aged 20 to 60. It took place over three days from June 20-22, 2025, and yielded 300 valid responses.

The Role of SAMURAI in Addressing These Challenges

Given the current landscape where many express apprehension over financial stability yet hesitate to act, SAMURAI aims to provide a supportive environment that fosters skill acquisition. The company offers a subscription-based service called “Samurai Terakoya,” focused on online learning in programming, marketing, design, and more. This platform is designed to be accessible and flexible, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.

Moreover, the services provided aim not just for knowledge acquisition but also for concrete career opportunities, such as side jobs or clever transitions into new roles, emphasizing actionable outcomes. By making learning accessible and relevant, SAMURAI is creating pathways for individuals to convert their apprehension into proactive measures that can lead to a more secure financial future.

In a society that constantly evolves, having skills is a powerful tool to transform uncertainty into preparedness. SAMURAI is committed to fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to select their career path through continuous learning and action.

For more details on their offerings, you can visit Samurai Terakoya and Samurai Engineer.