Japan's growing mortgages lift household debt above income

Younger families hit hard, with many having no plan for higher payments

20241021N tokyo residential area for mortgage story

Japanese housing prices are on the rise, especially in high-demand areas like central Tokyo. (Photo by Mizuho Miyazaki)

DAISUKE HORI, Nikkei deputy editor

TOKYO -- Japan's household debt is outpacing income amid surging home prices, raising concern about the ability of borrowers to keep up with payments as the Bank of Japan considers further rate increases.

Liabilities held by households of two or more averaged 6.55 million yen ($43,500) in 2023, topping the average annual income of 6.42 million yen for the first time in data going back to 2002, according to the internal affairs ministry's Family Income and Expenditure Survey.

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