Men who were aggressively recruited by firms during the bubble economy in the latter half of the 1980s through the early '90s are now being scorned as "burdens" on society — a sharp contrast to their vigorous female peers, who are called "arafo," short for around 40.
The bubble-era graduates, now in their late 30s through late 40s, joined Japan Inc. after enjoying a carefree student life full of overseas trips and disco nights, and easily secured promises of jobs from big companies, as well as from the central and local governments.
Although there is apparently no clear difference in ability between this and other generations, the number of those belonging to the bubble generation who were recruited by firms is 2 1/2 to five times higher than those in their early 30s.