A majority of Japanese think the country's economy is worsening due to slumping consumer spending and stagnant wage increases, according to results of a nationwide poll published Sunday by local newspapers.
In the survey conducted Nov. 5 and 6, 58 percent said they think the economy is faltering, up 15.0 percentage points from the previous survey in June last year, while 38 percent believe the economy is improving, according to the online versions of the daily Saga Shimbun and Chugoku Shimbun.
Stagnant wages and bonuses were cited by 31 percent of respondents, followed by 27 percent who said "consumer spending is not growing."
Among those who iew the economy as getting better, "an improvement of employment" was the most frequently given reason, cited by 30 percent.
Middle-aged and elderly people tended to see the economy as worsening, while young respondents were more optimistic.
Asked if they are hopeful of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Abenomics economic policy mix, 47 percent said yes and 51 percent said no.
The survey targeted 3,000 people aged 18 and nationwide. Completed replies were received from 1,740 or 58 percent. Among the respondents, 48 percent were men and 52 percent women.
The survey was conducted by a nationwide opinion poll body organized by Kyodo News and its member newspapers.