Japan's frugal housewives tighten their belts - most expensive restaurant dishes in the world

TOKYO (Reuters)-
Japanese housewives live a frugal life in one of the world's most expensive countries and are now cutting back on spending further as the economy falls into a situation that could be a long-term recession.
Of the 17 million housewives in Japan, many manage their family finances at their husband's salary, with an average of about 270,000 yen per month (
About 1,950 pounds)
It is already a struggle.
Consumer confidence fell sharply as layoffs spread.
Household spending, which accounts for more than half of the economy, fell by three.
8% in October, the vicious circle was triggered, and the retailer and risk will be hurt by more work.
Suzuki Asuka, 27, who lives with her husband on an island north of Hokkaido, said monthly food spending remained at 19,000 yen (140 pounds)
A month, about the third month of the national average, requires careful planning and discipline.
"I feel a little frustrated at times because I can't buy clothes, can't travel, and can't engage in any expensive hobbies," Suzuki said in an email . "mail interview.
"But I have a goal, that is to buy a house one day, so I have been working hard.
"Before starting food shopping, she searched the internet for bargains in all local supermarkets, counted what was in the refrigerator, and sorted out a menu every week.
Only then will she put the minimum amount of cash into her wallet.
No credit card
If the weather permits, she will go to the supermarket by bike.
Suzuki is just one of hundreds of housewives in Sutekina Okusan or cute wife magazine, which offers recipes and budget tips every month --
Consciously, from turning off the TV to saving electricity, to re-
Rinse rice with water.
Other suggestions include using old clothes as cushion covers and cartons as children's playrooms.
Food is the biggest expense for many Japanese families, and even the most frugal housewives often take pride in providing different food every night.
"At first, I was surprised," said Satoko Sugiki, editor of the magazine, who first met determined women who revealed their spending habits in the magazine.
"But it seems normal for someone to spend only 10,000 yen now (73 pounds)
Food for a month, though it's amazing when you think of it.
"A less careful shopper may spend more than 10,000 yen on a gift --
Melon wrapped in a high-end department store in Japan.
When shoppers refuse such a high price
Commodity prices rose and sales in department stores fell.
They fell nearly 7% year-on-year in October, the eighth consecutive month of decline.
Instead, shoppers go shopping in cheap shops.
In November, sales of Uniqlo, a discount clothing chain, increased by more than 30%.
"People shop where things are worth it.
But there are very few companies that benefit, "said Dairo Murata, a retail analyst at Credit Suisse in Tokyo.
The bookstore displays notebooks that record family accounts for a new generation of attentive consumers.
Although these frugal housewives save money, some experts say that as families become more difficult to pay for their expenses with a single income, many housewives may be forced to look for work outside their homes.
"Even if only 50,000 or 60,000 yen is paid per month, it will help ease the pressure on the family's budget," said financial reporter Haruko Ogiwara, who wrote several books on budget and savings. Full-
"Housewives of the times" is a luxury that Japan can no longer afford, she said.
"Even if it means that people can't keep detailed family accounts, they will still be better off.
However, with the recession, finding a job is easier said than done.
Suzuki says she wants to work part-time.
If she can find a job not far from home, it's time.
But for now, concerns about the possible consequences of the downturn are spurring new levels of thrift.
"I'm worried if my husband's company will go bankrupt," Suzuki said in an email . "
The email interviewed Reuters, referring to the food manufacturer her husband works.
"We don't have children now, but can we have children and raise them?
Will we have an old age without worries?
The couple reduced their leisure travel.
Suzuki cooks as much as possible.
Her dishes include soup and tofu for less than a dollar.
"My husband is very cooperative, so we are happy to save money," she said . ".
"I'm not very good at cooking, but he told me that what I offer is better than the restaurant, which helps me to keep going.
"At the end of each month, she will analyze the receipts and try to find weaknesses, but Suzuki admits that she still has a way to go before catching up with some frugal champions.
After browsing recent editions of "lovely wife", it was found that some people feed a family of four at a price of 10,000 yen per month.
While many of them say they like to find new ways to cut corners, thrift is more than just a hobby.
"At the end of the day, there are actually quite a few people in Japan who don't have much money," said the frugal book author Ogiwara . ".