¡°All people shall have the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living.¡±

That is what Article 25 of Japan¡¯s Constitution says.

But as the coronavirus scourge continues to wreak havoc on the economy, the burden is unduly falling on so-called nonregular workers whose employment is unstable. The government has emphasized the role of ¡°self-reliance,¡± but voices are rising that those who can barely make ends meet are being left behind.