According to the 2023 Monthly Labor Statistics Survey (preliminary report, for 5 or more employees) released by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on February 6, real wages, which reflect price changes, were down 2.5% from the previous year. This is the second consecutive year of negative figures. Although people are excited about high wage increases during the spring labor unions, living standards are actually on the decline due to the force of rising prices. Even if wages double, if prices triple, the standard of living will fall. It may contribute to an increase in GDP of Japan, but can this really be called economic growth? In my eyes, it only seems like inequality is being exacerbated. (Kei)