[Survey on Inflation and New Hobbies] Over 60% Hinder New Hobbies Due to Rising Prices. Hurdles are 'Initial Costs' and 'Anxiety of Quitting Soon'. The Key is 'Trialing via Reuse First'.

The Circular Economy Research Institute, operated by Mercari, Inc., conducted a 'Survey on Rising Prices and New Hobbies/Lessons' targeting 1,030 men and women in their 20s to 60s nationwide (515 general respondents and 515 Mercari users).

### Background of the Survey As the bustle of the new fiscal year settles down, this is a season when people's motivation for new challenges increases. On the other hand, the increase in living costs due to recent inflation may be raising economic and psychological hurdles for starting something new. Mercari is currently airing a TV commercial 'If you want to start something new, start with Mercari'. In supporting people taking a new step, we conducted a survey on the desire to 'start something new' and the factors blocking it.

### Survey Summary 1. 66.3% reported feeling an impact on starting new things due to concerns about rising prices and living expenses. 2. 54.0% answered they currently have something they want to try. Top 3 items: 1st 'Qualification, language, or IT skill study' (35.3%), 2nd 'Sports/Fitness' (34.2%), 3rd 'Cooking/Home Gardening' (28.4%). 3. Top 3 hurdles for starting: 1st 'Anxiety about whether it will last' (44.6%), 2nd 'Initial cost' (41.4%), tied 2nd 'Unable to secure time' (41.4%). 4. 36.5% of Mercari users started something new within the last year, which is 7.0 percentage points higher than the general survey. 5. 74.6% of Mercari users have purchased necessary items on Mercari when starting something new. Top reasons for using Mercari: 1st 'To reduce initial costs' (66.9%), 2nd 'Can resell on Mercari if it doesn't fit' (27.9%), 3rd 'Wanted a "trial" with used goods first' (18.2%).

### Survey Details - **Impact of Inflation**: 66.3% feel inflation acts as a brake on self-investment and motivation. 31.3% said they feel it 'strongly'. - **Desire vs. Anxiety**: While over 50% want to start new things for 'enriching life' and 'self-growth' (especially among those in their 20s), many are caught between motivation and financial anxiety. - **Psychological Barriers**: Beyond cost, the fear of 'giving up quickly' is a major psychological barrier. Using reused goods to lower the barrier for a 'trial' is emerging as a solution to bridge the gap between desire and reality.