Sony Assurance Inc. (President: Takayuki Suzuki, Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "Sony Assurance") conducted a survey on the actual situation of allowances and the factors behind their increase or decrease compared to last year, targeting 400 individuals aged 20s to 50s nationwide who are homeowners and receive an allowance. (Note 1).

Despite summer bonus levels rising for the fifth consecutive year and maintaining a high level, a significant 84.5% of respondents answered that their "allowance has not increased." The overall monthly average allowance was "28,517 yen," a decrease of 452 yen compared to the previous year (2025) figure of 28,969 yen.

Note 1: In this survey, "allowance system" refers to a system where a fixed amount of money is allocated each month for personal discretionary spending from household finances.

2026 Summer Bonuses Remain High, While Household Financial Defense Awareness Increases

According to the "Survey on Settlement Levels of Summer Bonuses and Lump-Sum Payments (Bonuses) for 2026" (Note 2) by the General Incorporated Foundation Labor and Administration Research Institute, which surveyed companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime, the average amount across 113 companies in all industries was "881,915 yen," marking a continuous increase for the fifth consecutive year and maintaining a high level. This represents a 2.5% (Note 3) increase compared to the same period in 2025.

However, currently, due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East (risks of logistics disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, etc.) and unstable currency fluctuations, there have been successive "intermittent price increases" in various items, including energy and food. Although bonuses have increased, the rise in living costs is placing a greater burden. As a result, despite the rising summer bonus levels, a substantial 84.5% reported that their "allowance has not increased," highlighting the gap between bonus levels and the increase in personal discretionary funds.

Note 2: General Incorporated Foundation Labor and Administration Research Institute, "Survey on Settlement Levels of Summer Bonuses and Lump-Sum Payments (Bonuses) for 2026 for Companies Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime"

https://www.rosei.or.jp/attach/labo/research/pdf/000090852.pdf

Note 3: This is a year-on-year comparison, calculated based on the growth rate of the same companies that can be compared to the previous year among the companies surveyed each year.

Survey Results Summary

1 Summer Bonuses Increase for the 5th Consecutive Year, but 84.5% Report "No Allowance Increase"

- In 2026, 84.5% of respondents answered that their allowance "remained the same (69.3%)" or "decreased (15.3%)," totaling 84.5% who reported "no increase." Only 15.5% reported an increase.

- The average increase for those whose allowance increased was "10,958 yen," while the average decrease for those whose allowance decreased was "13,189 yen," indicating that the decrease was larger.

- The summer bonus level in 2026 was 881,915 yen, an increase from 846,021 yen in 2024, marking a continuous rise. On the other hand, the average allowance, after increasing to 28,969 yen in 2025, decreased to 28,517 yen in 2026 (a year-on-year change of -452 yen).

2 "Increased Living Expenses Due to Price Hikes" is the Top Reason for Allowance Reduction

- When asked about the reasons for a decrease in allowance, the top reason cited by those whose allowance decreased (61 people) was "Increased living expenses due to price hikes, etc. (52.5%)," accounting for over half of the responses. This was followed by "Decrease in primary job income (31.1%)" and "Decrease in secondary income from investments, etc. (11.5%)."

- When asked about satisfaction with their current allowance amount, 31.8% of respondents felt it was "insufficient," with "very insufficient (11.8%)" and "somewhat insufficient (20.0%)." The largest proportion, 36.8%, responded "cannot say either way."

3 Top Item for Price Increase Realization: "Gasoline." Daily Necessities Rank High

- The item for which price increases were most keenly felt was "Gasoline (53.5%)," with over half of respondents selecting it.

- This was followed by "Daily necessities (47.0%)," "Eggs (44.0%)," "Sweets/Desserts (43.0%)," and "Rice (41.5%)."

4 Bonus Usage: "Savings" and "Supplementing Living Expenses" Remain Top Choices, Continuing Previous Year's Trend

- The most common use for the 2026 summer bonus was "Savings (38.0%)," followed by "Supplementing living expenses (27.5%)," "Domestic travel (26.3%)," "Asset management (19.8%)," "Hobbies/Leisure (17.5%)," and "Repayment of loans, etc. (15.5%)."

- "Savings," "supplementing living expenses," and "repayment of loans, etc.," which are considered "prudent uses," remained at the top, continuing the trend from the previous year.

5 Over 60% Feel the Need to Review Fixed Costs, Yet Approx. 60% Have Not Regularly Reviewed Their Fire Insurance

- When asked if they felt the need to review "fixed costs" such as insurance premiums and communication fees, 67.8% responded positively, with "feel the need (25.3%)" and "somewhat feel the need (42.5%)."

- On the other hand, regarding fire insurance, approximately 60% (60.5%) answered that they "do not regularly review their fire insurance." This indicates a situation where, despite feeling the need to review fixed costs, the review is not always sufficiently carried out.

* Proportions are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not always be 100%.

[2026 Summer Bonus & Allowance Survey] Detailed Survey Report

1 Summer Bonuses Increase for the 5th Consecutive Year, but 84.5% Report "No Allowance Increase"

In 2026, 84.5% of respondents reported "no increase" in their allowance compared to the previous year, and the overall average amount decreased by a further 452 yen from last year's 28,969 yen to 28,517 yen. Furthermore, combining "significantly decreased (3.0%)," "somewhat decreased (12.3%)," and "remained the same (69.3%)," it was revealed that 84.5% of people did not see an increase in their allowance compared to the previous year.

The trend where the average decrease for those whose allowance decreased (13,189 yen) was larger than the average increase for those whose allowance increased (10,958 yen) has continued from last year (Note 4). Comparing by gender, men's allowance (30,350 yen) was higher than women's (26,684 yen), but in terms of year-on-year change, men's allowance decreased by 2,547 yen, while women's allowance increased by 1,644 yen.

Note 4: Sony Assurance Inc., "Sony Assurance 2025 Summer Bonus & Allowance Survey"

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000046.000063966.html

Comparing data over the past three years, summer bonus levels have continuously increased from 846,021 yen in 2024, steadily rising to 881,915 yen in 2026. On the other hand, the average allowance, after increasing to 28,969 yen in 2025, turned to a decrease in 2026 to 28,517 yen (a year-on-year change of -452 yen).

Despite news of wage increases and a rising trend in bonuses, this has not been reflected in allowance amounts. This situation suggests the direct impact of prolonged price hikes and rising living costs.

2 "Increased Living Expenses Due to Price Hikes" is the Top Reason for Allowance Reduction

When asked about the reasons for a decrease in allowance, the top reason cited by those whose allowance decreased (61 people) was "Increased living expenses due to price hikes, etc. (52.5%)," accounting for over half of the responses. This was followed by "Decrease in primary job income (31.1%)" and "Decrease in secondary income from investments, etc. (11.5%)." Against the backdrop of rising living costs and changes in income environments, 31.8% of respondents felt their current allowance was "insufficient," with "very insufficient (11.8%)" and "somewhat insufficient (20.0%)." The largest proportion, as in the previous year, was "cannot say either way (36.8%)."

3 Top Item for Price Increase Realization: "Gasoline." Daily Necessities Rank High

The item for which price increases were most keenly felt was "Gasoline (53.5%)," ranking first. The results suggest that global crude oil price surges, stemming from the risk of closure and escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, are impacting Japanese prices and straining household budgets. This was followed by "Daily necessities (47.0%)," "Eggs (44.0%)," "Sweets/Desserts (43.0%)," and "Rice (41.5%)," with daily necessities like household goods, eggs, and rice, which are difficult to cut back on, ranking high.

Furthermore, "Electricity (37.0%)," an essential utility, also ranked eighth, indicating the direct burden of rising energy prices on household finances.

4 Bonus Usage: "Savings" and "Supplementing Living Expenses" Remain Top Choices, Continuing Previous Year's Trend

The most common use for the 2026 summer bonus was "Savings (38.0%)," followed by "Supplementing living expenses (27.5%)," "Domestic travel (26.3%)," "Asset management (New NISA, etc.) (19.8%)," and "Hobbies/Leisure (17.5%)." Compared to the previous year, although points decreased slightly, "choices to protect household finances" occupied the top two positions. On the other hand, the increase in points for "Domestic travel" (26.3%) at third place and "Asset management" (19.8%) at fourth place compared to the previous year suggests that, even amidst continued price increases, people not only want to cut back but also "want to spend on what's necessary and also use funds for future growth."

To secure such funds, it will become increasingly important not just to curb daily living expenses but also to review fixed costs that form the basis of household finances.

5 Over 60% Feel the Need to Review Fixed Costs, Yet Approx. 60% Have Not Regularly Reviewed Their Fire Insurance

Amidst ongoing price increases, when asked if they felt the need to review "fixed costs" such as insurance premiums and communication fees, 67.8% of people felt the necessity, with "feel the need (25.3%)" and "somewhat feel the need (42.5%)." However, when asked about "fire insurance review," approximately 60% (60.5%) responded that they "do not regularly review their fire insurance." This highlights the current situation where consumers, while mentally aware of the need to reduce fixed costs, are not adequately reviewing their fire insurance.

[Survey Overview: Sony Assurance 2026 Summer Bonus & Allowance Survey]

Survey Target: Individuals receiving an allowance, who are homeowners and have fire insurance.

Sample Size: 400 men and women aged 20s to 50s.

Survey Method: Internet survey.

Survey Period: May 22, 2026 - May 26, 2026.

Commentary by Financial Planner Kaori Shimizu

According to a survey by the General Incorporated Foundation Labor and Administration Research Institute (Note 1), the average summer bonus in 2026 was approximately 880,000 yen, marking a continuous increase for the fifth consecutive year. On the other hand, against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East and prolonged yen depreciation, price increases for daily necessities such as gasoline, daily goods, and food have continued. This allowance survey revealed that even with increased bonuses, few people experienced an increase in their discretionary allowance due to the heavy burden of living expenses caused by price hikes. This suggests a common sentiment of "not feeling the increase in bonuses."

What to Do to Increase Your Allowance

Household finances consist of "income" and "expenditure." Even if income increases, if expenditures also increase, the money remaining in hand will not grow. Conversely, with the same income, if expenditures are reduced, discretionary funds will increase. To increase your allowance and truly feel the benefits of a bonus increase, the starting point is to understand your "net income" and "expenditures" over the past year. Even if you haven't kept a household ledger, there are relatively easy ways to grasp your current situation.

Annual net income is calculated as "Gross Income - (Social Insurance Premiums + Income Tax + Resident Tax)." Since the net income amount is not listed on your withholding statement, you need to calculate it yourself. First, gather the "Income Amount (= Gross Annual Income)" and "Social Insurance Premium Amount" from last year's withholding statement, the "Withholding Tax Amount (Income Tax Amount)," and the "Special Collection Tax Amount" from your resident tax notice, and perform the above calculation.

Once you have determined last year's net income, the next step is to understand how much you spent over the year. Even without a household ledger, you can estimate your total annual expenditures by subtracting the amount saved over the past year from your net income. The amount saved corresponds to the increase in your savings account balance, etc. After determining your annual expenditure, check what you spent money on and how much. With the spread of cashless payments, expenditure details are relatively easy to track. Review your credit card statements and code payment transaction records to organize how you spent money over the year. If your income and expenses don't balance, there might be "unaccounted expenses." Unremembered expenditures may include overlooked items and are points to consider when reviewing your household finances.

Once you have grasped the current situation, analyze your income and expenditures. Looking at the flow of money over a year can reveal unexpected expenditures or expenses that can be reduced. If your expenditures are optimized, you may be able to increase your allowance next year.

Points for Household Financial Review

Fixed costs are said to have a significant impact on reducing expenditures. It is advisable to focus particularly on communication fees and insurance premiums. Communication fees have now become a new fixed cost. Mobile phones, landlines, internet fees, cable TV, and video streaming service subscriptions can add up to a considerable expense. Switching your mobile phone to a low-cost SIM or reducing subscriptions are ways to cut costs.

Insurance includes life insurance, medical insurance, auto insurance, and fire insurance. Life insurance, taken out to protect the family's livelihood, may change in necessity once children are independent or loans are paid off. Review it at the appropriate time. Medical insurance complements public medical insurance benefits, and a rational insurance plan based on public medical insurance coverage can help reduce premiums.

For auto insurance, if you have a one-year contract, you have an annual opportunity to review it. Obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare coverage and premiums.

Fire Insurance Review

Fire insurance claim payouts are increasing due to the rise in natural disasters. Additionally, the increase in construction costs has raised the amount required to rebuild homes, which may necessitate a review of fire insurance coverage. Against this backdrop, fire insurance premiums are on an upward trend, increasing the burden on household finances.

When reviewing fire insurance, it is important to recognize that fire insurance is a policy to prepare for the serious risk of losing one's living foundation. It is necessary to secure coverage that reliably covers the disaster risks that could occur in your residential area. To do this, ensure your contract has the necessary coverage after checking the latest hazard maps provided by your local government. Avoid reducing essential coverage simply because the premiums seem high.

Even without reducing coverage, it is possible to lower premiums through how you contract. Premiums can be reduced by choosing a long-term contract of up to five years and paying the premiums in a lump sum. Furthermore, in recent years, fire insurance premiums are set by each company based on their unique risk assessments, meaning premiums can differ even for the same building depending on the insurance company. It is recommended to obtain quotes from multiple companies and compare coverage and premiums.

Kaori Shimizu

Representative, FP & Social Welfare Office Office Shimizu / Director, Life Design School Crew

A financial planner and social worker. Engaged in life design advice based on social security, welfare, and private resources from the perspective of household financial crisis management. In addition to consulting services for the general public, she is active in writing, lectures for companies, municipalities, and consumer cooperatives, and has numerous TV and radio appearances. Author of many books, including "It's Okay Even If You Have Zero Savings, Zero Knowledge, and Zero Savings! New Ways to Spend Money to Prepare for the "What Ifs" (Shogakukan Creative)."

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey結果