all-Japanese-are-middle-class mentality
A socio-economic concept from the post-war period, describing the widespread belief that most Japanese people belong to the middle class. Often used critically to point out the illusion of a classless society.
The 'all-Japanese-are-middle-class' mentality spread during the period of high economic growth.
As inequality widens, it is said that the idea of a universally middle-class Japan is now nothing more than a myth.