hidden poverty; poverty despite high income
Refers to a situation where a person or household appears well-off due to a high income but actually struggles financially because of high expenses, debt, or other obligations.
Even with high incomes, more households are falling into hidden poverty due to mortgages and education costs.
Despite his high annual income, he is in hidden poverty and has almost no savings.
Compound of 隠れ (hidden) and 貧困 (poverty). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged in modern socio-economic discourse to describe a phenomenon where outward affluence masks financial struggle.