Contrary to public opinion, Europeans actually live better than the Japanese

It is not a comparison between the top tier of Europe vs. Japan, but rather
assuming an average level in Europe,
firstly, the income itself is higher in Europe than in Japan.
Both sides are taxed heavily.
However, in Europe, a lot of it comes back in the form of welfare.
In Japan, it is used for debt repayment, earthquake recovery costs, and reinforcing infrastructure for earthquake preparedness.
(Though elderly welfare is still good)
Since Europe has France, a food factory where farming goes well, if we assume people cook at home instead of eating out,
it is cheaper than Japan.
However, this assumes one has the ability to find full-time employment. There are more unemployed people in Europe than you might think.
Economic indicators are not nonsense. Japan's GDP per capita is low, and some say GDP is no longer a meaningful indicator,
but in all indicators such as purchasing power and disposable income, Japan is at the bottom among developed nations.