- Title: Scroogenomics
- Author: Joel Waldfogel
- Genre: Economics
- Published: 2009 Oct (日本語版:11月)
- Japanese Book: Yes (プレゼントの経済学)
- Translator: Kaoru Yabano (矢羽野 薫)
Joel Waldfogel is a respected economist who wrote about consumer behaviour during the Christmas season. In his research, Waldfogel wrote various perspectives about outstanding consumption in the Christmas season. Shinichi, a bilingual writer, has a fondness for the Christmas season. In his childhood, he enjoyed receiving precious items. Nowadays, much information is abundant more than material possessions. For this reason, Shinichi borrowed the Japanese Edition of this book from the local library.
In chapter six, titled “Giving and Waste Around the World”, Waldfogel focuses on spending habits during Christmas in various countries or regions around the globe. For example, European and American countries tend to spend considerably. Conversely, Asian countries typically spend less than European and American. However, Japan creates a different atmosphere, like a commercial.
Shinichi, who has many acquaintances. One of them, a fortune-teller, told him that in 2020, the “Air Era” (風の時代) began with the onset of COVID-19. Some material possessions may be discarded. But a gift card, such as Amazon, would be useful for everyone as a present, similar to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This book was published in 2009, but Shinichi guessed it fits with current about Waldfogel’s opinions.
(194 words)