[freetime2]

I agree that functioning social systems and reduced inequality seem to have a huge positive impact on quality of life compared to the US. In addition to health care (which you mentioned), the quality of public schools also seems to be much better on average than in the US. And unlike in the US, where the quality of schools can vary dramatically by the neighborhood you live in (i.e. Palo Alto vs. East Palo Alto in the Bay Area), the quality is fairly consistent between richer areas and poorer areas.

Houses are also much more affordable to own in Japan. Interest rates are around 1%. Tokyo is doing a good job of keeping up with demand, and a single family home in Tokyo can be purchased for under $500k compared to millions of dollars in SF or NY.

These things matter when it comes to contentment. I may not be rich, but I can own my own home, my kids can get a good education, crime is very low, we don't have to worry about going bankrupt if we have a medical emergency, there are amazing public parks nearby that I can visit, good service wherever I ago, etc.