Grok answer-- No, not at all — people with mortgages in Japan are not "screwed" by the BOJ's ongoing policy normalization, including the widely expected rate hike this week (December 18-19, 2025) from 0.50% to 0.75%. Here's why, based on the current situation: Rates remain historically very low. Even after the hike to 0.75%, Japan's policy rate will be at a level not seen in ~30 years, but it's still far below rates in most developed economies (e.g., US Fed funds rate is much higher). Mortgage rates in Japan are tied to this: variable rates (the most common) are currently around 0.7-1%, and fixed rates around 1.5-2%. A 0.25% policy hike typically translates to a smaller increase in actual mortgage rates. Impact on borrowers is modest. Past hikes (e.g., January 2025 from 0.25% to 0.50%) added only about ¥8,000 (~$50-55 USD) per month to the average mortgage payment. The upcoming hike is expected to have a similar small effect. For a typical ¥30-40 million loan, monthly payments might rise by a few thousand yen — noticeable but not devastating, especially with ongoing strong wage growth (2025-2026 shunto negotiations are expected to deliver solid increases again due to labor shortages). Most mortgages are variable-rate, which is why people choose them in Japan (around 70-75% of new loans). Banks often apply rules like the "5-year rule" (payments don't adjust immediately) and "125% rule" (caps on how much payments can rise at once), plus any excess interest can accrue and be paid later. This buffers sharp shocks. Fixed-rate options exist if you're worried — many are hybrid (fixed for 3-10 years, then variable) or full fixed (e.g., Flat 35 government-backed loans around 2-3.5% for long terms). Broader context: The BOJ is normalizing gradually to sustain 2% inflation and wage growth, which benefits households overall (higher wages offset higher borrowing costs). Real rates are still negative or near-zero, so borrowing remains cheap by global/historical standards. The X post you referenced is focused on global carry trade unwinds and crypto/stock market risks from a stronger yen/higher Japanese rates — that's a macro/financial markets story, not a household mortgage crisis. Japanese homeowners have lived with ultra-low rates for decades; a slow move toward "normal" (maybe 1-1.5% policy rate over years) is manageable, not apocalyptic. If you have a specific mortgage (e.g., variable vs fixed, remaining term), the impact could vary — but broadly, no one is getting "screwed."