This book is a rarity in that it conducts a comparative study of life satisfaction between Japan and China over a wider area and time period, filling a gap in empirical research on life satisfaction. This study proposes that real disposable income exceeding $8,000 is an important signal of a shift in the pursuit of "spiritual wealth" from an emphasis on "material wealth" among the Chinese and Japanese. In particular, questionnaire surveys, one for all of Japan and one specifically for Kyoto City, were conducted on the impact of the global pandemic COVID-19 on life satisfaction, and it was found that the original "US$8,000" line has risen to "US$15,000".