Why Did COLA Go Down In Japan?

Someone was searching this on the website.. If you know please provide them answers.

From what I've heard, part of the reason was because they predicted the strength of the dollar against yen to go up. But they did this right before the Holidays, and it wasn't just a few bucks difference, so it kicked everyone below the belt. And the difference of $ to yen has changed a little but not THAT much...

But if I'm wrong about this, please correct me... I don't like being uninformed, lol.

Survey done annually. Your off-base expenditures compared to your on-base expenditures.

Computation of COLA amounts based on survey results result in a formula, based on your actual family size and the determined COLA rate after survey is compiled.

Computation formula changes every-time there is an exchange rate change (plus/minus) of "?". Example, and ONLY an example (not the real figures)... original formula computed at 97 yen to the dollar. A change of 5 yen, either to 102 or 92, would result in a change to the formula thereby increasing/decreasing the amount of COLA paid. The actual numbers might be 5 yen, 7, 10... or whatever.

It's been this way for years.

And.... everyone who discards that survey, especially if they EVER shop off-base.... is at fault.

Ah, I figured the rest had to do with the survey, thank you Loki. I hope everyone filled out theirs this year! >:|

How much did it drop?   I know it varries, but I had heard it had been hovering around $1500, is that accurate?  Does everyone get the same amount, or does family size influence it? Trying to prepare myself for what to expect when we get there next month.  Thanks

Chancie,
Follow this link to find out what your COLA will be, once you arrive in Yoko. To save you some time, the locality code for Yoko is JA061.

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/pe...cform.html

Thanks hoff. Good info with the link. You can also use the search and type "Cola".
www.japanbases.com