I think you are right about shrinkflation, not just since covid but it's been going on for decades. Not only in goods but also in services. You can still pay for quality, though, although of course that price tends to track actual inflation. (by my reckoning goods have doubled in price in the last 10 years)

Dash_1971

bitcoin

Introduction to the Bitcoin only scene in Japan. 

I highly agree with many points you mentioned. Just food, I may be to picky compared to you, but the corona virus money led to a sudden highly felt shrinkflation (almonds imported from Vietnam, nattô with worst beans, no plastic bags given in conbinis, etc the list doesn't end).
Yet, are may country where we have the best beaches in the world (Okinawa) and at good ski courses (Nagano and Hokkaido)?

I left Japan since April to travel in Asia, and in every country I go, there is always a moment when I feel like Bruce Lee ("it is better in Hong Kong") and am thinking this and that was better in Japan.