Marcus Bennett

From Los Angeles, based in Tokyo · Tokyo Decoded editorial team

Originally from Los Angeles. Marcus tracks the vocabulary of money that emerges on US social platforms — loud budgeting, soft saving, no-buy — before it lands in Japan. He also handles the site's visuals and edits the English edition so both languages make the same argument.

TikTok money trends
Gen Z consumer culture
Deinfluencing
English edition & visuals

Articles by Marcus Bennett · 6

Empty wallet, notebook and green tea on desk

Money & AI2026.07.27

No-Buy 2026 Mid-Year Reset: Rebuild Your Challenge with Systems, Not Willpower

Failed your No-Buy year? July is the reset point. 44% of Americans are trying it—here's how to rebuild.

Money & AI2026.07.20

Money Dysmorphia: Why 43% of Gen Z Feel Broke Even When They Aren't

Enough savings, endless anxiety. Inside the SNS-fueled distortion of how we see our own money—and how to reset.

A hand gently placing a single coin into a glass jar in soft morning light

Money & AI2026.07.10

Soft Saving: Why 73% of Gen Z Prioritize Today Over Retirement

73% of US Gen Z say today's quality of life beats retirement savings, per Intuit. Meet Soft Saving—frugality that doesn't sacrifice you—seen through Japan's saving traditions.

A notebook and coins on a table, a quiet morning of reviewing finances

Money & AI2026.07.06

Loud Budgeting: The US Trend Changing How We Talk About Money

Loud Budgeting has topped 140M views on TikTok. The new flex is saying 'I'm saving' out loud. Here's the data behind it—and how to practice it from Japan.

Phone screen with a shopping cart and a cross mark — the Deinfluencing concept

Money & AI2026.06.05

Deinfluencing: When TikTok Creators Became Famous for Telling You What Not to Buy

Influencers' job was always to make you buy things. Now the viral format is 'don't buy this.' TikTok's #deinfluencing crossed 500M views. Here's what it means for how we consume — and for the creator economy.

A woman relaxing in warm sunlight with a drink — the Soft Life aesthetic

Lifestyle2026.06.04

Soft Life: The Nigerian-Born Trend That Made Rest and Comfort the New Status Symbol

TikTok's #softlife has crossed 300M views. The Nigerian-born concept — choosing comfort and ease over relentless hustle — is reshaping how Gen Z and millennials think about success. Japan's working culture reform is the perfect backdrop.