Sure, we can compare life in the EU now with the 1800s too. Or 1492 if you prefer. And Japan today with Japan in 1945.

That's not the discussion. Let's talk about living standards 15 years ago and now. Many EU countries are just reaching parity ( finally 11 years later ! ) with 2008 levels. Life was measurably better here in 2008, and since then until now. The grim dark future of Japan has been predicted again and again for decades now.

Edit : 'measurably' meaning pick any metric you like. Unemployment, health, life expectancy, technology, education, safety / crime, cost of living, real estate... This list can also go on and on.

And this is not to say Japan does not have problems. It's not Paradise at all.