Iyama Yuta topped the prize-money list in Japan in 2016, with earnings of around US$ 1.2 million.

Far away in 2nd place was Takao Shinji on $512,000.

Best of the newcomers was Ichiriki Ryo in 3rd place on $310,000 but for the most part the top ten had a traditional look, with Cho Chikun still there in 8th place ($129,000).

Best of the women was Xie Yimin in 5th place with $262,000 but unusually another female featured in the top ten - Fujisawa Rina at 10th with $104,000.

Obviously this is not a player's sole source of income, but prize money doesn't seem to be keeping pace with inflation even.

Given deflation and inflation in Japan, it's nearly even I think.

http://www.inflation.eu/inflation-rates ... japan.aspx