Chapter Fifty-Two. Labour market and labour market policies for the ageing society

Abstract

Compared to other advanced economies, Japan ranks very highly in terms of the economic activity of older people. The issue of labour market participation of older people seems to be less pressing for Japan than for most other comparable countries. Indeed, policy makers from other countries have been studying Japan's labour market situation and labour market policies for older people. Any discussion of the labour market for older people in Japan needs to start from the comparatively high rate of older people who are still economically active. A person's decision to retire or to continue working depends on a number of factors: the availability and appropriateness of employment opportunities; the desire to work; the ability to work; and finally the necessity to work, based on current and previous income as well as future needs. Keywords: Japan's high participation rate; labour market policies; older people