Abstract
This research examines the reasons for delay in the development of a universal public long‐term caring system and public insurance system for the frail and elderly in Japan, up to April 2000. Japan is one of the richest countries in the world but is also a relatively aged society. However, it lags behind other OECD countries in the development and provision of long‐term care services. In Japan, over half of women are not in paid employment and a quarter work in unstable and low‐paid jobs, mostly due to the scarcity of permanent positions for married women and strong social expectations relating to the role of Japanese women. Most Japanese people believe that married women will be the primary carers for both young and old members of the family. As a result of this expectation, the introduction of long‐term care insurance for the frail elderly was delayed until April 2000. Long‐term care insurance has lightened the burden of caring for the frail elderly. However, it still requires women at home to provide primary care.
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