Japan is waking up to the need to think outside the box to tackle a spate of economic and social challenges posed by its declining birthrate and aging society. In one scenario, married couples will not need to think twice about having children because education and day care services for…
Japan is waking up to the need to think outside the box to tackle a spate of economic and social challenges posed by its declining birthrate and aging society.
In one scenario, married couples will not need to think twice about having children because education and day care services for preschoolers will be free while students will be able to start paying college tuition once they build their own careers.
In another, lifetime employment and long working hours will no longer be characteristic of Japan. More people will feel positive about changing jobs and choosing a work-style that better suits them.
These are only a few futures that could come true, depending on the outcome of several months of discussion to be launched Monday by a government panel tasked with charting a new course for Japan.
« We intend to create a big policy design to build an economic and social system looking to an era when people will live to 100, » Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said earlier this week as he announced the lineup of panel members.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has put human resources development on his policy agenda as he battles slumping public support for his Cabinet and the worst labor shortage in over four decades.
Education will likely dominate the panel’s discussions as the government aims to offer free education and day care services for preschoolers. Another idea is to make higher education more accessible by easing worries about the financial burden while in college.
Despite multiple funding options being floated, however, finding an agreeable one is seen as a formidable task, given that Japan’s fiscal health is the worst among major developed economies.
Since his return to office in 2012, Abe has been calling for better use of human resources through slogans such as creating « a society where women can shine » and « the dynamic engagement of all citizens.
