The Japanese government has established a basic support framework for individuals aged 40-50 who entered the workforce during the economic stagnation of the 1990s and are still struggling with low living standards. The plan aims to alleviate this generation’s concerns about retirement.
One of the key elements of the plan is the provision of public “safety net housing” to ensure that aging individuals are not deprived of their right to housing. The government aims to complete a more detailed three-year action plan to improve the living conditions of this generation by the end of the 2025 fiscal year. It is noted that this segment of the population, which entered the workforce during the prolonged economic stagnation following the collapse of the asset bubble in the 1990s, has seen wage increases lag behind those of other age groups, and many households have limited financial assets. The government statement said, “It is of great importance for the employment ice age generation to prepare for a stable life in the future.” In this context, mid-career recruitment exams specifically for this generation will be restarted in public institutions in the 2026 fiscal year. This program was previously implemented between 2020 and 2024 but had since ended. It was also announced that local governments will be encouraged to implement similar programs.
