Japan's postwar social security system was crafted around the roles of families and companies. However, as society has evolved, the sustainability of this system is now under scrutiny.

In January, central Kitakyushu witnessed a groundbreaking ceremony for the welfare facility "Town of Hope". Spearheaded by the nonprofit organization Hoboku, which focuses on aiding those in economic distress, the facility aims to open by summer 2026.

The second and third floors will welcome those struggling financially, while the first floor will host a consultation and support center for locals, offering a haven for children and people with disabilities. A restaurant will be built adjacent to the facility to draw in a variety of people, and a community development-savvy coordinator will be on hand. The goal is to create a hub that encourages local connections.

Tomoshi Okuda, the 61-year-old chair of Hoboku, explained, "We're aiming for a 'pseudo-family,'" meaning the community will take on the caring role traditionally held by families.

The decline of the traditional family and corporate roles

Japan's social security system began with Article 25 of the Constitution, which also guarantees the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living. By 1961, universal health insurance and pensions were in place, and 1973, when medical bills for the elderly were made free, was dubbed the "first year of welfare."

Systems for nursing care and child care lagged, but large, three-generation families would care for members in need. The 1978 annual report on health and welfare described families as "latent welfare assets."

However, as society has aged and the shift to nuclear families has progressed, these family support functions have weakened. To share these roles within society, the nursing care insurance system was established, and child care support measures were implemented.

Meanwhile, companies have in the past provided life security, including old age, through lifetime employment. But with globalization intensifying competition, they've lost that luxury. The rise in non-regular employment has further destabilized workers' lives.

Hoboku's efforts can be seen as stepping in for the roles families and companies can no longer fulfill. Yet, the demand for social security is only increasing as aging and poverty issues worsen in Japan. Despite the development of various public services, the system's usability problems have become evident.

Those needing support must typically visit government offices to apply. However, some people are unaware of the services available or find the task challenging to manage on their own, such as the elderly.

The nonprofit group Social Change Agency is highlighting the barriers to application. Hokuto Yokoyama, a 40-year-old social worker and the nonprofit's representative director, insists that support is essential to use the system.

One initiative targets middle and high school students, teaching them how to navigate the social security system and consultation desks through games. For instance, if someone can't pay rent, there's a system to receive subsidies from the local government. Yokoyama said, "I want people to be able to find systems they can use when they're in trouble."

Use of digital technology is also proving effective. Push notification-based initiatives, where municipalities notify residents of services on their smartphones and encourage their use, are spreading.

The national government is also urging businesses to ensure that information about consultation desks reaches users who are late in paying their mobile phone bills.

Boosting system sustainability

Social security in Japan is at a crossroads. By 2025, all baby boomers will be over 75, and medical and nursing care costs will soar. By 2040, second-generation baby boomers born roughly between 1971 and 1974 will enter old age, and the population of people aged over 65 will peak.

Various systems are funded by insurance premiums and taxes. As aging continues, the burden on the working generation will become overwhelming if the current system remains unchanged. Furthermore, working people feel the benefits of social security less than their elders. This has led to voices stirring intergenerational conflict.

But everyone ages. Risks like illness and unemployment exist, and one never knows when they might need support.

How can we build a society where people can live with peace of mind? To boost the sustainability of the social security system, we must deepen discussions about the nature of burdens and services.

It's time to return to the original principle of mutual support.