## Chapter 5 Characteristics of Japanese society in comparison with international standards

Explain characteristics and challenges of Japanese society in comparison with international standards using demographics and statistics of OECD, etc.

Making international comparisons using the following six indicators, which OECD set as goals for social policy: 'Self-reliance', 'Equality', 'Health', 'Social connectivity', 'General background (GDP per capita, population and birth rate, etc.)' and 'Benefits and burdens of social security'.

## Characteristics of Japanese society

● GDP per capita is only an average published by OECD. The realization of the increase in women's employment, economic growth from the creation of new markets and employment, etc. are important.

● The age group of less than 15 years occupies the lowest rate, and the proportion of those age 65 or over is the highest in a society of declining birthrate and a growing proportion of elderly people. The production-age population is the lowest.

● The birth rate is still low, but it has tended to recover since 2006. (2005: 1.26→2006:) 1.32→2007: 1.34→2008, 2009: 1.37→2010, 2011: 1.39)

● The employment rate is higher than the OECD average for both men and women. The elimination of the so-called ‘M-shaped curve’ problem is the challenge for women’s employment.

● The unemployment rate has generally remained at about 3 points lower than the OECD average.

● Educational attainment at the age of 15 (tenth grader) is significantly higher than the OECD average.

● The relative poverty rate (both before and after redistribution) is higher than the OECD average. The Gini coefficient, which indicates variation in income, is slightly higher than the OECD average.

The wage disparity between men and women among full-time workers marked second only to South Korea.

● Life expectancy has consistently been the longest of the major OECD countries, and the obesity rate has been the lowest for both men and women. But the male smoking rates are higher than the OECD average.

● Health care spending as public spending is almost equal to the OECD average. But the total spending including private spending is high performance, which is lower than the OECD average.

● Life satisfaction is low and there is a high suicide rate.

● Confidence in government is lower than the OECD average. The national election turnout is low after Canada and the United States.

● The size of benefits of social security (Public social expenditure to GDP ratio of pension and medical service, etc.) is increasing, but is lower than the OECD average.

● When compared to the size of benefits by sector, pensions outweigh the United States and Britain, but health care is smaller than in the European countries, the United States and Britain.

● The ratio of family relationship spending, such as childcare, and family allowances, to GDP is low, which is only about 1/3 that of France and Sweden.

● The national burden rate for Japan is generally increasing compared to major OECD countries due to its aging society, and it is following a downward trend because of the decline in tax revenues.

While maintaining a good economy, higher education, health, and a high-quality medical system, there are challenges, such as financial, gender disparities, social connectedness, parenting support and the securing of stable sources of funding for social security, etc.