e. Creating an environment where diverse ways of working are available
The creation of an environment where diverse ways of working, such as part-time and temporary employment, can be chosen will be facilitated and the development and popularization of ways to work far away from company offices, utilizing communication technology, will be encouraged.
(3) Stable operation of the public pension systems
With regard to the public pension system, appropriate benefit levels, as well as employment levels, will be maintained so that public pensions will continue to play a core role in assuring incomes for the elderly. In view of the reforms that took place in 1985 and 1994, measures, such as balancing the benefits and burdens, will be taken to assure long-term stable operation of the public pension system. Since the public pension system requires intergenerational support, consideration will be given so that excessive burdens will not be exerted on future generations. In addition, to stabilize and justify the system in response to the changes in employment structures and the maturity of the system, the reorganization of the public pension system will be facilitated.
(4) Support for securing incomes for the elderly through self-help
a. Stable operation of corporate pension system
Since corporate pension systems complement the public pension system, it is vital to ensure their stable operation even under harsh economic conditions. The Employee's Pension Fund System, which serves as the core of corporate pension systems, will be subject to drastic reviews. Additionally, deregulation, etc. will continue to be considered so that the fund will be used more efficiently.
Furthermore, consideration will be given to the need for the review of qualified retirement allowance systems.
b. Improving retirement allowance systems reflecting the needs of the aging society
Consideration will be given to desirable company retirement allowance systems to cope with an increase in retired people and labor shifts due to changes in industrial structures.
In addition, the introduction of external reserve systems will be encouraged. Consideration will also be given to developing measures to secure the payment of retirement allowances as part of the retirement al-
