Foreword
"International Year of Older Persons 1999" is getting close. It's next year. Many governments, non-government organizations, private companies and citizens of the world have gotten together under the United Nations promotion to develop a better aged society and have begun to vigorously exchange information.
Aging in Japan is published to provide people outside Japan with updated information on aging trends, socioeconomic changes, and polices in Japan.
This booklet consists of four parts. In the first part, Dr. Shigemi Kono (Professor, Reitaku University), describes demographic patterns and social situation in Japan. In the second part, Dr. Atsushi Otomo (Professor, Japan Women's University) introduces aging population trends in sub-national areas and relationship between aging population and migration. In the third part, Dr. Naohiro Ogawa (Professor, Nihon University, Deputy Director of Nihon University Population Research Institute) discusses the current socioeconomic conditions and the future perspectives. In the final part, Professor Daisaku Maeda (Professor, Rissho University) focuses on the history of welfare structures and present conditions of health, medical, and social services for the elderly, and the public longterm care insurance.
We would like to express our gratitude for their great work and generous cooperation.
Our special thanks also go to The Nippon Foundation, whose grant enabled us to publish this booklet.
Summer 1998
