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On September 20, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the first planning meeting on a social security system oriented to all generations at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
At the meeting, a discussion was held on the current state of social security and the way forward.
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“The social security reform to one that is oriented to all generations is the greatest challenge of the Abe Cabinet, which promotes the dynamic engagement of all citizens. In light of the rapidly declining birthrate and aging society, it is vital that we do not stop at just improving the social security system, but proceed with reforming the system itself.
 
To that end, we have first reviewed the use of the consumption tax revenue, and decided to invest in children and the childrearing generation. From next month, we will make early childhood education and child care free of charge for children between the ages of 3 and 5. From April of next year, we will make higher education for those children truly in need free of charge. At the same time, we must create an environment in which healthy and highly motivated elderly people can work, regardless of their age. We have announced a series of initiatives, such as the establishment of a legal framework to secure employment opportunities up till the age of 70, the creation of an environment that allows motivated people to have side jobs and multiple jobs, the extension of the period of when to start receiving pension, and the strengthening of the incentive measures for disease prevention and preventative nursing care.
 
From today, this planning meeting on a social security system oriented to all generations has started its deliberations. We aim at ensuring the peace of mind of not only the elderly, but also children, the childrearing generation, and the current generation. We will further review sustainable reforms on the entire spectrum of our social security system, such as pensions, healthcare, nursing care, and employment, with sights set on the arrival of the 100-year life society, amidst the declining birthrate and aging society, as well as the diversification of lifestyles. I want all of the relevant ministers, including Minister in charge of Social Security Reform Nishimura and Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Kato to exert every effort to commence a detailed review immediately.
 
Today, we also received the comments from the private sector members. I would like to proceed with our deliberations taking them into consideration and listening closely to the views of the ruling parties.”