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On November 26, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the first meeting of the National Platform to Promote Support for the “Employment Ice-Age Generation” at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
At the meeting, a discussion was held on measures to support the “employment ice-age generation.”
 
The Prime Minister said in his address in the first half of the meeting,
 
“Thank you, Mr. Ito, Ms. Hayashi, and Mr. Kudo. As Minister Nishimura said at the beginning, those who reached employment age during the ‘employment ice-age’ period, when the economic situation happened to be very rough, face a very difficult situation.
 
Mr. Ito and Ms. Hayashi gave us a short briefing on the current situation of those who become a hikikomori (social recluses) because of such circumstances. Their message was that the Government should not see this as an industrial policy or employment policy, but rather needs to focus on the individuals’ aspects.
In that sense, their briefing outlines the importance of creating a situation in which they can recover their connections with society and, through these connections, take a step towards a new life, not about finding a job and being employed.
 
Furthermore, Mr. Kudo told us that, with respect to starting a new job, they are facing various difficulties, compared with those who start work at a regular age or those who are seeking a new job.
 
It is necessary to approach this flexibly, focusing on each individual, while it is important to ensure that many options for work-style, including working from home, should be available. I am also aware that we must make our society, which is to accept them, capable of making such a response. I would also like you to deliver your voices, the voices of those who work hands on. We will also actively approach each of you to listen to your voices, based on the concept of outreach. Such activities must cover the jurisdictions of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, not only those of the former Ministry of Labour but also those of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
 
This meeting opens our eyes to the importance of strengthening counseling services and creating a place where they belong. We intend to continue implementing policies thoroughly, and most importantly, paying close attention to those who are facing such a situation just because the economic situation unfortunately became severe at that time.”
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Once again, I would like to thank you all for taking time out from your busy schedules today to gather here and give us valuable comments.
 
We should have implemented a policy for those of the ‘employment ice-age generation’ earlier. Yet, at the same time, we have advanced the work style reform over these past seven years, as well as improved the employment conditions. The fact is that these policies have created a situation that made it easier to work on those policies. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like the Government to work as one by creating this platform.
 
In the beginning, the three experts told us the importance of looking closely at each individual so as not to skew towards employment policy.
 
In particular, I have renewed my understanding once again on the importance of creating the place to belong for each of them, including hikikomori, and the necessity of more attentive and tailored support.
 
I also recognized anew the vital importance of recurrent (continuing) education for those who are making another challenge, from the context of firmly providing opportunities for career advancement. While taking into consideration the comments that you gave, the Government will exert every effort to implement policies, including these economic measures, in order to expand the opportunities for the ‘employment ice-age generation’ to succeed.
 
Particularly, we are seeing a rising trend to fill vacancies with this generation among prefectural and municipal governments. From the standpoint of taking the lead, the Government will work on concrete measures to utilize mid-career recruiting in national public services from this fiscal year.
 
Going forward, I would like Minister Nishimura, in cooperation with the relevant ministers, to compile a detailed action plan that includes the improvement of systems.
 
In today’s meeting, there were briefings on leading cases of companies and local governments. It is important that the public and private sectors work as one when implementing those supports in the future.
 
As Professor Genda mentioned just before, we can say this policy or initiative is the symbol of our ‘re-challenge’ policy. This time, our focus is on the ‘employment ice-age’ generation; at the same time, I have high hopes that it will lay down the foundation for our responses to those who are facing various difficulties. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the Government not to create future ‘employment ice-age’ generations.
 
I would like to have your comments and feedback, moving forward, and appreciate your cooperation in this regard. Thank you.”