- The fundamental framework of measures for the aging society in Japan is based on the Basic Law on Measures for the Aging Society (1995, Law Number129).

- At the Conference on the Measures for the Aging Society, crucial issues related to measures in the aging society, etc. have been discussed. Prime Minister is in charge of the chairman, and cabinet members are appointed to the committee.

- The government has an obligation to draw up the General Principle Concerning Measures for the Aging Society by the Basic Law on Measures for the Aging Society, which is the basic and comprehensive guideline of the national policies for the aging society.

- Since five years have passed since the first General Principle Concerning Measures for the Aging Society was implemented in July 1996, economic and social situation has changed. Consequently, the New General Principle Concerning Measures for the Aging Society was determined on December 28, 2001 by the Cabinet, based on the draft made by the Conference on the Measures for the Aging Society.

- In order to comprehensively promote the measures based on the New General Principle Concerning Measures for the Aging Society, policy researches like completing guidelines or establishing policy systems regarding 'transverse challenges' in the General Principle have been further developed.

Budget Related to Measures for the Aging Society

- Measures for the aging society have been steadily developed in the wide ranges such as working and income, health and welfare, learning and social participation, promotion of survey and research, etc. A relevant budget in the government general account amounts to 11 trillion 748 billion 800 million yen, including 5 trillion 638 billion 700 million yen for working and income, 5 trillion 926 billion 400 million yen for health and welfare, 35 billion 800 million yen for study and social participation, 29 billion 200 million yen for living environment, 118 billion 700 million yen for promotion of survey and research, etc. (Table 2-1-1)

Table 2-1-1. Budget Related to Measures for the Aging Society (General Account)