Japan

Population: 126.3 million
Dominant religion: Shintoism
Christian: 2.2 percent
Persecution ranking: Not ranked

Do you look forward to retiring? Some view it with anticipation for free time to pursue hobbies and an opportunity to enjoy an extended vacation. Others look to retirement with dread.

Japan is in a complicated position regarding employment and retirement. They have the fourth-longest life expectancy and one of the lowest birth rates of any country, according to the World Population Review. The Japanese are reluctant to allow foreigners to take jobs in their country. Situations like that require people to work later in life because there is no one to fill their jobs if they retire. The result: The elderly in Japan continue to work well into their golden years. The Japanese government is trying to change the retirement age to 70 or even higher.

There are many good reasons why they postpone retirement. The Japanese tend to be healthy well into old age, which allows them to remain productive. Japanese employers have expressed favoritism for elderly employees. They are considered more reliable and experienced, possessing common sense that younger employees will only gain with age.

Ironically, employers reduce the wages of employees as they age, leading some to look for employment with other companies in their final years. Some Japanese employees continue working because they don’t have enough to retire. Others remain employed because work provides needed social and mental stimulation.

One interesting factor is the strong work ethic of the elderly Japanese. Sixty years ago, Japan’s economy was developing at a breakneck speed, and it desperately needed workers. They gave the positive title of “golden egg” employees to junior high-aged workers. Hard work is deeply ingrained in the attitude of this post-WWII generation.

This situation is challenging for both employers and elderly employees. Employers need elderly employees, but these employees find it hard to adjust to rapidly changing technology. Mental capacity atrophies as people age. The elderly often need flexible work schedules for medical appointments. Still, they continue to fill in a needed employment gap.

The situation will not likely change in the future. Is it sustainable? Only time will tell.

Let Us Pray Fervently for:

  • The trials and challenges the Japanese face to force them to consider eternity (The Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:11).
  • A spiritual awakening in Japan that will bring millions to the foot of the cross (The Bible, Psalm 42:1-2).
  • The Lord to use the virtues of the Japanese to glorify His Name as they commit their lives to the sake of the gospel (The Bible, 2 Peter 1:3-7).

 

References

East Asia Forum. Japan’s senior employment challenge. June 26, 2025.

The Japan Times. More older people choosing to work for social connection and survival. February 17, 2025.

World Economic Forum. How companies are addressing workforce shortages and employee satisfaction with senior employment in Japan. August 14, 2024.