Abstract
This paper aims to analyze the social policies and historical dynamism associated with "aging" in
post-war Japan mainly after the 1970s. The study is conducted from the viewpoint of institution analysis,
and covers "plans," "effects," "usages," and "strategic arrangement of institution. "
I find that Japanese pre-war social policies stated national needs as part of institutional plans,
discussed institutional effects beyond such plan, and looked to enhance national power and maintain
social order as a result of the deployment and strategic arrangement of institutions.
On the contrary, the social policies of post-war Japan went beyond the original plan that was based
on necessity and the protection of the elderly. It repeatedly invoked "the misery and fear of aging,"
and sought to build a social anxiety toward "aging that everybody will face"; such feelings were
gradually institutionalized. Meanwhile, institutional usage and strategic arrangements were made to
form interest groups among the people. In other words, by invoking the misery of aging, post-war Japan
institutionalized social and economic policies on aging; pension schemes and medical care and welfare
systems were established. Then, misery, absurdity, too little or too much services in the new institution
were exposed yet another image of miserable elderly, which led to establish today's institution with more
long-term care insurance schemes and registrations.
This is the situation that restrains us today. I summarize in this paper how this institutional restraint
prevents us today from addressing issues related to aging and effecting appropriate reforms.
