Abstract
In order to make the Japanese social security system sustainable , the Government embarked on a series of reforms : the pension system was reformed in 2004, the long-term care insurance system was introduced in 2005 and to round off, healthcare reforms were introduced in 2006. These reforms seemed to be going smoothly at first ; however, the healthcare reform relating to elderly people aged 75 + was plunged into chaos right from the outset. In July 2007, the ruling party lost their majority in the Upper House elections. The healthcare system for elderly people aged 75 + , despite certain moves being made prior to its enforcement such as the partial freezing of insurance contributions, roused an unexpected amount opposition when it went into force in April 2008. Thus, apprehensive of the outcome of the forthcoming general election, the Government / ruling party discarded the principles of reform and hastily made proposals such as the reduction of contributions, without having proper recourse to financial provision. It is questionable whether the books would balance. Dark clouds hang over the future of healthcare reform, which is now being buffeted by political winds.
