“Densan Wage System,” which is said to be typical of the living wage system, has been highly evaluated as the starting point for seniority wages in postwar Japan. However, Densan Wage System is a coexisting type system of a guaranteed living wage and “payment based on ability.” In other words, it was a wage system conceived to utilize “payment based on ability” from the beginning. It seems that the conventional view that the Densan Wage System is typical of the living wage system has been established only by the average composition ratio of the living wage, etc., which accounts for about 80% of the monthly payment.

Based on the empirical study and analysis, while focusing on the importance of “payment based on ability” in the Densan Wage System, this paper clarifies that “payment based on ability” had a sufficient function to stimulate workersʼ wages, motivate workersʼ promotion. It is “payment based on ability” that decides the character of the Densan Wage System. With the view from labor　relations, I would like to emphasize that the living wage system is not appropriate as a decisive factor in Densan Wage System.

‘Ikigai Shugyo’ is a system in Japan whereby the elderly engage in work for the purpose of finding ikigai (motivation). The purpose of this study is to examine the experience of practitioners who support the employment of long-term care insurance service users - the kind of experiences which make them realize the need for employment support. Additionally, the need for such a support was analyzed on the basis of a life story. The director of a daycare facility who was experienced in providing support for ikigai shugyo was interviewed. On the basis of the interview, her life story was constructed. Analyses of the results revealed a problem in the field of daycare, which is an elimination of their position as a subject and is difficult to clearly identify. It is suggested that supporting the ikigai shugyo of daycareinsurance service users is significant in supporting users who have difficulty gettingopportunities to carry out their desired activity because of an elimination of their position as a subject and is difficult to clearly identify.