In Japan, 23.63 million people are 65 or older. The elderly comprise 18.5% of the total population of 127.44 million. These figures, released in October 2002, show that Japan has the highest percentage of elderly in the world.

Soon after World War II, living standards and medical care in Japan improved, and this pushed down the death rate. In 2000, the infant mortality rate was 0.32%, and 93% of the population born 40 years before were still alive. In other words, almost everyone now survives into adulthood. People continue to live longer—in 1960, Japan had only 144 centenarians, but 40 years later, in 2000, it had 12,256. Japan has become a multi-generational society. Today, there are more elderly people (65 and over) than young (15 and under). This situation has led to strenuous calls for people to be allowed to work as long as they want.

These days, people can choose their own lifestyle, and marriage is considered a matter of individual choice. The number of people who have never married is increasing rapidly. The percentage of unmarried men is now so high it is sometimes said that the survival of Japanese society is at risk. The number of children keeps dropping, and the birth rate is either the lowest or second lowest of all industrialized countries, depending on the year. Because of the declining birth rate for the last few decades, children have fewer opportunities to benefit from relationships with brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles. With families having few members in each generation, the tendency is for parents and their few offspring to form lasting, yet tiny, family units. At the same time, more and more people are living alone.

In the labor market, more than 30% of all high school and university graduates end up with part-time jobs, not steady employment. Some of them prefer this work style, but the end result is that their financial benefits from work are declining in relative terms. Today, almost 70% of all social assistance is given to the elderly, creating disparities that could result in conflict between the generations.

Not long ago, a very different situation prevailed in Japan. Heavy post-war investments in innovative technology boosted the country's competitiveness and economic strength. The young were the foundation of society. Just about everyone was expected to marry and start a family, and almost everyone did when they reached the "suitable" age. The children then grew up to become outstanding members of the workforce. This system was a "hidden asset" that ensured social security, since the younger, active generation looked after elderly relatives. The young learned from the old, took over the family business, and embraced traditional values. The elderly passed their responsibilities to the younger generation, and generally enjoyed peace of mind while growing old. Today, the social fabric has changed so much that many people cannot hide their feelings of insecurity.

Such measures are being promoted by the national government, at the regional level, and by non-profit organizations, and other innovative policies are also being implemented.

Now that we have achieved longer life spans (something people have always wanted), and now that we are free to choose our own lifestyles, Japan should simply develop new social values that accept society as it is.

After going through such a massive change in the social environment, it would be a mistake to continue expecting to enjoy the same economic growth, inter-generational relationships, and family lifestyles that we used to have. It is vital that this be recognized by individuals, families, regions and society at large. Once we accept this, we need to work toward a consensus on how Japan's priceless traditions and culture can flourish in the new social environment.

It could be that the ones who take up this challenge will be the elderly—and it could be that the ones who preserve our traditions will be the young. Whatever the case, I believe that we Japanese should join together in developing a unique national identity that helps us face the challenges of our evolving social environment with flexibility.