A122　  The government is taking a hard look at the large number of retiring baby-boomers and, as recently as 2004, revised the pension system announcing a 100-year assurance plan. However,

Japan's society is aging more rapidly than earlier recognized so, unless something is done, another fundamental revision of the pension system will be necessary. But at issue are not just matters concerning pensions. When the baby-boomers reach an age at which they require nursing care, neither the medical and care facilities and old-peoples homes, nor the medical staff and care-givers will suffice. This will create a situation in which it will be impossible to receive a satisfactory level of service. Moreover, the baby-boomer problem is not limited to 2007. Thus, the pension system, medical and nursing care, and the welfare system are key issues that need to be debated and addressed quickly by the government.