ISSN 1392–6195 (print) ISSN 2029–2058 (online) JURISPRUDENCIJA JURISPRUDENCE 2012, 19(1), p. 269–292. PENSION SYSTEM IN JAPAN: ISSUES FOR REFORM Audrius Bitinas Mykolas Romeris University, Faculty of Law, Department of Labour Law and Social Security Ateities 20, LT-08303 Vilnius, Lithuania Telephone (+370 5) 271 4633 E-mail:
[email protected] Received on 14 February, 2012; accepted on 5 March, 2012 Abstract. The aim of this article is to define the actual construction of the Japanese pension system influenced by the economic and social challenges and implemented pension system reforms. In this article, the development of Japanese pension system reforms is analysed, as well as legal, economic, social environment is identified. Until recently, it was a common perception that Japan has managed economic success without worsening the income inequality and pension benefits, but since the economic recession in the 1990, the Japanese pension system faces a new challenge. Moreover, the Japanese population is ageing rapidly (low birth rate, long life expectancy), therefore, ageing influences the entire society and requires more complex and pressing pension system reforms. Analysis of scientific literature, legal acts, documents, historical methods was used. It may be used as methodical literature studying the actual processes in the field of the pension system reforms in Asian countries. Keywords: pension system, reform, crisis, ageing, Japan. Jurisprudencija/Jurisprudence ISSN 1392–6195 (print), ISSN 2029–2058 (online) Mykolo Romerio universitetas, 2012 http://www.mruni.eu/lt/mokslo_darbai/jurisprudencija/ Mykolas Romeris University, 2012 http://www.mruni.eu/en/mokslo_darbai/jurisprudencija/ 270 Audrius Bitinas. Pension System in Japan: Issues for Reform Introduction The exclusivity of the Asia-Pacific region hides the fact that in this region the world’s largest population is concentrated, the rapid increase of older population growth is expected, life expectancy is increasing, but the fertility rate is decreasing.