The government is striving to downsize itself. With debts owed by the central and local governments amounting to 800 trillion yen, it stands to reason that, where possible, much of the work presently being carried out by government should be delegated to the private sector. But to uniformly pursue "small government" in every sphere of state activity would disrupt the basic fabric of society and leave the government unable to adequately fulfill its duties. A rigid approach under the name of structural reform and small government should be avoided, particularly when it comes to social security and welfare.
Government leaders need to carefully consider what the public wants concerning matters such as pensions, medical service and nursing care for the aged.
A Cabinet Office poll taken in October on "countermeasures to a graying society" offers valuable insights into people's thinking on these matters. A total of 1,896 people across the country aged 20 years or older were polled. Fifty-three percent called for improvement of measures for the aged -- more than double the 23 percent who said more attention should be given to younger people.