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In the wake of implementation of the new care system insurance next
spring, together with the commencement of the guardianship system, welfare
services are now expected to become truly viable. Do you anticipate
specific changes in Japan's welfare practices?
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Ikeda
Our traditional system tends to be regarded as given from the
government as a special privilege, which is not necessarily something to be
proud of, and everyone, even the elderly, seem to prefer to live without
it. The introduction of care system insurance in April will be the turning
point in our welfare system. The new system will be based upon contractual
agreement, and individuals can choose the types of services they want, using
their own judgment, which means they also must take responsibility in terms
of payment and choice of specific services they receive.
This also means that individuals will have to be acutely aware of the
nature of the contractual world and must take full responsibility as a
party to a contract. They must pay a premium, about ten percent of the
cost. The guardianship system is no exception. The system will only truly
function when the recipient of services is a party to a contract and takes
contractual responsibility in order to make the agreement complete.
You mean, welfare will be provided as the end result of the decisions
and the acceptance of responsibilities by recipients?
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Ikeda
Yes. One must choose whichever financial institution with which he or
she wishes deal. With pension programs, such as a 401K, individuals are
expected to take risks. The question is whether or not the Japanese people
are ready to take on this kind of risk-oriented responsibility. This is a
really a quantum jump into a vastly different world of self-responsibility
for the Japanese, which is tough to accept, not only for my generation,
but even more so by our elderly citizens. We must anticipate repercussions.
In order to promote this new welfare system, we must take these potential
problems into consideration.
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