We are entering an era in which throughout our lives we change our jobs and we change our style of working and our lifestyles, and accompanying that our incomes change.

Whatever course we choose in life, it is becoming increasingly important to build the foundations of our society in a way that gives peace of mind.

The DPJ will establish a pension system that is provided equitably and fairly to people no matter how diverse their lifestyles, and create a system of health and medical-care insurance that frees people from anxiety if they succumb to illness or accident.

Unify pensions to meet the needs of diverse lifestyles

Under the present pension system there are differences that arise from a variety of conditions, such as differences in jobs and working practices, and whether a person is a full-time housewife. The disparate nature of this system is a hindrance to the variety of job choice and to the choice of lifestyle, and this is giving rise to widespread feelings of anxiety and mistrust towards pensions. The DPJ will unify the pension system as soon as possible, and sweep away that anxiety and mistrust.

Abolish Diet members' pensions as part of the unification process

We will abolish the pension paid to Diet members, which is attracting mounting criticism among ordinary people as a special privilege. It will be unified with the same pension system for ordinary people, thereby eliminating the disparities and inequalities.

Eliminate the waste in pension insurance premiums

Together with the unification of the pension system, we will abolish the Social Insurance Agency and establish a "Revenue Agency" amalgamated with the National Tax Agency, thereby creating a structure for centralised collection of taxes and insurance premiums. That will resolve the problem of non-payment and will cut the waste from pension insurance premiums.

Guarantee everyone a pension

The new universal pension system for all citizens will be a two-tier system comprising an "income-related pension" funded by premium payments related to income, under which people will receive benefit in accordance with the premiums paid in, and a "minimum guarantee pension" for people on low incomes, which will be funded entirely from tax revenues (e.g. from consumption tax specifically for pensions), and will guarantee a fixed level of pension benefits. This will assure everyone of a pension, enabling people to advance into old age with peace of mind.

Enhance nursing care, health, medical care to support an affluent greying society

We will strengthen the foundations of nursing-care services, including by the large-scale development of group homes and residential homes for the elderly, and also aim to create a social environment in which fewer people need nursing care, and in which people do not become more seriously ill. In addition, to eliminate healthcare accidents and improper invoicing, we will make it obligatory to disclose medical histories and to issue statements of medical expenses.




*No disparities based on occupation (Unification)
*Clarify the relationship between burden and benefit, and the allocation of roles between insurance premiums and taxes
* Everyone guaranteed minimum pension benefits in their old age