Japan Government Draft Policy Eyes Boost for Disability Welfare Sector

From The Fukushi Shimbun

June 15 2025

TOKYO – On June 6th, the Japanese government presented a draft of the “Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform” at a meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy.

The draft states that a clear shift will be made away from cost-cutting approaches in regard to wage increases and stable management in the fields of medical care, nursing care, and disability welfare. It also notes, “Appropriate measures will be taken to reliably lead to stable management and wage increases for a wide range of professionals working in the field.” Furthermore, it clearly states, “We will understand and verify the actual state of past treatment improvements and consider the matter so that a conclusion can be reached by the end of 2025.”

The government aims to have the policy approved by the Cabinet in mid-June. The draft emphasizes “wage increases that exceed the rise in prices” as a central pillar and sets forth a goal of “consistently achieving real growth exceeding 1%.”

At the same day’s meeting, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated, “Wage increases are the key element of our growth strategy.”

In addition, the implementation plan approved at the “Council for the Realization of a New Form of Capitalism” on the same day addresses the regional classifications based on recommendations by the National Personnel Authority in the fields of nursing care, disability welfare, and childcare, stating, “A prompt review will be conducted, and necessary revisions will be made before the next revision of the compensation system.”