[Social Security Basics ①] Even if someone asks you "What is social security?", honestly, you don't really know, right?
Good evening! This is Ebi-chan.
There was a large earthquake earlier with its epicenter off the coast of Sanriku. Where I am, I felt a long, very unpleasant swaying, like being on a boat, and it was quite scary. Is everyone okay where you are?
At times like this, you are shown the power of nature that you cannot control yourself, and you feel the real fear that your "usual daily life" can be suddenly threatened.
Between this and the earthquake in northern Nagano Prefecture the other day, I can't shake this uneasy feeling.
We must at least be prepared to evacuate so that we are ready whenever it happens.
Now, last time I wrote an article titled "My view of the world changed when I seriously studied social security," and thankfully, it received a huge response.
So, starting today, I'm going to explain the "basics of social security" that relate to our money and lives in several parts!
▼ This series is written for people like this!
People who have despaired about the future after watching videos on TikTok or short-form video platforms saying "Taxes are too high!"
People who hear about "pensions" and "medical expenses" in the news but honestly think it doesn't concern them yet
People who don't want to read difficult technical books but want a rough understanding of the "mechanisms of the world" so they don't lose out
If even one of these applies to you, I promise you won't regret reading this! Today, in our first installment, we will talk about the big picture of "What exactly is social security?".
1. What is the definition of "social security" anyway? (Warning: Contains incantations)
When asked "What exactly is social security?", the official definition in Japan is based on a "Recommendation" (something like the foundation of a rulebook) issued in 1950 by the "Social Security System Council."
It is written there as follows.
"The social security system refers to providing economic security through insurance methods or direct public burden against causes of poverty such as illness, injury, childbirth, disability, death, old age, unemployment, having many children, etc., and for those who have fallen into poverty, it guarantees a minimum standard of living through state assistance, while also aiming to improve public health and social welfare, thereby enabling all citizens to lead a life worthy of being a member of a civilized society."
...Yes. Let me speak for your inner thoughts here.
"What is this saying!!!"
Right? (laughs). When I first read it, I thought it was just an incantation.
But don't worry. This long and difficult incantation actually only says "3 super important things." I will break this down very clearly from here on!
2. Decoding the incantation ①: It's not a "favor," it's our "right"
To put the first half of the spell into simple terms, it means "If you are in trouble due to illness or unemployment, the government will take responsibility and provide money to help you.".
Some people might think, "That's obvious!" After all, there are many government services and protections now. But those are all based on this recommendation.
When we get sick, we can go to the hospital cheaply with our health insurance card, and if we get fired, we can receive unemployment insurance. This isn't the government showing us mercy by saying, "I feel sorry for you, so let me help."
Social security is a "right" that we, the citizens, equally possess, and it is a "public responsibility (duty)" that the government must absolutely fulfill.
The certificate of this social contract, which says, "We will share the risks together, and when someone is in trouble, the government will take responsibility to support them," is the phrase in Article 25 of the Constitution of Japan: "All citizens shall have the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living." That is why we can confidently "get help."
3. Decoding the spell ②: It's not just about "just staying alive"
The phrase near the end of the spell, "a life worthy of a member of a cultured society." When you think about it, don't you find it quite moving?
When we hear "minimum standards of living," it's often interpreted as "as long as you don't starve to death" or "as long as you're breathing in a place that keeps the rain and wind out." But that is not the purpose of it as an academic concept.
It is to guarantee a level of life where humans can live as humans, as members of society, with dignity. Sometimes going out to eat with friends, reading books, or interacting with others. The cost the government pays to "not isolate people from society" and "not leave anyone out" is social security. (This is exactly what the theme of my graduation thesis is directly connected to!)
4. A little study time! The "contents" and "price" of social security
"I understand the philosophy, but what exactly is included?" you might wonder.
For the record, international rules (ILO) define benefits for 9 risks (old age, survivors, disability, work-related injury, health and medical care, family, unemployment, housing, and public assistance), and Japan's classification is also finely divided into 7 categories.
……But! Honestly, you don't need to memorize such detailed classifications (lol).
For now, just know that there are broadly the following 3 pillars.
Social Insurance: Preparing by contributing money together (pensions, health insurance, etc.)
Social Welfare: Supporting the elderly, children, and people with disabilities (nursing care, childcare, etc.)
Public Assistance (+ Public Health): Directly helping people in need with tax money (public assistance, etc.)
■ By the way, which one costs the most?
An incredible amount of money is spent on social security in Japan every year, and the rough "total amount spent in one year (social security benefit expenses)" looks like this.
1st place: Pensions (approx. 58 trillion yen)...The overwhelming boss!
2nd place: Medical care (approx. 40 trillion yen)...This is also incredibly huge.
3rd place: Nursing care (approx. 11 trillion yen)...It's increasing rapidly due to the aging population.
Other (approx. 20 trillion yen)...Child-rearing support, public assistance, etc.
5. Is this really being used "correctly"?
Looking at the budget rankings earlier, many of you must have thought, "Nearly 100 trillion yen just for pensions and medical care!? Is it really necessary to spend that much money?"
There is one thing I want to clarify here.
The topics of "rights" and "cultural membership" that I explained this time are merely the philosophy (official stance) of the system. If asked whether I personally believe Japan's current social security is 100% perfect and that this massive budget is being used correctly without any waste, my honest answer is "I honestly don't know." The debate over whether there might be better ways to use it is happening among experts every day.
I don't mean to say in this note, "Social security is wonderful, so don't complain!" It's just that I believe without knowing what kind of system it is, what rules it operates under, and what its purpose is, you can't even offer a proper critique.
That is why I hope we can study the basic knowledge together first, and then use that as a foundation to think together from a slightly detached perspective, asking, "So, what about this way of using the budget?"
Social security is a safety net that guarantees our freedom and safety, but at the same time, it is a serious issue regarding how our money is spent.
Next time, is Japan actually in a terrible state of inequality...!?
I will talk about another face of this system while looking at data on "shared wallets (income redistribution)." Stay tuned!
From Ebi-chan
[Reference Materials]
I intend to write this series starting from this installment by referring to the book below. Well, I do think it might be a bit difficult for someone involved in welfare for the first time, but there might not be anything simpler than this...
However, this one book covers the overview of Japan's social security, so if you are interested, please read it!
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