Looking at the current Japanese economy, it is likely that Japan will follow the path of "economic recovery without employment recovery" shown
by America. In other words, in the process of recovery of companies' performance by restructuring, part-time workers increase and economy recovers eventually. This is a possible way.
But there is a doubt if we see from the viewpoint of people's happiness. From the viewpoint of QOL (quality of life), we have a doubt against "American methods"sought by Japan.
Although many Japanese look at only America, we also have to see European, especially German social market economy as a reference. Social market economy is described briefly as making people's living way market's rule.
In addition, Japanese see only one side of "American methods" with limited information. For example, Drucker, scholar of management, points out in his "Nonprofit management" that volunteer functions as the base society in America. Citizens build framework where they are active in the public affairs and form autonomous and independent civic society. These attempts lead to creation of employment. But many Japanese ignore these attempts when they discuss employment system.
Do the methods of structural reform that Japan is seeking really face quality of life? How will we change people's life? This is important question. Without it, I cannot help but worry about the future of our society.
Unemployment rate :
The percentage of the unemployed out of total working population. Working population means the total of the population older than 15 years old who are employed, unemployed or suspend business excluding non-working population such as student, housewives, housekeepers, sickly people.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Law :
the revision of this law was formed in June 1997, and was effected in April 1999. The main points of revision are following: Equal treatment regarding recruitment, employment, arrangement and promotion became provision of prohibition. (It used to be provision of efforts.) Companies have duties to prevent sexual harassment.
The package recycling law :
effected in April 1997. Consumers have duties to divide wastes. Local governments have duties to collect garbage separately. Manufacturers have duties to recycle garbage.
The recycling law:
effected in October 1991. The objective is to reduce garbage and to recycle them.
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