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Social Security Reforms and Inequality in Japan

In: Social Security Programs and Retirement Around the World: The Effects of Pension Reforms on the Income Distribution of Retirees

Author

Listed:
  • Takashi Oshio
  • Satoshi Shimizutani
  • Akiko Oishi

Abstract

We examined the heterogeneous impacts of social security reforms in Japan over the past 40 years. We utilize a nationwide large-scale micro-dataset to compute individual-level social security wealth (SSW) and mortality rates by lifetime earning groups. We found that SSW declined for all groups after the social security reforms, which aimed to reduce generosity; however, the size of the negative impact was larger for richer individuals. These results indicate that a series of recent social security reforms have reduced inequality in SSW.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Takashi Oshio & Satoshi Shimizutani & Akiko Oishi, 2025. "Social Security Reforms and Inequality in Japan," NBER Chapters, in: Social Security Programs and Retirement Around the World: The Effects of Pension Reforms on the Income Distribution of Retirees, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberch:15370
    Note: AG
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Oshio, Takashi & Shimizutani, Satoshi & Oishi, Akiko S., 2020. "Examining how elderly employment is associated with institutional disincentives in Japan," Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, Elsevier, vol. 56(C).
    2. Shimizutani, Satoshi & Oshio, Takashi, 2013. "Revisiting the labor supply effect of social security earnings test: New evidence from its elimination and reinstatement in Japan," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 99-111.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H30 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - General
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination

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