Utilizing seniors as part of the workforce is increasingly being seen as vital amid projections that the labor force could drop by more than 10 million in the next 2 1/2 decades.
With the falling birthrate and aging society, Japan saw its first recorded decline in population last year, when the number of deaths exceeded births in the 12 months to the end of November.
The current labor force is estimated at 66 million, which includes people age 15 and over but excludes those attending school, doing housework, or are sick or elderly and unable to work. The number is projected to decrease by more than 10 million by 2030.