Regarding the Aug. 22 article "What if no-benefit 'retirement' age is set at 40?": Mandatory retirement at 40 would hit around the age when many people have families with small children. Japan already has a huge problem with low birthrates. I imagine that the prospect of losing one's job just when family responsibilities may become the greatest would do nothing except discourage having kids and thus hurt the future of Japan. Job stability is essential for families.

The proposal would also kill the housing market, as who could get mortgages if they faced an almost-certain period of unemployment in the near future? This idea is poorly thought out.

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

michael liska