The Japanese government has announced a revision to their welfare payment plan, leading to a decrease of 2.49% in the disbursals. The unprecedented move, set to take place soon, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to balance the national budget. The effect on the recipients of these welfare payments, however, is not clear yet.

In Japan, the Living Protection Law (Seikatsu Hogo-hou) is strictly regulated and offers emergency assistance to those who are unable to maintain minimal living standards due to poverty. Japanese society values the spirit of self-help and mutual assistance, and thus the reduction in welfare payouts signifies a governmental push towards getting more individuals into self-sustained living conditions.

In the US or the EU, adjustments to welfare payments often come with heated debates over the role of government, societal responsibility, and individual liberty. In many European countries, welfare state models provide comprehensive major social protections, while in the US, a slightly different model exists, aiming for a balance between public and private responsibilities.