The Cruel Reality of a “Society of Personal Responsibility” That People in Their 60s Feel All Too Acutely | Structural Problems in Japan Revealed Through Real-Life Testimonials from 30 Seniors

“The reason you don’t have enough money for retirement is that you didn’t save enough while you were working.” “It’s your own fault, so there’s nothing you can do about it.”—Have you ever felt hurt by comments
like these?

In modern-day Japan, often referred to as the “era of the 100-year life,” seniors in their 60s and 70s are facing the “cruel reality of a society that places the burden of responsibility on the individual”—a reality that cannot be resolved by personal effort alone.

In this article, we thoroughly analyze all 30 real reviews and personal accounts submitted by seniors in their 60s and 70s. We unpack the structural challenges in Japan—such as
inheritance, long-term care, pensions, the digital divide, and soaring prices—that are putting seniors under pressure, and share concrete strategies for surviving these difficult times.

Conclusion: The difficulties faced in old age are not due to a “lack of individual effort” but rather to “problems with the social structure.”

The main point I want to make is this: “The financial and emotional hardship you may face in your later years is by no means due to a lack of effort on your part, nor is it a consequence of your own actions.”

When we compile the voices of people in their 60s and 70s, it highlights changes in social structures that are beyond the power of any individual to resist.

• A “complex system (application-based system)” where you won’t receive a single yen unless you apply
• "Pension Benefits" That Can't Keep Up with Soaring Prices
• The sudden onset of “caring for elderly parents” or “health problems of one’s own”
• The "Digital and IT Divide" Is Widening at a Staggering Pace

None of these issues can be avoided by individual will alone. The reality in Japan today is that
society as a whole uses the phrase “personal responsibility” as a shield to shift the burden of structural problems onto individuals.

30 Reviews from People in Their 60s and 70s on “The Reality of a Society Based on Personal Responsibility”

In the following section, we’ll provide detailed explanations of 30 real reviews from people in their 60s and 70s, categorized into 10 main themes.

1. The Stress and Problems Associated with Inheritance, End-of-Life Planning, and Closing a Family Grave

The burden of caring for aging parents, selling the family home, and end-of-life planning is weighing heavily on the next generation—those in their 60s.

The “Parent Lottery” Problem in Inheritance and End-of-Life Planning

“Because my parents stubbornly refused to plan for the end of their lives, I ended up having to shoulder the entire burden of the massive post-death arrangements and cleaning out their home after they passed away. Even though it took me two full years to clean everything out, people around me criticized me for ‘being too slow to prepare,’ and I feel that’s completely unfair.” (Woman in her 60s)

The Emotional Burden of Grave Closure

“Since I don’t have any children, I’m struggling with what to do about the family grave that has been passed down through generations. Closing the grave involves high costs, and with opposition from my relatives, I’ve been unable to make a decision, and these days have been a constant source of worry for me.” (A man in his 70s)

2. The Traps of “Systems” and “Scams” That Leave the Information-Disadvantaged Behind

Government and local government support programs are structured in such a way that they favor only those who “know about them and can take action,” while those who are unfamiliar with them end up at a disadvantage.

An Unfair System Where the Informationally Disadvantaged Lose Out

“When I went to change my cell phone plan, I found that several unnecessary subscriptions I didn’t even understand had been added to my account. It also turns out that I can’t receive any of the subsidy programs unless I ‘apply for them myself.’ Is this a society where older people who aren’t tech-savvy are being exploited?” (A man in his 60s)

The Fear of Being Blamed Even Though You’re the Victim: The Horror of Fraud

“After I retired, I fell victim to a sophisticated investment scam. When I went to the police, they brushed me off coldly, saying, ‘You weren’t careful enough.’ My family also blamed me, saying it was ‘my own fault,’ and now I feel isolated and have lost trust in people.” (A woman in her 70s)

The Inconvenient Truth About the Adult Guardianship System

“I used the adult guardianship system for my mother, who has dementia, but once you start using it, you can’t stop halfway through, and you can’t manage your money freely. It’s too complicated for the elderly; it feels like a trap.” (Woman in her 60s)

3. Distrust of the pension system, the tax system, and the government, coupled with soaring prices

A generation that has worked diligently and paid taxes for many years is being pushed to the brink by repeated changes to the system and rising prices.

Distrust of the Government and the “After-the-Fact” Changes to the System

“The employer’s contribution to the Employees’ Pension Insurance is made hard to understand, and there’s talk of reducing the retirement allowance deduction… It’s so different from what I was told when I was still working. I just can’t accept it when people say, ‘It’s your own fault if you don’t have enough money for retirement.’” (A man in his 60s)

Pensioners Struggling to Make Ends Meet Amid Soaring Prices

“Over the past five years, my food and utility bills have skyrocketed. My pension payments haven’t gone up, but my expenses have, and I regret having retired. Even if I wanted to work, my body just can’t keep up.” (A woman in her 70s)

The Erosion of Savings Due to Inflation

“Even if I keep my money in the bank, the interest rate is negligible. Meanwhile, inflation continues, and my savings are effectively shrinking in real terms. Even though people tell me, ‘Start investing in your 60s,’ I’m too afraid of the risks to take the plunge.” (A man in his 60s)

4. Physical Limitations and the Harsh Reality of Employment and Reemployment

Some people say, “You can just keep working in your old age,” but changes in physical condition due to aging and the barriers posed by age stand in the way.

The fear that, even if I want to work, my body just can’t keep up

“I suffer from severe lower back pain and can’t stand or sit for long periods of time. People tell me, ‘It’s selfish not to work in your old age,’ but no one understands the agony of wanting to work but being physically unable to do so.” (A man in his 60s)

The Harsh Reality of the Re-employment System

“I stayed on under a re-employment program after turning 60, but my salary is less than half of what it was when I was an active employee. It’s humiliating to take orders from someone who was my subordinate until just yesterday. But I have no choice but to stay for the sake of making a living.” (A man in his 60s)

The Age Barrier at Hello Work

“I went to the public employment office to look for a job at age 66, but I was practically turned away the moment they saw my age. I’ve come to realize just how cruel the common saying, ‘If you work, everything will be fine,’ really is.” (A man in his 60s)

Retirement as a Working Poor

“I worked diligently for 40 years in non-regular employment, but I was never able to become a regular employee. It wasn’t until I reached retirement age that I realized the saying ‘hard work pays off’ was a lie.” (A woman in her 60s)

5. Zero Savings, Income Inequality, and Intergenerational Poverty

These are the heartfelt confessions of people who, due to years of life’s hardships, were unable to build up savings.

The Cycle of Poverty and Educational Inequality

“As a single mother, I did my best to raise my child, but I couldn’t afford to send her to a cram school. OECD data states that ‘80 percent of a person’s success in life is determined by their parents’ circumstances,’ and I really feel the reality that parental poverty is passed down to the next generation.” (Woman in her 60s)

The Reality of My 500,000-Yen Savings Account, Which Was Always in the Red

“From my 20s through my 50s, I faced a series of challenges—caring for a family member, changing jobs, and my own illness—and our household budget was never in the black. I entered my 60s with only 500,000 yen in savings, but it wasn’t because I was lazy; I was simply struggling just to get by.” (A man in his 60s)

Life Ruined by Guarantor Obligations and Debt

“My life changed completely after I became a joint guarantor for a relative. When you’re constantly short on money, your perspective narrows, and you lose the ability to make sound judgments. I’ve come to realize all too well that financial security brings peace of mind.” (A man in his 70s)

The Problem of No Pension or Low Pensions Facing Single Mothers

“Since I’ve always worked part-time, I only receive the National Pension, and my monthly benefit is just under 70,000 yen. Every time I see the gap between myself and my friends who own their own homes or have inherited property from their parents, my heart sinks.” (Woman in her 60s)

The Collapse of the Middle Class and the Rise of Extreme Poverty

“We’re living in an era where people who were once part of the middle class can suddenly find themselves in poverty due to a single illness or round of layoffs. What’s more, the number of people in ‘extreme poverty’—who have lost even the will to ask for help—is growing, and I feel this is an issue that affects us all.” (A man in his 60s)

6. Leaving the Workforce to Provide Care and the Risks of Depopulation in Rural Areas and the Healthcare Sector

Changes in one’s immediate living environment and the need to care for family members can shatter a peaceful retirement in the blink of an eye.

Closure of My Primary Care Physician’s Office and Difficulty Traveling

“The local hospital that was within walking distance has closed. The new hospital I was referred to is a 40-minute drive away. Since I turned in my driver’s license, I have no choice but to take a taxi, and the transportation costs are putting a greater strain on our household budget than the medical bills.” (A woman in her 70s)

The Fear of Suddenly Having to Quit a Job to Care for a Family Member

“My parents, who are in their 80s, fell ill, and I had no choice but to quit my job to care for them. My income has dropped to zero, and no matter how much I have in savings, I’m on the verge of financial ruin because their care is taking so long. What terrifies me is that ‘care doesn’t wait.’” (A man in his 60s)

The Sorrow of Being Treated as a “Cost” Within the Family

“When the conversation keeps turning to medical and long-term care expenses, I feel sad because it makes me feel like I’m no longer a ‘valued person my family should rely on,’ but rather a ‘financial burden (cost)’ to them.” (A man in his 70s)

7. Loss of Transportation and Regional and Socioeconomic Disparities

In rural and suburban areas, losing access to transportation directly leads to a decline in quality of life.

Mobility Disparities Resulting from Giving Up Car Ownership

“I stopped driving as I got older, and my range of activities immediately shrunk dramatically. Even going to the supermarket is a struggle, and I feel like ‘my world has suddenly become much smaller.’” (A man in his 70s)

8. Stagnation in Social Structures and Politics, and Resignation Regarding the Future

This is a criticism of the fact that the social system itself does not take into account the lives and futures of older adults.

Disappointment with a political system that focuses only on the next election

“The reason measures to address the declining birthrate and improve welfare for the elderly aren’t making progress is that politicians are thinking only about ‘the next election’ rather than ‘the future 20 years from now.’ Community ties are weakening, and cries for help are coming from the front lines.” (A man in his 60s)

The Growing Gap and “Resignation” Among Those Aged 65 and Older

“Once you’re past 65, it’s almost impossible to turn your life around. The gap between the haves and have-nots just keeps widening, but by ‘stopping my unrealistic expectations and accepting what I can’t change,’ I’ve finally found some peace of mind.” (A man in his 60s)

9. Psychological, Emotional, and Value-Based Conflicts

This is about the psychological stress caused by the concept of personal responsibility and the conflict with past values.

The Psychology of “Escapism” Among Welfare Recipients

“Some people receiving public assistance are addicted to alcohol or cigarettes. It seems this isn’t because they want to indulge, but because they can’t bear to face their harsh reality while sober” (a man in his 60s)

Financial Ruin Caused by Keeping Up Appearances on Social Media

“I have an acquaintance who compared herself to others on social media and ended up buying a luxury car and designer goods on credit. Spending driven by a desire to impress others will undoubtedly ruin your household finances in retirement,” (a woman in her 60s)

Cognitive Decline and the Barriers of the “Application-Based System”

“Once you’re over 65 and your cognitive function and comprehension start to decline, it becomes difficult to make sense of complex government application forms. A system where ‘only those who can make smart choices get help’ is cruel,” said a woman in her 70s.

Applying for Welfare: When Pride Gets in the Way

“My father, who is in his 80s and grew up during the Showa era, keeps refusing assistance, saying, ‘It’s a disgrace for a man to receive welfare.’ His past pride and values are preventing him from taking advantage of the system,” said a woman in her 60s.

10. Inequality in the New Era (IT and NISA)

Digitalization and new asset management systems are further widening the gap among the elderly.

The New NISA and the Financial Literacy Gap

“Even though systems like NISA are designed to be equitable, they’re irrelevant to people who don’t have the ‘surplus funds’ or ‘financial knowledge’ to invest. The gap between those who know about these things and those who don’t is widening.” (A man in his 60s)

The “Digital Divide” That Determines Comfort in Retirement

“My friends my age who are good with IT book cheap airline tickets on their smartphones to enjoy traveling and use AI to look up government assistance programs to their advantage. Since I can’t use digital tools, I’m stuck doing manual labor, and I feel that IT literacy is creating a gap in our retirement lives.” (A man in his 60s)

Inequalities Created by Environment and Habits

“I heard a story about how the historical figure Tokugawa Iemochi suffered from 30 cavities. It really makes me think that it’s not just a person’s own efforts, but also their environment and dietary habits that have a major impact on their health and life.” (A man in his 60s)

“5 Defense Strategies” for Surviving in a Society of Personal Responsibility

What these real-life accounts reveal is “a reality that cannot be resolved through individual effort alone.”
However, if we just sit idly by, we won’t be able to escape this difficult situation.

To help you navigate this cruel “society of personal responsibility” a little more smoothly, here are five coping strategies you can put into practice right away.

【自己責任社会を生き抜く5つの指針】
1. 「申請主義」を理解し、知る努力をする（行政の支援は勝手に来ない）
2. 使える制度・公的支援はプライドを捨てて使い倒す
3. デジタル・ITリテラシーを少しずつでもアップデートする
4. 「他人との比較」をやめ、自分の足元に集中する
5. 抱え込まず、早い段階で専門機関や地域に相談する

① Understanding the Government’s “Application-Based System”

Japan’s welfare and support systems are structured so that “not a single yen is paid out unless the person in need applies for it themselves.” To avoid missing out on benefits simply because you “didn’t know,
” be sure to check the newsletters and websites of your city or ward offices regularly.

② Don’t hesitate to take advantage of available government assistance

Pride—such as thinking “It’s embarrassing to receive welfare” or “It’s too early to use long-term care insurance”—can be a major factor that puts a strain on your life in old age.
Public assistance programs are a “right” for citizens who have paid taxes for many years. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the support you
need.

③ Get gradually used to using smartphones and IT

We live in an era where it’s difficult to get all the information you need on paper.
Whether it’s looking up information on your smartphone, using online government application services, or connecting with your local community through LINE, gradually getting used to digital tools can directly help you reduce living costs and access support.

④ Don’t compare yourself to others

Comparing your life to the elegant lifestyles you see on social media or among your acquaintances will only lead to anxiety and emptiness.
Focusing on “what you can do” and “a lifestyle you find satisfying,” and planning your life based on your own values rather than those of others, will lead to peace of mind.

Summary: How to Avoid Being Overwhelmed by the Idea of Personal Responsibility

As can be seen from the testimonials of seniors in their 60s and 70s, the reality is that the various difficulties they face in their later years are largely due to structural problems in society, rather than individual negligence.

That is precisely why we need to adopt an attitude that avoids judging ourselves or others based solely on results, and instead focuses on the individual stories and circumstances behind each person.

There’s no need to blame yourself by thinking, “It’s all my fault.” Make an effort to understand the programs offered by the
national and local governments, don’t hesitate to rely on the support available to you, and work to ensure you can live your retirement life on your own terms.