The fifth of eight programmes
Land of the Setting Sun
Japan is ' greying' - growing older - far faster than any other country. Until now it has had the youngest population of any advanced nation, but by early next century it is expected to be the oldest. This is partly because the Japanese live longer than anyone else. and partly because there has been an unprecedented drop in the birth-rate. In 40 years' time a quarter of the population will be over 65 years old, and it is predicted that this could lead to economic trouble and inter-generation conflict. The problem m§m old in Japan simply refuse to retire, even if they have the money to do lo Robin Denselow reports on the land where a 70-year-old former sales manager is delighted to find new employment cleaning the ashtrays outside Tokyo subway stations.
Series producer WILLIAM NICHOLSON producer ROBIN DENSELOW