pensions for all Japanese citizens were put
into effect. This social welfare regime was
supported by government financial resources,
which were adequate under the prevailing
conditions of rapid economic growth. Steadily,
it developed as the basic system
underpinning the people’s welfare. In 1973, a
time some people called the “First Year of the
Welfare Era,” a revision of the Welfare Law
for the Aged eliminated healthcare fees for
older citizens, while a revision of national
health insurance regulations boosted the
percentage of national coverage for family
medical expenses. Revised national pension
regulations raised pension levels and
introduced a sliding scale (reflecting changes
in commodity prices) that benefited, in
particular, the neediest recipients.