Welfare and Social Security Services
Japan is facing mounting social challenges driven by demographic change, including increasing pressure on social security systems and persistent workforce shortages across the welfare sector. Addressing these challenges requires more than improving the efficiency and effectiveness of existing services. It also calls for the redesign of operational models, stronger management capabilities and the development of leadership talent that can drive sustainable transformation. At the same time, emerging policy priorities—such as poverty, social exclusion and the protection of children’s rights—require inclusive and evidence-based approaches that reflect the diverse needs of individuals and communities. Governments and related organisations are increasingly expected to design and implement policies that leverage local resources and promote social participation while ensuring equitable access to support.
At PwC, we help public-sector organisations understand the underlying causes of complex social issues, define clear policy objectives and develop practical solutions that deliver measurable outcomes. By combining policy expertise, research capabilities and digital innovation, we support clients in addressing challenges that extend beyond the scope of conventional administrative approaches. Our work focuses on four key areas—Child and Family Welfare, Disability Welfare, Older Adult Welfare, and Poverty, Social Welfare and Social Security. Through these areas, we contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of policies and services that promote a more inclusive and sustainable society.
Child and Family Welfare
Japan ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994. Since then , the environment surrounding children and families has changed significantly. As family structures and lifestyles have become increasingly diverse, successive policy reforms and support programmes have been introduced to respond to emerging needs. At the same time, social issues that span multiple sectors—including health, welfare and education—have highlighted the need for approaches that extend beyond traditional administrative boundaries. In 2023, the Japanese government established the Children and Families Agency to advance the principles of the Convention and promote children’s rights, including the right to survival, development, protection and participation. The Agency is designed to address a broad range of child- and family-related issues while strengthening policy coordination across government.
National and local governments play a critical role in developing the systems and policies needed to address increasingly complex challenges affecting children and families. Improving outcomes requires not only new institutional frameworks but also innovative approaches to service delivery. As demand for support services continues to grow amid resource constraints, policymakers must explore effective combinations of digital and non-digital solutions, enhance information-sharing across administrative and service boundaries, and promote public understanding of new policies and programmes. Evidence generated through pilot projects and practical initiatives is essential for informing sustainable reform.
PwC supports public-sector organisations throughout the policy lifecycle—from strategy development and programme design to implementation and evaluation—to help create an environment in which every child can thrive and exercise their rights . Working closely with child guidance centres, childcare providers, local governments and other stakeholders, we conduct research, evaluations and demonstration projects that contribute to improving service delivery, strengthening organisational capabilities and enhancing outcomes for children and families.
Disability Welfare
Japan has developed a wide range of support systems and services to enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in society. In recent years, however, increasingly diverse needs—including those associated with developmental disabilities and other conditions that were not fully anticipated when existing frameworks were established—have highlighted gaps in policy and service provision. Persistent social stigma and limited public understanding of disability continue to present barriers to inclusion, underscoring the need for ongoing reforms and awareness-raising efforts.
PwC works to support the development of an inclusive society in which persons with and without disabilities can live and participate on equal terms. Our work includes policy research, international benchmarking, programme evaluation and demonstration projects aimed at improving disability-related systems and services. Drawing on multidisciplinary expertise and collaboration with self-advocacy groups, family organisations, practitioners and other stakeholders, we develop practical solutions that contribute to better outcomes and improved quality of life for persons with disabilities.
By continuing to collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, PwC is committed to advancing a society in which every individual—regardless of disability—can live with dignity, have their individuality respected and participate fully in their community.
Older Adult Welfare
Japan is one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies, with people aged 65 and over accounting for nearly one-third of the population. Since its introduction in 2000, the Long-Term Care Insurance System has become an essential component of Japan’s social security framework, supporting older adults and their families while helping communities respond to growing care needs.
In the early years of the system, policy efforts focused primarily on expanding service availability, improving access and establishing the infrastructure necessary to meet increasing demand for long-term care. While these objectives have largely been achieved, demographic and fiscal pressures are creating a new set of challenges that require further policy innovation and system reform.
Key priorities include securing and developing the long-term care workforce, strengthening the management capabilities of care providers, enhancing the effectiveness of insurers and improving service quality through better programmes and operational frameworks. Policymakers must also increase productivity and efficiency while maintaining service quality and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system amid rising expenditure on long-term care benefits.
Through research projects, policy studies and pilot initiatives, PwC contributes to the development of effective and sustainable policies for an ageing society. As family structures and lifestyles continue to evolve, we examine not only long-term care services but also broader issues such as housing, community engagement and integrated care systems that enable people to continue living in familiar environments throughout their later years.
Poverty, Social Welfare and Social Security
Japan’s Public Assistance System serves as a cornerstone of the country’s social security framework, ensuring a minimum standard of living that supports health, dignity and social participation. Historically, policy interventions focused largely on addressing economic hardship through income support and employment assistance designed to promote self-reliance.
Today, the nature of social vulnerability has become increasingly complex. In addition to financial hardship, many individuals face challenges related to social isolation, limited access to information, health conditions, disabilities and cognitive decline. Addressing these interconnected issues requires comprehensive support mechanisms that combine cash benefits, in-kind services, person-centred assistance and legal frameworks that help individuals exercise their rights and make informed decisions.
At the same time, social security expenditure in Japan continues to rise, placing significant pressure on public finances. Maintaining the sustainability of the system requires ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, optimise resource allocation and strengthen the effectiveness of programmes while ensuring that support remains accessible to those who need it most.
PwC supports the design and implementation of policies and systems that help people facing hardship and social exclusion. Recognising that anyone may encounter financial or social vulnerability at some point in their lives, we work with governments and related organisations to develop evidence-based solutions that promote inclusion, resilience and long-term social well-being.
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