The present study analyzes the livelihood security system of contemporary Japan by way of historical and international comparison, in an effort to explore its current route and future prospects. The present study posits "livelihood security systems" rather than "welfare states" or "welfare regimes" as the object of its comparative investigation. It furthermore builds on the concept of "social exclusion," which it understands as the outcome of a dysfunction, or reverse function, of a livelihood security system.

The book discusses the current social security system in Japan,...