Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has unveiled a series of significant reforms to the country's healthcare and welfare systems, addressing rising costs, workforce shortages, and gaps in social support. These changes, announced in mid-November 2025, will impact both Japanese citizens and foreign residents who rely on Japan's social safety net. Nursing Care Fee Revisions on the Horizon According to NHK, the MHLW plans an extraordinary revision of nursing care fees for fiscal year 2025 to address inflation and improve working conditions in the sector. The revision aims to enhance compensation for nursing care workers and attract more personnel to an industry facing severe staffing shortages as Japan's population ages rapidly. This temporary adjustment comes in response to rising prices that have squeezed both care facilities and workers. For foreign residents working in Japan's nursing care sector—a field that has increasingly recruited overseas workers through specialized visa programs—these revisions could mean improved wages and working conditions. The reforms also signal the government's recognition that adequate compensation is essential for maintaining quality care services. For expats using nursing care services for elderly family members or planning for their own long-term care needs, these fee revisions may affect out-of-pocket costs. However, the primary goal is stabilizing the workforce to ensure service availability rather than reducing costs for users. Welfare Support Reforms Following Court Ruling In a separate but equally significant development, the MHLW is responding to a court ruling that deemed reductions in welfare payments illegal. According to NHK, a government expert committee has largely approved a draft report addressing this judicial decision, with the ministry expected to announce concrete measures this week. The court found that previous reductions in livelihood protection payments violated legal standards, particularly regarding how inflation adjustments were calculated. This ruling has implications for foreign residents who receive welfare support in Japan. While welfare eligibility for non-citizens is more restricted than for Japanese nationals, long-term residents and permanent residents may qualify under certain circumstances. The MHLW's response will likely involve revising how benefit amounts are calculated to comply with the court's findings. Expats receiving or applying for welfare support should monitor these developments, as payment amounts may be adjusted retroactively or prospectively. New Support System for Elderly Without Family Addressing a growing social challenge, the MHLW has drafted a framework for a new support program targeting elderly individuals without reliable family connections. According to NHK, this initiative will help seniors manage daily financial transactions, navigate hospital procedures, and handle other essential tasks typically assisted by family members. This development is particularly relevant for foreign residents aging in Japan, especially those without family in the country. As Japan becomes home to an increasing number of long-term foreign residents reaching retirement age, the lack of familial support networks presents unique challenges. The proposed program would provide structured assistance for tasks such as bill payments, medical appointment coordination, and potentially end-of-life planning. Details about eligibility criteria, costs, and implementation timelines have not yet been finalized, but the framework represents recognition of changing family structures and the needs of isolated elderly individuals. Practical Implications for Expats Foreign residents should understand that Japan's social welfare system, while comprehensive, has specific eligibility requirements based on visa status and residency duration. These reforms demonstrate the government's responsiveness to demographic and economic pressures, but they also reflect the financial strains on Japan's social safety net. Expats working in healthcare should stay informed about compensation changes that may affect their employment terms. Those planning long-term residence in Japan should consider how these evolving support systems might serve their needs as they age, particularly if they lack family connections in the country. As implementation details emerge in the coming months, foreign residents are advised to consult with local government offices or social welfare counselors to understand how these reforms may specifically affect their circumstances.