Facing aging demographic pressures and labor shortages, the Japanese government has been pressuring its senior citizens to continue working later into life. Each year, the number of workers over the age of 65 continues to grow in Japan as the overall population shrinks. Data indicates that there is a higher willingness to work amongst older Japanese as compared to workers in Western nations. However, due to the rigid job market customs in Japan, it has been challenging for older workers who have left their previous jobs to find new ones.
See "Due to labor shortages and aging demographics in Japan, senior citizens encouraged to remain working in labor force", Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times, October 17, 2022