http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/10/world/welfare-as-japan-knows-it-a-family-affair.html http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/10/world/welfare-as-japan-kno... Scholars

http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/10/world/welfare-as-japan-knows-it-a-family-affair.html http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/10/world/welfare-as-japan-kno... Scholars say that the system in Japan almost never breeds dependence, and they suggest that the Japanese approach has emphasized the work ethic and the importance of family ties. Caseworkers rigorously check applicants and drop by their homes regularly to make sure that they do not have banned luxuries like cars or air conditioners, and fraud seems extremely rare. Japan does have two elements of a social welfare program that far surpass anything in the United States: universal medical care and comprehensive day care. Everyone has access to doctors and hospitals at affordable prices, with the services free for the poor. And neighborhood nurseries throughout Japan provide excellent care for children from six months old to school age, if mothers work, for a modest fee that is waived for low-income families. Only 1% Japanese births are to unwed mothers. That compares with 30% of USA. ''The Japanese have a tendency to regard it as extremely shameful to receive welfare, and so they are hesitant,'' said Toshio Hata, a senior welfare official in Kawasaki. An applicant who owns a home is normally advised to sell it and use the proceeds until the money runs out -- and then to apply again. In May, a 96-year-old man was dropped from welfare because it came to light that he had $30,000 in savings. The caseworker told him to use that up and then reapply. A welfare worker has a caseload of about 60 in Japan, and there is time for regular, unscheduled visits to recipients' homes. The caseworkers have great discretion in handling cases, as well as considerable moral authority in advising recipients what to do.