Japan’s welfare ministry said today the number of the country’s welfare recipients came to 21,15,477 in June, hitting a record high for the second consecutive month.
The number of households on welfare also came to a record 15,42,784, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
While the Government aims to trim livelihood assistance expenditure in its fiscal 2013 budget, a panel under the Social Security Council will examine the proposed reduction to decide whether to accept it by the end of this year.
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations President Kenji Yamagishi voiced opposition to the proposed cutback in a statement issued September 20, arguing it would jeopardise the constitutionally guaranteed right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living.