Among the range of social policies in Japan, the ‘policy’ of sedaikan kōryū seems to have the least direct impact on the immediate ‘social panic’ of the society. This is because intergenerational interaction is commonly expected to have taken place within the family, and thus within the private realm of responsibilities. However, in recent years, as a result of the panic caused by the predicament of an aging society, accentuated by a changing family structure and the distancing of the generations, the term sedaikan kōryū has made more frequent appearances, particularly under social policies and programmes related to aging, community development and lifelong education.

This chapter begins with an examination of the needs and significance for ‘intergenerational interaction’ (sedaikan kōryū) programmes in Japan. This is followed by an overview of the types of intergenerational initiatives available. In the course of discussion, the Japanese interpretation of concepts such as ‘volunteerism,’ ‘family’ and ideals in elderly care are examined. In the conclusion, the relations between promoting intergenerational interaction and Japanese-style welfare society is discussed.

Needs and significance of intergenerational interaction

Despite the romantic image of the elderly spending their remaining years in the care of the family, surrounded by a throng of bubbly grandchildren, in reality, more and more Japanese elderly are spending their twilight years isolated from the younger generation.