Japan's long-term care policy for older people: The emergence of innovative “mobilisation” initiatives following the 2005 reforms

• Post-2005 LTCI reform “mobilisation schemes” ‘over-valued’ by proponents
• Study investigated 3 examples of mobilisation schemes involving older volunteers.
• Findings indicate complexity, diversity and limitations within mobilisation schemes.
• Transnational policymakers advised to be cautious and further evaluation required.

Japan leads the global race for solutions to the increasing long-term care demand from an ageing population. Initial responses in 2000 saw the launch of the public Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) system which witnessed an unexpectedly substantial uptake — with doubts raised about financial viability and sustainability. The post-2005 LTCI reform led to the adoption of innovations — including the “mobilisation” of active, older volunteers to support their frailer peers. This strategy, within the wider government's “2025 Vision” to provide total care for the entire older population, sought to secure financial viability and sustainability. Drawing on qualitative in-depth interviews with 21 provider organisations this study will examine three “mobilisation” schemes and identify those factors contributing to overall strengths while acknowledging complexities, diversities and challenges the schemes encountered. Initial literature written by mobilisation proponents may have been overly optimistic: this study seeks to balance such views through providing an understanding and analysis of these mobilisation schemes' realities. The findings will provide insights and suggest more caution to policy-makers intending to promote such schemes — in both Japan and in countries considering doing so. Furthermore, more evaluation is required to obtain evidence to support financial feasibility and sustainability.