TL;DR
Japan’s Supreme Court upheld a ruling terminating welfare benefits for an elderly couple because their grandson’s part-time income exceeded a certain threshold. The ruling, which disregarded the grandson’s use of income for tuition and the existing “household separation” provision, sparked outrage as it was seen as punishing the grandparents for their grandson’s efforts to become self-reliant. Critics argue the ruling reflects Japan’s harsh welfare system, which often deters applicants through stigma and bureaucratic hurdles, and highlights the country’s demographic challenges and need for multigenerational support.
by SkyInJapan