Japan's aging crisis reveals systemic neglect in eldercare through 'The A-Care: Disusebody'
Original framing: “Japan’s aging anxieties fuel the disturbing logic of ‘The A-Care: Disusebody’” — The Japan Times
Japan's aging crisis is rooted in post-war economic policies that prioritized growth over social welfare, leading to underinvestment in eldercare infrastructure. Historical parallels can be drawn with other industrialized nations, such as the U.S. and Europe, where aging populations have similarly strained social systems due to neoliberal austerity and privatization.
The film 'The A-Care: Disusebody' is not just a dystopian vision but a systemic reflection of Japan's aging crisis, shaped by neoliberal economic policies, underfunded eldercare infrastructure, and a cultural shift away from intergenerational care.
Indigenous and non-Western models of eldercare offer alternative visions rooted in community, relationality, and spiritual connection, which contrast sharply with the market-driven logic of the film. By integrating scientific evidence, cross-cultural wisdom, and the voices of marginalized communities, Japan can move toward a more holistic and sustainable eldercare system. The trickster logic of the film reveals the absurdity of current policies and the urgent need for systemic reform.