At the beginning of the twenty-first century, both Britain and Japan are facing similar issues caused by globalization, slower economic growth, and a rapidly aging population. Social policy in the two societies, which has developed differently due to the differences in their national resources, socio-economic systems, cultural values and political agendas, is at an interesting turning point. This book fills a gap in comparative social policy literature. It provides a rich background to the development of post-war social policy in Britain and Japan. Five specific policy areas - aging, domestic violence, housing, homelessness, and health - are chosen for analysis, each explored for its development process of policy and practices, current issues, and future directions.

Misa Izuhara is Research Associate in the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol, UK.