The silent struggle of Japan’s ‘young carers’

Takao, Yasuo

doi:10.59425/eabc.1743501600

Access Status

Open access

Authors

Takao, Yasuo

Date

2025

Type

Journal Article

Metadata

Show full item record

Citation

Takao, Y. 2025. The silent struggle of Japan’s ‘young carers’. East Asia Forum.

Source Title

East Asia Forum

DOI

10.59425/eabc.1743501600

Additional URLs

https://eastasiaforum.org/

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

School

School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/97983

Collection

Curtin Research Publications

Abstract

The rise of ‘young carers’ — children under 18 who take on adult caregiving roles — in Japan reflects the lingering influence of a patriarchal family system and growing care demands amid an aging population. Insufficient support systems and a lack of self- and public awareness about the issue make it difficult to identify and assist these children. Without stronger measures, young carers face risks to their education, wellbeing and rights, underscoring the urgent need for recognition and comprehensive support.