This book was written to allow readers to correctly understand the evolution of elderly welfare policies and the long-term care insurance system. It also analyzes how these welfare policies were influenced by social backgrounds and social conditions. It also introduces the ideas and philosophies that were discussed during the process of policy evolution. Especially since the Meiji period, support measures for the elderly have historically relied mainly on philanthropists. This book explains the evolution of elderly welfare policies through the Taisho period, the early Showa period, and World War II. It also touches on the current situation and issues in solving the remaining social issues. The book is written as a policy study on elderly welfare policies, and it comprehensively touches on the history of Japan's efforts. It was written with both an academic and practical aspect in mind so that it can be used by social workers.   Single author