Abstract
In this presentation we offer a critical reading of the portrayal of ageing, gender and care in the
recent Japanese film Plan 75 (2022). We do this through the lens of welfare state, social and
cultural gerontology theories, and semiotics. We analyse how this film reflects and critiques
Japan’s evolving welfare state, which historically relies heavily on informal caregiving provided
by family members, particularly women. Plan 75 presents a dystopian vision of Japan where older
adults are pressured to euthanise themselves, highlighting societal ageist attitudes. We discuss the
themes of isolation, loneliness, societal value, autonomy, and the gendered nature of care,
showing how cinema mirrors and challenges existing cultural and gendered norms. The use of
semiotics enriches the analysis by exploring key symbolic meanings embedded within the film's
visual and textual elements. Our analysis contributes to the understanding of ageing and social
care in contemporary Japan, providing insights into the intersection of culture, policy, and the
lived experiences of older adults. Ultimately, this presentation aims to add to the discussions on
how cultural narratives influence and reflect broader social issues surrounding ageing and care,
underlying the complexities and challenges faced by ageing individuals, the family, community
and the state in modern Japanese society and beyond.
By a sociologist and a film review podcaster
recent Japanese film Plan 75 (2022). We do this through the lens of welfare state, social and
cultural gerontology theories, and semiotics. We analyse how this film reflects and critiques
Japan’s evolving welfare state, which historically relies heavily on informal caregiving provided
by family members, particularly women. Plan 75 presents a dystopian vision of Japan where older
adults are pressured to euthanise themselves, highlighting societal ageist attitudes. We discuss the
themes of isolation, loneliness, societal value, autonomy, and the gendered nature of care,
showing how cinema mirrors and challenges existing cultural and gendered norms. The use of
semiotics enriches the analysis by exploring key symbolic meanings embedded within the film's
visual and textual elements. Our analysis contributes to the understanding of ageing and social
care in contemporary Japan, providing insights into the intersection of culture, policy, and the
lived experiences of older adults. Ultimately, this presentation aims to add to the discussions on
how cultural narratives influence and reflect broader social issues surrounding ageing and care,
underlying the complexities and challenges faced by ageing individuals, the family, community
and the state in modern Japanese society and beyond.
By a sociologist and a film review podcaster
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 25th International Conference of the Utopian Studies Society/Europe |
| Subtitle of host publication | Ageing, Intergenerational Relationships and Utopia (Book of abstracts) |
| Place of Publication | Valencia |
| Publisher | Utopian Studies Society |
| Pages | 93-93 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 3 Jul 2025 |
| Event | 25th International Conference of the Utopian Studies Society/Europe: Ageing, Intergenerational Relationships and Utopia - Faculty of Philology Translation and Communication, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain Duration: 2 Jul 2025 → 4 Jul 2025 Conference number: 25th https://esdeveniments.uv.es/124223/detail/25o-conferencia-internacional-de-la-sociedad-europea-de-estudios-utopicos-envejecimiento-relaciones.html |
Conference
| Conference | 25th International Conference of the Utopian Studies Society/Europe |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Spain |
| City | Valencia |
| Period | 2/07/25 → 4/07/25 |
| Internet address |