Story perspectives

Elective Amputation Proposed to Alleviate Japan’s Caregiver Crisis

6/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Kusakabe argues that elective amputation could ease caregiver strain in Japan’s aging society.
The film adaptation of his novel “Haiyoshin (Useless Body)” premiered in Japan, sparking controversy over “A-care” amputations.
Japan’s government projects a shortfall of about 570,000 caregivers by 2040 as nearly one-third of the population is 65 or older.
An NHK investigation in 2016 reported caregiving-related homicides roughly every two weeks, highlighting sector stress.

1 of 1

Story summary

Dr. Kusakabe argues that elective amputation could ease caregiver strain in Japan’s aging society.
The film adaptation of his novel “Haiyoshin (Useless Body)” premiered in Japan, sparking controversy over “A-care” amputations.
Japan’s government projects a shortfall of about 570,000 caregivers by 2040 as nearly one-third of the population is 65 or older.
An NHK investigation in 2016 reported caregiving-related homicides roughly every two weeks, highlighting sector stress.