The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (IPSS) was founded in December 1996 through the integration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Institute of Population Problems, established in 1939, and the Social Development Research Institute, established in 1965. As social-demographic conditions evolve with the times, IPSS has conducted evidence-based policy-making for many years, collecting corresponding evidence and carrying out research that contributes to policy. The establishment of the Social Development Research Institute in 1965 was in response to the aging population, while the 1996 integration, albeit partly for administrative streamlining, was in response to the need to address lowering fertility. Now, in the post-coronavirus era, we are planning and performing research to tackle a major persisting challenge: adapting social security and related systems to fertility and mortality change and population decline.

The IPSS has set the following six way forwards for its operations in the medium term and is undertaking research accordingly: (1) steadily implementing three core functions (population and household projections, household surveys, and financial statistics of social security); (2) attempting innovative and advanced research and further elevating research standards; (3) making contributions and recommendations and providing advice for national policy-making; (4) off ering practical support, recommendations, and advice to local governments; (5) contributing to the international community; and (6) presenting research fi ndings and raising the awareness of society. In FY2024, a fourth division was added to the Department of Population Dynamics Research to promote research on international migration. Additionally, a new database of Japanese National Transfer Accounts (NTA) has been launched and made available through IPSS’s website. We also continue to update our website, which serves as a source of research information.

This pamphlet introduces IPSS’s overview and main research projects. More information is available on our website, which we hope you will fi nd useful.

We remain committed to further enhancing and developing our research and projects, as well as disseminating our research fi ndings. We kindly ask for your broad support and cooperation.

HAYASHI Reiko
Director-General
National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (IPSS)