[To the Era of 3.84 Million Labor Shortages in 2035] The Social Change Happening Now is the "Retirement Shift" in the 100-Year Lifespan Era! "RETIRE SHIFT" Released July 8

Toyo Keizai Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Toru Yamada) announced the release of a new book by Shunsuke Yamazaki, "RETIRE SHIFT," on July 8, 2026.

"RETIRE SHIFT" Released July 8

Until now, the common image of post-retirement work was "retiring at 60, enduring for 5 years with reduced wages through re-employment, and then receiving a pension." However, times are changing dramatically. As we enter an era of extreme labor shortages, seniors with high abilities and motivation are in demand.

Companies that have quickly recognized this shift are moving towards "retirement at 65, continued employment until 70." The number of companies with retirement ages over 65 has increased to one in three, and is expected to approach half in five years.

For company employees, this means they will be able to choose "not to work for companies that neglect to improve the treatment of the elderly." Since public pensions can be received from age 65, there is no need to work long hours in unreasonable environments.

Indeed, the era is dawning where "you can decide your own retirement age, not the company." The initiative in deciding retirement is shifting from the company to the individual. The era of "RETIRE SHIFT" is about to begin in Japan, the forefront of a super-aged society.

In this book, Yamazaki, a specialist in retirement funding issues, clearly explains the social changes, "Why is the Retire Shift occurring in our country?" and the latest management trends, "How should companies evaluate and utilize seniors?"

Furthermore, it presents strategies for seniors to adopt in a rapidly changing labor environment, such as "When should you start receiving your pension?" and "At what age should you retire from work?" This is a must-read book for anyone looking to resolve vague anxieties about "money and work in old age" and consider their own best "retirement strategy."

Figure: From page 31 of the book

◆ Main Topics of the Book

- Increase your pension by up to 84%! "WPP Theory" to resolve anxieties about longevity

This is an approach that maximizes retirement security by relaying longer work (Work Longer), drawing down private pensions (Private Pensions), and deferring public pensions (Public Pensions).

Figure: From page 197 of the book

- "Little FIRE" to quit 5-10 years earlier, "Side FIRE" to work casually

"Little FIRE," aiming for retirement 5-10 years earlier rather than FIRE in your 40s, allows for a long-term preparation period, making it possible to create a sustainable asset building plan.

There is also the option of "Side FIRE," where you maintain financial independence and continue working at your own pace in a job you enjoy. It is possible to focus on aspects other than annual income, working in a relaxed manner with "zero overtime and no desire for promotion."

- [Must-read for Management and HR!] Companies That Can Utilize Seniors as Assets, and Those That Cannot

"Labor shortages" are a major management challenge for Japanese companies. According to research introduced in this book, labor shortages are expected to reach 3.84 million people by 2035.

To address such labor shortages, how to utilize "elderly individuals in their late 60s to 70s" is a crucial key.

Unlike new graduates, they do not require basic social skills training, possess already-acquired skills, and have a high sense of belonging and retention rate, making them attractive human resources for companies. Redefining the organization to view senior talent as "valuable immediate assets" will determine the survival of companies.

Figure: From page 113 of the book

Endorsed by the Japanese editor of the bestseller "LIFE SHIFT"!

"This is the practice of Life Shift that only Japanese people can achieve."

◆ Author Profile

Shunsuke Yamazaki (Retirement Advisor / AFP)

Representative of Financial Wisdom / Certified 1st Class DC Planner / Consumer Affairs Advisor

Photo by Tomohisa Ichiki

Born in 1972. Graduated from Chuo University Faculty of Law, Department of Law. Became independent after working at the Corporate Pension Research Institute and FP Research Institute. Has held positions such as Chief Researcher at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pension Education Center and Senior Researcher (Defined Contribution Pension) at the Corporate Pension Fund Association. Specializes in retirement asset building, corporate pension systems (defined contribution pensions), and investment education. Has published numerous papers (recipient of the 5th Japan FP Society Outstanding Paper Award).

He is a popular FP known for his concise and easy-to-understand money columns, with many serialized and contributed articles. His books include "Is 40 Million Yen for Retirement True?" (Nikkei Publishing) and "Japanese FIRE: A Complete Beginner's Guide for Ordinary Company Employees" (Discover 21), among many others.

His hobbies include walking around town, and he belongs to the Tokyo Suribachi Society, which was featured in "Buratamo." He is also a manga otaku with a collection of 6,000 comic books.

◆ Book Information

RETIRE SHIFT / Written by Shunsuke Yamazaki

Price: 1,980 yen (tax included)

Release Date: July 8, 2026

ISBN: 978-4-492-04838-2

Format: 46 size / Paperback / 336 pages

Publisher: Toyo Keizai Inc.

Toyo Keizai Store Site: https://str.toyokeizai.net/books/9784492048382/

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4492048383

◆ You can download a flyer for the book from the button below.

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