A work that realistically reflects Japan’s social problems

PLAN75, a system that allows those over 75 to choose their death.

It is the fictional system and central theme in this work. This system may be partially fictitious in Japan, where the retirement age is increasing, and the amount and conditions of pension benefits are becoming stricter. It is what makes this film so frightening.

The film opens with an image suggesting that a murder is taking place at a certain facility. The murderer says, “The old people are putting the squeeze on the nation’s finances, and the young people are getting the brunt of it. I took the case for the future of this country.

These words are reminiscent of the Sagamihara murders at Tsukui-Yamayuri En, a facility for the disabled, in 2016. It seems that “PLAN 75” is a system that was created as a result of the prevailing ideology in society that considers the socially vulnerable, such as older people and people with disabilities, as “baggage” of society and should be eliminated.

Sagamihara 45 people killed and wounded case｜Bunshun Online

A mass murder case occurred at Tsukui Yamayuri En, a facility for the mentally disabled in Sagamihara City, in the early hours of July 26, 2016. Sei Uematsu (26 at the time of the incident), who killed 19 residents and seriously injured 26 others, was a former employee of the facility for over three years.

Seventy-eight-year-old Michi, played by Chieko Baisho, was laid off from her job because of her age, and no one will hire her again even though she wants to work again. She also refused to move into a property because of her age and being unemployed. Thus, they ran out of options and chose PLAN 75. It is still a problem as of 2024, with 1 in 4 tenants over the age of 65 refusing due to the risk of not being able to pay rent, fire due to mismanagement of fire, and the risk of dying alone.

One out of four renters over 65 years old “refused to move in.” Unknown Discrimination against the Elderly in the Rental Industry

A society that pursues only efficiency and productivity and avoids risk as much as possible. That may be natural to generate profit. Those who watch this film should be more tolerant. However, what if you were in a position where you might be disadvantaged?

What if you hire an older adult, and soon, they become physically injured and unable to work? What if you let an older adult living alone move in, and they die alone? How much would be acceptable? Who will take on the responsibility? One cannot help but wonder where the compromise between “risk aversion” and “tolerance” lies.

PLAN 75″ is a film that realistically depicts these societal issues.

The film is told in a straightforward visual manner, with little dialogue throughout. Because of the lack of explanation, some may not understand what the film is trying to say. However, we would like to accept this as a blank space to think to our heart’s content. The actors’ performances are excellent and make us think about the situation as if it were our own.

The Elderly Are Being Declared “Unnecessary Items” in Society

This work’s most empty and frightening aspect is the “sniveling” of PLAN 75.”

“A great choice for the nation’s future!” But the reality is terrible. Their bodies are treated as waste, and the call center staff, called “sensei,” are young part-time workers who rely on foreign workers to organize their belongings. No matter how you look at it, users are treated as “unwanted items of society.”

I also found it frightening that Hiromu, a city hall employee played by Hayato Isomura, calmly explains to those applying for PLAN75 that “some people use the 100,000 yen preparation fee to pay for their funeral”. It is also very frightening to see PLAN75 being advertised at a soup kitchen and a campaign video being played as if choosing to die voluntarily is a virtue.

Michi Kakutani is not a 78-year-old woman.

The only factor in judging a person’s social life is their “attributes,” such as age. Michi is also judged solely on being a “78-year-old woman.” Still, she is the only “Michi Kakutani,” a human being. A society where people forget or disregard the apparent fact that everyone has their own life and feelings cannot be a happy society.

Not only Michi but Yaoko, a call center staff member played by Yumi Kawai, becomes emotionally attached to Michi after meeting her. Hiromu, another PLAN75 staff member, also begins to question the system when her uncle Yukio comes to apply for PLAN75.

It is ironic and redeeming that while the system can be dismissed as an attribute, once you look at it as an individual, you begin to feel as if you don’t want him to die.

Sudden Death or Prepared Death?

The day at the end of the story, we were on our way to the PLAN75 facility. In the morning, I was struck by how Michi gazed lovingly at the scenery and the children playing outside.

I wonder what it feels like to “die today.”

I can’t imagine what it feels like to choose PLAN75 and go to die on my own feet. What if my relatives had chosen PLAN75, and I was the one to see them off?

It was a different impression from the movie Departures, directed by Yojiro Takita. Even Hiromu, who had sent so many older adults to PLAN75, could still not sort out his heart regarding his relatives.

When I think about it, it is probably better for death to come upon us suddenly and violently. Of course, it is painful and sad, but the act of “going to die by oneself” is even more tragic or more vain.

A society where people can die when they want to without suffering might not be so bad. Still, a society where people who do not want to die do not have to choose death would be better.

No one raises their voice against the system at work. I am sure that PLAN 75 will continue to be solemnly implemented worldwide. The only ray of hope is the conflict young people such as Hiromu and Yaoko feel. I hope their “sense of discomfort” will become the norm for this society.

In the last scene, why did Michi decide to live? She seemed surprised to see Yukio dying in the bed next to her.

For example, it would be wonderful if it was “like your late husband” or something like that. But I’m afraid of the idea! I don’t want to be like this! I don’t want to be like this! I hope that society will accept her decision to live. I can’t help but wish for that in the last scene.