Recent demographic studies show that the aging of the Japanese is occurring at a much faster rate than anticipated. By the year 2025 there will be only two working people for every retired person, and within the next fifty years, one out of every three Japanese will be over 65. The particular Japanese response to this phenomenon is to stay in the workforce long after the normal retirement age.

There was little debate when the Japanese parliament changed the minimum age of retirement from 60 to 65. This bill was met with popular approval; three quarters of workers aged 55 expressed their desire to keep working for another ten years. Today, more and more Japanese continue to work into their seventies. After retirement many continue doing odd jobs called "arbeito" to supplement their meager retirement benefits and to feel useful. They feel it will stave off senility, which they particularly dread.

Busy Forever shows us some of these older people in their seventies and eighties. Dr. Ayakaoua, a geriatric physician , expects to continue his practice until aged 80. There is Mrs. Tanaka, the smiling 83-year-old vegetable seller; Mrs. Ishimi 75, an active fishmonger; Mr. Sakai an 80-year old taxi driver; and Mr. Chow who is passionate for karate yet still finds time to work as an engineer. There are even employment agencies specialize in finding work for older Japanese who are determined to remain busy forever.

"Americans studying aging and labor as well as students of Japanese area studies will benefit from viewing and considering the contents of this well-made documentary. Technically, this is an excellent production. It is well-paced, has fine camera work, and straightforward editing. Voiceovers are satisfactory.. ..The viewer’s ability to focus on the faces, scenery, and action rather than on reading a line of text at the bottom of the screen is a real plus. Recommended." Sheila Intner, Professor, Graduate School of Library & Information Science, Simmons College GSLIS at Mt. Holyoke for EMRO