Figures for Japan show that the percentage of people aged 55 and over will rise from 17.6 percent in 1980 to 32 percent in 2010. Employers show little concern about the aging of the work force and are accustomed to providing training geared to older workers. The government supports the employment and training of older workers through the Employment Insurance Act; the Older Worker Employment Security Act to support employment of workers aged 55 and over; and the Occupational Skill/Ability Development Act, which sets aside a certain portion of training activities for older workers and allows a higher rate of reimbursement of the cost of training older workers. The Japanese government offers occupational training to middle-aged and older workers directly through its affiliated entities (National Occupational Skill/Ability Development Centres) and through training centers operated by municipal authorities. Training courses offered by employers vary depending on the size of the company. Labor unions are concerned about training of older workers; they implement their objectives through influencing or working with management and by providing training programs. Training is significantly worse in small enterprises, although a higher proportion of older workers are employed. (Fourteen tables and 36 references are appended.) (YLB)