The swelling number of elderly people who cannot be tracked down and increasing reports of child abuse are signs that the family, as an institution, is beginning to fall apart.

I would expect him to say something deeper or more inclusive than that.

As often happens, Japanese 'doctors' are not very smart.

It is not BEGINNING to fall apart - it is BEGINNING to be noticed...that is all. With insane work schedules (mostly for men), peer pressure (got to keep up with trends!)women who want to enjoy their lives, and grandparents living farther away, there is very little keeping the Japanese family together.

Old people: *Most of the cases where the elderly parent has 'disappeared' - the parent died 10,20, even 30 years ago, but the family wanted to continue getting pension checks each month, so they don't report the death. This is being discovered now, but it happened, and has been happening for quite some time now. Child abuse: Along with ijime, it has been going on for a while, but is being reported more now.

Sorry 'doctor' - you should have spent more time in class, and less time in 'circles' - then, MAYBE you would have a clue.

done.