For instance, someone with 50,000 yen in monthly medical costs previously paid 8,000 yen, but now pays 10,000 yen, a rise of 2,000 yen. "If medical costs keep rising, there’s a chance I might have to give up going to karaoke," he said. Behind the reform lies a generational issue: roughly 40% of medical costs for those aged 75 and over are paid by the working-age population. "If seniors can stay active in society and continue social connections—whether through hobbies, volunteer work, or group activities—it helps maintain health and reduce long-term medical costs," said one gerontology specialist. For many like her, saving on daily necessities has become essential to offset rising medical expenses.