出版社：Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training
摘要：'Freeter' is a label attached to young atypical workers in Japan. There has been a remarkable increase in the number of 'freeters' in Japan since the mid-1990s. The estimated total number of 'freeters' has quadrupled over the last two decades, amounting to over two million at the turn of the century (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare 2003). According to another estimation by the Cabinet Office, based on a broader definition of 'freeters' that includes those who are seeking regular jobs, the total number of 'freeters' numbered more than four million in 2001(Cabinet Office 2003). The word 'freeter' first appeared in Japanese society in the late 1980s when young people enjoyed abundant labor opportunities brought about by the 'bubble economy'. The marked increase in the number of 'freeters', however, took place after the bursting of the 'bubble'. During the prolonged recession from the early 1990s up to the mid-2000s, many youths have been shut out of regular employment and have chosen to become 'freeters'
