Japan's system of lifetime employment also is changing, albeit slowly.

It's no longer lifetime employment like it was 30 years ago.

Japan, after all, is known for lifetime employment and great loyalty.

Those who do not, he said, will discover that they are no longer assured of lifetime employment.

Now, if it was me you wanted to hire for lifetime employment, we could probably work something out.

This track offered women a chance for advancement based on performance, rather than lifetime employment.

There are questions whether even large companies will be able to maintain Japan's tradition of lifetime employment.

And Japan's commitment to lifetime employment is considered a factor in that country's economic success.

"But given the tradition of lifetime employment, that is still a tough sell."

If it was moved, what would be done with all those workers who were supposed to get lifetime employment?