This article examines the state policy of Japan in the labor market for older and disabled people in the changing demographic situation associated with a decrease in the birth rate, an aging population and a reduction in the country's working-age population. Against the background of increasing social spending, the government is trying to solve the problem of labor shortages by increasing the employment of older people, of course on a voluntary basis. The government's measures are shown to increase the retirement age and to reduce the distance between the retirement age and the maximum permissible age of employment of employees (teinen). The data on changes in the structure of workers' employment after reaching teinen are presented. The policy of attracting disabled people to the labor market in order to improve their social status, improve living conditions and positively influence the economic situation is revealed. Both achievements and shortcomings in solving this issue are noted.