There are two public pension programs in Japan: the Workers' Pension Plan (Kosei Nenkin)  for factory workers and other individuals employed and the National Pension Plan (Kokumin Nenkin) for all others. Everyone including those enrolled in the Workers' Pension Plan and their spouses are also entitled to the National Pension Program managed by the Japanese government.

■ Pamphlets about National Pension Plan : Social Insurance Agency

     English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian 

　   URL  http://www.sia.go.jp/infom/pamph/nenkin02.html

<Inquiry>
  National Pension Section (Kokumin Nenkin Ka) : 7F of New Building, Matsudo City Hall
       Phone 047-366-3752
       Email mckokuminnenkin@city.matsudo.chiba.jp

  Matsudo Social Insurance Office (Shakai Hoken Jimusho)
       Address  Shin Matsudo 1-335-2
       Phone  0570-07-1165 (Pension Consultation)

● 5 minutes walk from Shin Matsudo Station (JR Joban line)

■ National Pension Plan

Everyone between the ages of 20 and 60 who lives in Japan, including Non-Japanese residents, is required to join the National Pension Plan.  

The monthly premium is as follows;

　

2008.4.1-2009.3.31

14,400 yen/month

If you are covered by the Workers' Pension Plan (Kosei Nenkin) , you don't have to pay the National pension premium by yourself.

To be eligible for the Basic Pension for Old Age (Rorei Kiso Nenkin) which pays benefits from 65 years old, you must pay a monthly premium into this plan for a minimum of 25 years. 
Other benefits include the Basic Pension for the Disabled (Shogai Kiso Nenkin) which is paid to those who become disabled by illness or injuries, and the Basic Pension for the Bereaved (Izoku Kiso Nenkin) which is paid to the dependent family when the enrolled member dies.

■ Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment from the National Pension Plan (Dattai Ichijikin)

Some Non-Japanese residents who stay in Japan for a short period of time cannot meet the requirements to receive pension benefits. As a special measure, therefore, Non-Japanese residents are eligible for a lump-sum withdrawal payment by filing an application, if they meet the following conditions. 

 (1) Non-Japanese who are in their home country;
 (2) Persons who have paid Employee's Welfare Pension Insurance (Kosei Nenkin) or 
     National Pension Plan premiums for 6 months or more;
 (3) Persons who cannot receive regular pension payments
 (4) Application is made within 2 years after leaving Japan. 

(2008.4.1-2009.3.31)

■ Social Security Agreement and Applicable Social Security Systems