Who is eligible: All residents of Japan aged 20 to 59 are required to join the National Pension program, regardless of nationality.
How to enroll: If you are self-employed, helping with housework at home, a student, or are not regularly employed, go to the Health Insurance and Pension Division of your local ward office or branch office. If you have joined the Employees' Welfare Pension Insurance, you are automatically enrolled in the National Pension, so no application is necessary.
Premium: You can pay your premium by using the Payment Notice mailed by the Social Insurance Agency or by bank transfer. If you pay the premium for the entire year (or a specified period) in advance, your premium will be reduced by a certain percentage.
Pension provisions: You will receive a pension in the following cases, provided that you have satisfied certain qualifications. For details, contact the Health Insurance and Pension Division of the ward office or its branch.
*Attainment of pension age: Elderly Pension (Rorei Kiso Nenkin)
*Disability: Disability Pension (Shogai Kiso Nenkin)
*Death of insured: Survivor's Pension or a lump-sum payment (Izoku Kiso Nenkin)