Japanese Term | English Term | English Explanation |
Kokumin Kenko Hoken
国民健康保険 |
National Health Insurance | Government health insurance scheme primarily for the unemployed or self-employed. Available from your ward/local city office. Those not enrolled on shakai hoken must also enroll. |
Kokumin Nenkin Hoken 国民年金保険 | National Pension Insurance | Government pension scheme primarily for the unemployed or self-employed. Available from your ward/local city office. Those not enrolled on shakai hoken must also enroll. |
Shakai Hoken
社会保険 |
Employees’ Health & Pension Insurance | Consists of both a health insurance and a pension component. |
Shigaku Kyousai
私学共催 |
Private Schools Mutual Aid Society Insurance | Similar to shakai hoken but for those working in private schools and universities. |
Kara-kikan
カラ期間 |
No applicable English | Exemption for pension payments for the time residing OUTSIDE Japan. Important for those looking to claim a pension after retirement. Conditions apply. |
Dattai Ichijikin
脱退一時間 |
Lump Sum Withdrawal Payment | This is the refund system for non-Japanese nationals to receive a refund of pension contributions after leaving Japan. Read more here. |