Parental Leave Problems: Part 3 What Good Is an Accommodation If Using It Costs You Later?
Janice* had been working around three days a week as a freelance English teacher for a large company for around…
Parental Leave Problems: Part 2No Position, No Job? Not So Fast.
Beth* had worked for the same company for several years before taking maternity and childcare leave. As her childcare leave…
Celebrating Women in Leadership in General Union!
In a time when workers’ rights are under attack, the power of collective action is more crucial than ever. As…
Peace of Mind: Why Proper Social Insurance Enrolment Matters
“It gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I won’t have to bankrupt myself if I need…
Paying the Price: How My Employer’s Insurance Mistake Haunted Me
A story from union member Theron Muller When I first came to Japan in 2000 it was to work for…
I Didn’t Want to Join Shakai Hoken—Now I’m Thankful I Did
by Chris Flynn In 1995 I got my first full time contract to teach at a Junior College. I was…
Making ¥1.48 Million Treatment Affordable: A Health Insurance Success Story
A story from a General Union member. I use a medication called DUPIXENT (dupilumab) to treat my severe atopic dermatitis…
Unnoticed Pension Non-Enrollment: A Former ALT’s Bitter Experience
A story from union member F.R. I hope this finds you well. I am writing to share my personal experience…
Shakai Hoken, a Financial Lifesaver for Unexpected Surgery
How Japan’s High-Cost Medical Expense System caps out-of-pocket costs, eases financial burden, and allows patients to focus on recovery I…
A Tale of Two Teachers: Why Employment Status Matters
Ellie and Maria, both excited to teach English in Japan, joined ECC and NOVA, respectively. Little did they know how…
Shakai Hoken: More Than Just Health Coverage
How Japan’s social insurance system provides peace of mind and financial relief for both routine and chronic health issues Many…
Maternity Leave and the 29.5 Hour Eikaiwa Dance
A testimonial from union member Leslie One thing my grandmother taught me was to always be prepared for what’s ahead.…
From Advocate to Beneficiary: The story of a union leader & paraplegic
-The real benefits only available through shakai hoken- Dennis Tesolat, General Secretary of the General Union, never imagined he’d become…