by Chris Flynn

In 1995 I got my first full time contract to teach at a Junior College. I was told I had to enroll in Shakai Hoken. I told the college that because I wasn’t intending to stay in Japan for much longer I did not want to enroll. They replied that it was the law and I couldn’t refuse. I then replied that “I definitely refuse to join shakai hoken”. But in the end they were paying my salary and they said I had no say in the matter.

I felt dejected, this stupid Japanese system.

I thought avoiding it was the best option.

I was wrong.

Wind the clock forward to 2024.  Shakai Hoken helped me pay for my family’s health insurance, helped me secure a home loan, paid for my wife’s National Pension, and now on the verge of retirement I will have a pension.

I am so lucky that my employer made me join Shakai Hoken, back when I didn’t realize how important it was. My advice to all is you should definitely enroll for yourself and your future.