Missing Pension Contributions Can Cost You for Life
When people think about social insurance (shakai hoken, or 社会保険), they usually think about health insurance or the deductions from…
The General Union’s Fight Against Illegal Exclusion from Social Insurance
Progress in 2025 and the Struggle Ahead in 2026 In 2025, one of the struggles the General Union fought hardest was…
When Crime Pays: Japan’s Social Insurance Enforcement Charade
Imagine if the only penalty for dangerous speeding was being told to slow down. No fines, no licence points, no…
Shakai Hoken Showdown: Busting Employer Myths and Fighting for Your Rights
Put your knowledge to the test by taking our myth busting quiz and discover the truth behind common misconceptions about…
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…
Help Us Map Shakai Hoken Coverage: Do the Questionnaire at genu.cc/shakaiQ
Help Us Map Shakai Hoken Coverage: Do the Questionnaire at genu.cc/shakaiQ The General Union is conducting a nationwide survey on…
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…
Everything You Need to Know About Pension in Japan
Unable to join our pension info session on October 27? No problem! We have the presentation available in PDF and…
Employee Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken): A Superior Healthcare System
(See here for more detailed information)Japan’s Employee Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken) offers significant advantages over the National Health Insurance system…
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…
You May Have Already Missed Out: hotline@genu.cc NOW OPEN!
Check Your Social Insurance Enrolment Eligibility Now Are you getting the social insurance coverage you’re entitled to? A recent discovery…
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…
Shobyo Teate: Your Financial Lifeline During Illness or Injury
Are you enrolled in Employee Health and Pension Insurance (Shakai Hoken)? If not, you might be missing out on a…
Big Change in Health and Pension Insurance is Coming
From October 2024, companies with 51 or more employees already enrolled in Shakai Hoken will be required to enroll additional…
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…