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Japan has a national pension system that applies across all prefectures, including Shizuoka. The system is made up mainly of the National Pension - Kokumin Nenkin - for self-employed people, students and those not enrolled in employee schemes; and Employees' Pension Insurance - Kosei Nenkin - for salaried workers. The Japan Pension Service administers pensions through regional pension offices and municipal government offices. In Shizuoka, local pension offices and city halls help residents enroll, record contribution history, calculate benefits and process applications for old-age, disability and survivors' pensions.
Most pension procedures are handled directly with the pension office or municipal office, but some situations require legal help. You may need a lawyer if:
- Your entitlement to a pension or the amount of benefits is denied or disputed.
- Your employment or contribution records are incomplete or contain errors and the pension office will not correct them.
- Your employer failed to enroll you or failed to make contributions and you need help recovering rights or proving service periods.
- You face a complex disability assessment that was denied and you want to appeal the decision.
- You are a foreign national with cross-border issues - for example, eligibility for lump-sum withdrawal or coordination of pensions with another country.
- You need to file an administrative appeal or pursue litigation against an administrative decision.
Lawyers who handle pension cases can advise on proof gathering, prepare written appeals, represent you in administrative hearings and court, and coordinate with social insurance specialists when technical matters arise.
The core laws governing pensions in Japan are the National Pension Act and the Employees' Pension Insurance Act. These national laws set eligibility, contribution requirements, benefit calculations and procedures. Local application and administration are carried out by the Japan Pension Service and municipal offices in Shizuoka.
Key aspects particularly relevant to Shizuoka residents include:
- Enrollment and contribution collection happen at municipal offices for the National Pension and at employers and pension offices for Employees' Pension Insurance.
- Benefit calculation depends on your contribution record, periods of insurable employment and, in some cases, coordination with international social security agreements.
- Claims for correction of records, re-examination of benefit denials and appeals are governed by national administrative law but are processed through regional offices. If an administrative remedy is exhausted, judicial review in the prefectural or district court is possible.
- Municipal offices in Shizuoka also check residency, family registries and other documents that affect survivors' benefits and dependent calculations. Local practice can affect how quickly documents are verified and processed.
The main benefits are old-age pension for retirement, disability pension for severe disability occurring during insured periods, and survivors' pension for family members after a contributor dies. There are different qualification rules for the National Pension and Employees' Pension Insurance.
If you are employed by a company, you are generally covered by Employees' Pension Insurance. Self-employed people, students and some others enroll in the National Pension through their municipal office. Check your pension book or your employer's payroll documents, or contact your local pension office to confirm.
Typical documents include your pension book or pension number, residence card or basic resident register information, identity documents, employment history or earnings records, and family documents if claiming survivors or dependent-related benefits. Your local office will advise on the exact documents required.
Errors in contribution records are common when employers did not report correctly, names changed, or records were not transferred. First contact the local pension office with supporting evidence - pay slips, employment contracts, tax documents, or employer certification. If the pension office refuses correction, you can request a formal re-examination and, if necessary, seek legal help to pursue administrative appeal or litigation.
Foreign residents generally participate in the same pension system while working in Japan. Some foreign nationals who leave Japan permanently may be eligible for a lump-sum withdrawal payment under certain conditions. Eligibility and application windows vary, so confirm your situation early with the pension office. International social security agreements with certain countries can also affect eligibility and benefit calculation.
You can request a re-examination or appeal the decision through administrative procedures. Gather full medical records, statements from treating physicians and any employment-related evidence. A lawyer or social insurance specialist can help prepare the appeal, present medical and factual arguments, and represent you in hearings or court if needed.
There are time limits for administrative appeals and for claims to recover unpaid benefits. Deadlines depend on the type of claim and the specific circumstances. It is important to act promptly and seek advice from the pension office or legal counsel to avoid losing rights due to statutory time limits.
Start with the pension office re-examination process and follow the administrative appeal procedures available. If administrative remedies are exhausted, you may be able to bring an administrative lawsuit in court. A lawyer experienced in administrative and social security law can advise on strategy, prepare submissions and represent you in proceedings.
Request available documents in writing and keep copies of all communications. If the employer refuses, a lawyer or a certified social insurance and labor consultant can help obtain necessary evidence, negotiate with the employer, and, where appropriate, bring claims against the employer for failure to enroll or remit contributions.
Fees vary by case and by lawyer - some charge hourly rates, some charge fixed fees for appeals or litigation, and limited contingency arrangements may be available in certain cases. The Japan Legal Support Center - Houterasu - and local bar associations can provide low-cost or subsidized legal assistance if you meet financial eligibility criteria. Start with an initial consultation to get a fee estimate and assess whether legal aid is possible.
Helpful organizations and bodies for pension matters in Shizuoka include:
- Japan Pension Service - national body that administers pensions at regional offices.
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare - sets pension law and policy.
- Local pension offices in Shizuoka prefecture, including main offices that handle claims and records.
- Municipal offices in Shizuoka, Hamamatsu and other cities for National Pension enrollment and local certification.
- Shizuoka Bar Association - for referrals to lawyers experienced in social security and administrative law.
- Japan Legal Support Center - Houterasu - for legal consultation and possible legal aid.
- Certified social insurance and labor consultants - specialists who can help with social insurance paperwork and employer-related disputes.
- Consumer affairs centers and municipal consultation desks - for general guidance on administrative procedures and dispute mediation.
If you need legal help with a pension issue in Shizuoka, follow these steps:
1. Gather basic documents - pension book or number, residence records, ID, employment contracts, pay slips, medical records if relevant, and family registry documents where needed.
2. Contact your local pension office or municipal pension desk to request an official explanation of your record and the reason for any denial or discrepancy.
3. Ask for a written decision or notice. Administrative remedies often require using formal re-examination or appeal channels within specific time limits.
4. Use free or low-cost consultation options first - the municipal consultation desk, Houterasu or a local bar association referral can help you understand options and likely costs.
5. If dispute resolution with the pension office fails, consult a lawyer experienced in pension and administrative law. Provide all documents and a clear timeline of events so the lawyer can assess prospects and deadlines.
6. Work with your advisor to prepare appeals, collect supporting evidence and, if necessary, initiate administrative litigation. Stay proactive - administrative processes and court cases can take time, and meeting procedural deadlines is essential.
Getting early, practical advice and assembling clear documentation will improve your chances of a favorable outcome. If you are unsure where to start, contact your local pension office or seek an initial consultation through Houterasu or the Shizuoka Bar Association.
