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Survey on the Effect of Pension System Rules for Non-Japanese Working in Educational Institutions in Japan

[Japanese here]

Dear Colleagues

This survey is part of a movement to investigate important inequities in the private university pension system which will likely have an adverse effect on your financial status. We request your cooperation in our efforts to redress this inequitable treatment.

Many foreign teachers and other employees are paying a substantial amount into the pension fund every month, but may not be aware that upon leaving they could receive only a small portion of their contributions as a one-time lump-sum payout.

The private university pension system provides a number of ways for Japanese members to make up insufficient years of service which are not available to non-Japanese.

Since the minimum length of service to qualify for benefits is 20-25 years (depending on date of birth), a large number of non-Japanese employees are likely to go home having worked their core career years here, but not receive significant benefits from their contributions to the system. Alternatively, some will feel forced to make important life decisions as to where they live and work based on the inability to recover their contributions should they leave. Further information regarding this issue is contained on the summary of a forum held November 20, 1997. See also "Some of the Problems with the Current Pension Law" for a brief summary of the main points.

The Shiritsu Daigaku Kyoiku Renmei (Education Federation of Private Universities) which is the umbrella organization for university labor unions, is attempting to bring this issue to national attention so that a more equitable arrangement can be established.

The purpose of this questionnaire is to provide the working committee with the information it needs in order to proceed with its efforts to change this system. We appreciate your taking the time to fill out this brief questionnaire and to bring it to the attention of other people affected by this issue.

Anyone interested in contributing their skills and efforts to this campaign is invited to contact Thomas Robb at <tom@robb.net>.

Note:Individuals who would like to find out more about the pension fund system and their rights/benefits are encouraged to obtain "A Guide to the Mutual Aid Association of Private School Personnel, 4th edition" (Shiritsu Gakkou Kyoushokuin Kyousai Kumiai no Go-Annai"). This booklet should be available at your school's personnel office or your from local "Kyosai" office.

Pension System Survey

Note: All information supplied below, including your name and address, will be kept in the utmost confidence.
Surname
Given Name
Age
Married?  Yes
No
Number of
Dependents
(Include spouse if dependent for tax purposes)
Nationality

Type of School

School Name:

Public
Private
Employment Status
Tenured
Contract with no limitations on renewals
Contract with limitations on renewability.
Part-time
How many years have you been a resident of Japan?
Years in system: How many years have you been employed in a position that has required you to pay into the retirement system?
Expected years in system: What is your best estimate for the total number of years you are likely to have accumulated as a member of the pension system (i.e., having monies deducted from your paycheck for pension benefits) by the time you leave Japan?
Why might you leave before reaching the qualifying age for a pension?
 Check any that might apply.
to take care of parents
for my children's education
to return to my own culture
to work in another culture
to find another kind of work
because my contract has lapsed
lack of work
other:
If it were possible, which option would suit you best?
Originally to have had a choice as to whether to join the retirement system or to arrange my own pension and disability plan independently.
To have my payments returned (with or without interest)
To receive a partial retirement benefit upon reaching 65 based on the number of years paid into the system.
To allow working periods outside Japan to be counted towards the required 20-25 years.
Contact address: If you would like to receive information on the progress of this effort, please leave your e-mail address. (You can expect 1-2 messages per month only.)
Additional
comments:
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