Health & Pension Terms Glossary

Japanese Term	English Term	English Explanation
Kokumin Kenko Hoken 国民健康保険	National Health Insurance	Government health insurance scheme primarily for the unemployed or self-employed. Available from your ward/local city office. Those not enrolled on shakai hoken must also enroll.
Kokumin Nenkin Hoken 国民年金保険	National Pension Insurance	Government pension scheme primarily for the unemployed or self-employed. Available from your ward/loval city office. Those not enrolled on shakai hoken must also enroll.
Shakai Hoken 社会保険	Employees’ Health & Pension Insurance	Consists of both a health insurance and a pension component.
Shigaku Kyousai 私学共催	Private Schools Mutual Aid Society Insurance	Similar to shakai hoken　but for those working in private schools and universities.
Kara-kikan カラ期間	No applicable English	Exemption for pension payments for the time residing OUTSIDE Japan. Important for those looking to claim a pension after retirement. Conditions apply.
Dattai Ichijikin 脱退一時間	Lump Sum Withdrawal Payment	This is the refund system for non-Japanese nationals to receive a refund of pension contributions after leaving Japan. Read more here.