Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) - Japan (Ratification: 1976)

The Committee took note of the information provided by the Government in its report of 2001, which contained replies to the Committee’s observation of 2000 and the direct request of 1997.

Part V (Old-age benefit), Article 29, paragraph 2, of the Convention. In its previous direct request, the Committee asked the Government to state whether a protected person who has completed a qualifying period of 15 years of contribution or employment prior to the retirement age, but who cannot validate 25 years of residence in Japan, will be entitled to a reduced old-age pension in accordance with this provision of the Convention. In reply, the Government indicates that the periods of residence abroad of Japanese persons are included in the qualifying period of 25 years as complementary periods but not taken into account for the calculation of the amount of the pension. Besides, having a contribution period of 25 years is not necessarily a condition for receiving the benefit, as provisions exist for contribution exemption and retroactive pay. The Committee notes this information with interest. It would like the Government to indicate whether a Japanese person, born abroad, who comes to reside in Japan for the first time and becomes insured under the National Pension Law at the age of 50 years, will receive an old-age pension when he or she retires at the age of 65 having fulfilled a qualifying period of 15 years of residence and contributions, and how this pension will be calculated.