mainichi.jp (18.03.2020)

OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The city government of Osaka officially decided Wednesday to offer free school lunches to all of its public elementary and junior high school students from April to alleviate the financial burden on households caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus. The plan, the first by a major Japanese city, will cover 165,000 students. The city estimates the program will save parents and guardians between 50,000 yen ($470) and 60,000 yen per child each year.

nenkin.go.jp (12.03.2020) Due to the effects of the new coronavirus infectious diseases, it is difficult to temporarily pay National Pension Insurance premiums, such as those who have reported unemployment, abolition of business (closed business) or suspension. Those who meet the requirements of the above may be exempt from the National Pension Insurance premium based on the application from the person in question.

kyoukaikenpo.or.jp (10.03.2020)

If the insured leaves the company for medical treatment due to a Covid 19 infection and cannot receive compensation from the employer, the already existing sickness and sickness allowance will be paid. It will also apply to cases in which the insured is positive to Covid 19 but has no symptoms or that an insured with symptoms is doing home treatment. In the latter case, a doctor's note acquired later on or at least employer's certificate is required.

nenkin.go.jp (06.03.2020)

For cases where it is difficult for employers to temporarily pay Employees' Pension Insurance premiums due to the impact of the COVID 19 on the business conditions of business establishments: some might be eligible for the "Grace of exchange", which is a system that allows employers to pay Employees' Pension Insurance premiums in installments if there is a risk that it will make business continuation difficult by paying insurance premiums at one once.

mhlw.go.jp (March, 2020)

Subsidies have been introduced to working parents who must take leave because of closed schools. The ministry is establishing a new subsidy for employers who allow their employees with children whose school is closed due to Covid19, 100% paid leave. The subsidy amount will be 100% of wage paid to employees up to 8330 yen per person, per day.

japantimes.co.jp (06.03.2020) Amid mounting criticism over the low number of people who have been tested for COVID-19 in Japan compared to its neighboring countries, screenings are being covered from Friday by the national health insurance in an effort to increase testing.

Anshin Immigration & Social Security (27.02.2020) Employment Adjustment Subsidy is to support employers who are suffered from the business downturn but maintain employment by paying leave allowance and letting employees take partly paid leave, rather than firing them. The subsidy reimburses two third for a SME employer or a half for a large enterprise of the leave allowance.

World Economic Forum (18.02.2020) A new demographic dividend – the “longevity dividend” – is emerging as populations age.

china-briefing (03.09.2019) The Social Security Agreement between China and Japan took effect September 1, 2019, according to China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS). The agreement will allow Chinese and Japanese nationals working in the other country to avoid paying part of the social insurance.

Reuters (27.08.2019) Japan’s government unveiled estimates on Tuesday that showed public pension benefits steadily declining during coming decades, as it prepares to open up a debate on social security reforms needed to support an aging population.