Unemployment

Quick Answer If you lose your job in Japan: (1) you can stay on your work visa and job hunt — losing the job doesn’t cancel the visa, but staying 3+ months without work activities can; (2) if you paid employment insurance (雇用保険) for 6–12+ months, you can claim unemployment benefits at Hello Work — roughly 50–80% of your previous wage for 90–330 days; (3) you must switch to National Health Insurance and National Pension at city hall within 14 days. ...

Social insurance in Japan isn’t optional — it’s mandatory, and your employer or local ward office will expect you to be enrolled. Many foreigners arrive without understanding how the system works or what they’re paying into. Here’s a clear explanation of what social insurance covers and what it costs. The Two Systems: Shakai Hoken vs. Kokumin Hoken There are two main social insurance tracks in Japan: 1. Employees’ Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken) If you work full-time for a company, you are automatically enrolled in the employees’ social insurance system, which includes: ...