Pensions

The Defined Contribution (DC) Pension Law of 2001 has introduced a series of revisions to enable employers to offer more flexible and attractive pension schemes to employees. Further incentives are necessary though to encourage individuals to prepare financially for their own retirement. This should be equally applicable for employed, self-employed or part-time workers. Meanwhile, social security agreements have been concluded or are being negotiated with several European countries, to the benefit of their citizens, whose mandatory contributions to Japanese pension plans can now be refunded in full. This is important not only with European countries but also with neighbouring countries.