
Doodlebug asked: I was there on a working visa, which meant that if I became unemployed or retired, my visa would be invalid and I would have to leave. I understand paying tax - I did use some public services, walk/drive on well-lit roads etc. However, since I was ineligible to receive unemployment benefit or pension in Japan, why did I have to pay for these from my salary?
Shichido - I know it sounds like dodgy company dealings, but I wwas working for the Ministry of Education (contracted to the local Board of Education, in the Town Office) so I don’t think they were breaking the law.
Joriental - I might not mind so much paying for today’s older generation if I knew I could expect the same when I retire. The truth is, I’m enrolled on a private pension scheme and I expect very little from the British (not Japanese) government once I’m old enough to retire. As for paying for Japanese pensioners - why should I, when I’m not Japanese and the terms under which I was in Japan would not have allowed me to retire and claim a pension there? That’s not wa or social responsibility, it’s exploitation.
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