I am a U.S. Citizen currently residing in Japan, but planning on moving back to the U.S. I have been paying into the Japanese pensions (年金) system ever since coming to Japan 14 years ago. I am planning on keeping my pension contributions in Japan after I leave (i.e. not invoking the early lump-sum pension withdrawal). Therefore, if I understand it right, I should be able to withdraw Japan pension payments for my time there when I reach retirement age.
I have one worry: my passport as well as almost all official records of me in Japan differ slightly from my true legal name on my U.S. birth certificate. Think initial of middle name on passport instead of full name spelled out.
I want to rectify this on my passport once I return to the U.S., but I’m worried I will lose the linkage to my previous pensions contributions as my name will be slightly differently than when I lived in Japan. Since this situation is a little different than changing your name due to marriage, I’m a bit at a loss of what to do.
Does anyone know of any steps I can take to maintain my pension contributions in Japan even if my passport name changes slightly once I leave Japan?
by nisenihonjin1