Gaijin Retirement in Japan

[ArmandV]

Elsewhere, Pachipro and I started talking about retiring in Japan. We both are in the same age group (50-something), so thinking about retirement is a necessary evil.

Although there aren't too many JREF members of our age group, if anyone has any ideas, suggestions, etc. on planning your "golden years" in Japan, feel free to jump in.

[Uncle Frank]

Anyway, I would take health care in to account first. If you have a major stroke, heart attack, or serious cancer; can you get top notch treatment you can afford? Do you have a health insurance that will cover expensive perscriptions and a lot of treatment costs for a bad illness?
How about insurance on property in case of storm, flood, or earthquake?
How about support if you end up in a nursing home the last years of your life, say with dementia or alzheimers. If you become homebound with an illness, is there a support system to help you with day to day needs?
Man am I depressing!

Uncle Frank

:(

[nurizeko]

Are foreigners entitled to the welfare pensiony type system in place that old developed world codgers have access to?.

I would say make sure your finances are in order and you have some kinda savings and emergency plans in place.

Just as retiring any wher really, make sure you can keep yourself comfortable for your golden years.

Hopefully you'll inherit the Japanese long life and live on past 100 hehe.

[ArmandV]

Anyway, I would take health care in to account first. If you have a major stroke, heart attack, or serious cancer; can you get top notch treatment you can afford? Do you have a health insurance that will cover expensive perscriptions and a lot of treatment costs for a bad illness?
How about insurance on property in case of storm, flood, or earthquake?
How about support if you end up in a nursing home the last years of your life, say with dementia or alzheimers. If you become homebound with an illness, is there a support system to help you with day to day needs?
Man am I depressing!
Uncle Frank
:(

If I were 9 years away from retirement age, I would be thinking about health issues too. :p

I presume that some Japanese companies offer some sort of health insurance coverage. I would probably work for a while until pensions and annuities kick in. By then, I should know what's available and plan ahead. I am already checking things out as I have plenty of time.

[Ewok85]

You wont get pension in Japan unless you have worked here and pain into the system. You can get health insurance (google NHI - National Health Insurance) in which you pay a flat monthly/annual amount and you pay only 20% of the medical costs should something happen. (Foreign health insurance you pay 100% and get refunded the difference later).

NHI also covers immediate family as well.

[ArmandV]

You wont get pension in Japan unless you have worked here and pain into the system.


I was actually referring to pensions (and annuities and Social Security) earned in the U.S.

[Uchite]

Although I am a long way from retirement, I think I would like to do the same someday. But as Frank stated there are many things to consider.

If you had your own business there, I would think there would be better chances for health benefits too.

If you have relatives there, that would be most helpful more than just going there alone and trying to retire.

By the way, how is the treatment of senior citizens in Japan? I mean that in terms of retirement homes. I don't advocate these, but I wonder how they are there if there are any. I have also heard so many mixed messages regarding Japan's health care system, but most of that criticism comes from gaijin who lived there, got sick of Japan and eventually came home. I find it hard to believe.

[Maciamo]

Anyway, I would take health care in to account first. If you have a major stroke, heart attack, or serious cancer; can you get top notch treatment you can afford? Do you have a health insurance that will cover expensive perscriptions and a lot of treatment costs for a bad illness?

I think that the health insurance is not so much a problem (easy to get for foreigners in Japan). What would concern me is the quality of medical services in Japan, they do not have the same reputation as Japan's electronics or automobile industry !

How about insurance on property in case of storm, flood, or earthquake?

Also a minor detail. I guess anyone who has bought property anywhere in the world knows how to subscribe to a house insurance. It's basically the same as anywhere else in Japan. Nevertheless, although earthquake insurance exist, there is nothing insurance company would be able to do in the events of a major earthquake in Tokyo (just too many houses to pay for).

How about support if you end up in a nursing home the last years of your life, say with dementia or alzheimers. If you become homebound with an illness, is there a support system to help you with day to day needs?

This is a more serious problem. Japan is already suffering from too many elderly people and not enough people to care for them. My wife's grandmother has been trying to enter a elderly home, but the typical waiting time after registration in Tokyo is minimum 2 to 3 years, in the most expensive places (longer in cheaper ones).

[Zenigata]

I'm approaching fifty too, and if I have to choose, I'd rather retire in a country where climate is warm most of the year and good health care is quite available and less expensive (e.g. Thailand).

[ArmandV]

I'm approaching fifty too, and if I have to choose, I'd rather retire in a country where climate is warm most of the year and good health care is quite available and less expensive (e.g. Thailand).


It may be "inexpensive," but is it quality care? Thailand is not exactly a First World Country like the U.S. and Japan.

[Pachipro]

Health Insurance would not be a problem as National Health Insurance is available to all residents as Maciamo stated so that would be taken care of. However, the quality of health care by Japanese doctors has been questioned in the past.

Property insurance if you live in an apartment or rented house is also available.

Retirement homes, now that's another matter as they are a rarity in Japan due to the custom of the eldest child caring for the parents and the stigma attached to those that do put their parents in one especially if they are healthy. As Maciamo pointed out, there is a waiting list for the few that are there. However, I prefer to not think about that at the moment as long as my wife remains healthy.

It has been reported here in the states on "60 Minutes" and elsewhere in the news recently, that medical care in Thailand hospitals, while being 1,000% cheaper than here in the USA, is a very viable alternative and one that is gaining momentum.

The reason given is that nearly 100% of the surgeons and doctors have been trained and interned in either Europe or the USA and are qualified to work there if they so choose. Also, the facilities of the best hospitals that treat foreigners are 100% state-of-the-art. India is also a great alternative for major surgery. Check out this article (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1196429,00.html)

Also here is another article (http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0816/p03s03-usec.html)dated Aug 16, 2006 on a US company that is encouraging it's employees to have surgery overseas to save on costs.

Should I myself ever need major surgery, either while living in the USA or in Japan, I will definetly consider and probably use this alternative to save on costs as the surgeons are no less qualified than those here or in Europe.

As far as pensions and such I will not be able to collect from the Japanese as I never put anything in. However, we have prepared saved enough that that will not be a problem in the long run.

[ArmandV]

Retirement homes, now that's another matter as they are a rarity in Japan due to the custom of the eldest child caring for the parents and the stigma attached to those that do put their parents in one especially if they are healthy. As Maciamo pointed out, there is a waiting list for the few that are there. However, I prefer to not think about that at the moment as long as my wife remains healthy.

Ouch! Is your wife in frail health? Who knows? She may outlast you. :wave:

I find "old folks' homes" to be nothing more than warehouses for elderly people. The Japanese way of taking care of their elders seems more civilized and humane.

I don't believe health care will be a main issue. Rather, the main issue about a gaijin retiring to Japan (especially if they don't have a Japanese spouse) is being allowed in without a job (afterall, you're retired) and finding suitable housing. It would be interesting to check with a Japanese consulate and give them the particulars and see what they say.

[Pachipro]

Ouch! Is your wife in frail health? Who knows? She may outlast you. :wave:
No, she's in excellent health as am I. I mentioned that I hope she remains healthy in that the burdon will fall on her to care for me should I fall terminal or something like that. We don't have any children and that bothers me a bit if I should retire there and end up outlasting her. But I guess I'll cross that brisge when I come to it. No use worring about it now.

[ArmandV]

No, she's in excellent health as am I. I mentioned that I hope she remains healthy in that the burdon will fall on her to care for me should I fall terminal or something like that. We don't have any children and that bothers me a bit if I should retire there and end up outlasting her. But I guess I'll cross that brisge when I come to it. No use worring about it now.

You can always adopt.

[GaijinPunch]

One thing that might come into play is that world wide income tax thing. It is my understanding that until recently, the law stated:
"any foreigner living in Japan over 5 years is considered a resident, regardless of their visa type. As such, world-wide income is subject to Japanese taxes". Of course, taxes in other countries are deducted, and certain things are taxed differently (capital gains).

I've also heard that the new law states "if any foreigner has lived 5 of the last 10 years in Japan..."

If you owned some stock or some type of yield-bearing capital abroad, you'll be taxed on it in Japan after joining the 5-year plus club. This might come into effect for people that own land abroad and rent, people that have a large portion of their net worth invested in funds (this is most people w/ a savings I think), or those that have some type of business interest abroad.

[Han Chan]

It may be "inexpensive," but is it quality care? Thailand is not exactly a First World Country like the U.S. and Japan.

Ther are actually some really first class hospitals in Thailand now. It is big business. The patients are rich Thai people and foreigners - both regional expat population and people who journey there from overseas to have economical treatments.

[ArmandV]

Ther are actually some really first class hospitals in Thailand now. It is big business. The patients are rich Thai people and foreigners - both regional expat population and people who journey there from overseas to have economical treatments.

That's interesting to know, but still I am set on retiring to Japan, not Thailand (at least at this point, I may change my mind in 5 years).

[DoctorP]

Your money would take you farther in Thailand! I've seen a few news stories about people going to places like Thailand, India and others for medical care. They said that the care is top notch, and that it is much cheaper than the US. Many companies are now offering to fly employees out of country for their medical care to save on insurance costs. Definitely makes you think...

[GaijinPunch]

As someone who has spent time in hospitals in: The US, Mexico, Japan, and Thailand, I can honestly say that Japan only ranks number 3. Thailand's medical system on the whole is much better. The doctor's know what they're doing and don't prescribe tons of placebo. In Japan, you can get a first class doctor, but you have to wade through a river of quacks to find him.

[klausdorth]

...but I guess the problem exists for many of us "gaijins" over here. Hitting the 50 pretty soon I am also thinking about what to do once I go for retirement. Paid all my fees to the Japanese system, also put some money in the German pension fund but I guess all this is not gonna pay me more than roughly Yen150.000 (if I'm lucky). And that's definitely not enough for a secure, nice, and enjoyable life over here. Considering the rent, the car, the motorcycle and all the other pleasures I can afford now...dump 'em all?? Don't think so....so how about moving to another country, like many Japanese do, too, lately!?!?! Any hints, any advice?? I am considering (assuming that I will be healthy) to fulfill one of my dreams, tour the world on 2 wheels...i.e. motorcycle. But, hey, another 10 years to go...who knows what will happen

[ricecake]

so how about moving to another country, like many Japanese do, too, lately ?! Any hints, any advice ?



I've read a Chinese language newspaper article last year,Taiwan was developing " premium retirement resorts " marketed to Japanese retirees.

[ArmandV]

I've read a Chinese language newspaper article last year,Taiwan was developing " premium retirement resorts " marketed to Japanese retirees.


Hmmm. Maybe with all those Japanese retirees moving to Taiwan, there will be more room for us gaijin retirees in Japan.

[DoctorP]

To me, Japan is not the best place to retire though. Very expensive, and as mentioned before, the elderly care is lacking. Maybe ok for the first few years of retirement, but you may want to reconsider staying for the rest of your life.

[ArmandV]

To me, Japan is not the best place to retire though. Very expensive, and as mentioned before, the elderly care is lacking. Maybe ok for the first few years of retirement, but you may want to reconsider staying for the rest of your life.

I found Japan no more expensive than the U.S. It depends upon where one goes. Sure some things are expensive (fruit, for instance), but adjustments can be made.

If figure I would live in Japan while I still have all my marbles and am physically fit to enjoy it. If the ol' bod (and mind) starts to fall apart, I can always return to the U.S. if need be.

[DoctorP]

No worries, that was just my opinion. I don't think that I would live here beyond say 68.

[ArmandV]

No worries, that was just my opinion. I don't think that I would live here beyond say 68.

Well, your opinion is as valid as anyone's. But didn't you hear that 60 is the "new 45?"

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

The place where I want to try to live in in old age, Japan.
Candidate 1
Ito of Izu
It is warm in winter
A lot of ONSEN.
I can enjoy the sea, a mountain.
Appetite materials of the sea and a mountain are cheap and are delicious.
It is 50 minutes by the Sinkansen from Atami to Tokyo.

Candidate 2
Yatsugatake area of Yamanashi.
The place where nature is quiet beautifully
There are many an art museum, ONSEN.
To Tokyo and Nagoya, Nagano,There is a highway to access.
By a train,It is two hours to Tokyo,It is 2 hours 30 minutes to Nagoya.

A weekday lives in a city and
Many people live on the weekend here.

[ArmandV]

The place where I want to try to live in in old age, Japan.
Candidate 1
Ito of Izu
It is warm in winter
A lot of ONSEN.
I can enjoy the sea, a mountain.
Appetite materials of the sea and a mountain are cheap and are delicious.
It is 50 minutes by the Sinkansen from Atami to Tokyo.
Candidate 2
Yatsugatake area of Yamanashi.
The place where nature is quiet beautifully
There are many an art museum, ONSEN.
To Tokyo and Nagoya, Nagano,There is a highway to access.
By a train,It is two hours to Tokyo,It is 2 hours 30 minutes to Nagoya.
A weekday lives in a city and
Many people live on the weekend here.

Hiroyuki-san, thank you for the tips! Maybe the next time I go to Japan, I'll scout those locations out. Atami is also on my list. I've been there twice and l like the town.

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Other than it
Ranking of the place where a Japanese wants to live in in an old age
1.Okinawa
2.Hokkaido
3.Tokyo
An area warm in winter

Boso Peninsula of Chiba
Here,
Land is near to Tokyo widely,
Narita Airport is near.

Wakayama, Ki Peninsula
There is a deep forest, and water is delicious
An ancient Japanese holy place

Shikoku, Kochi
As for the sea, the Kuroshio Current, abundant fish are produced.

Kyushu
HYUGA of Miyazaki OR Kirishima
Camping place of winter of professional baseball
There is much ONSEN, too.

Other than it
In the area of a SETO inland sea, there is much fine weather
It is Mediterranean climate.
In Shodo-shima, an olive is cultivated.

At an ancient city,
Kamakura, Kanazawa are good.

My favorite area
It is a Tanba area of Kyoto.
There are many old private houses,
It is a quiet place.

[ArmandV]

I am beginning to lean towards possibly going to Japan on a work visa (probably doing the English conversation gig) after my daughter graduates from college. She is in her sophomore year. I figure that would help me get my foot in the door and make a transition to retirement status (then again, who knows, I may want to continue working after I reach retirement age and my U.S. pension/annuities/social security kick in) easier.

[Pachipro]

To me, Japan is not the best place to retire though. Very expensive, and as mentioned before, the elderly care is lacking. Maybe ok for the first few years of retirement, but you may want to reconsider staying for the rest of your life.

May not be the best per se, but it still home to me. If my wife out lives me, then I will be there for the rest of my life. If she departs first, I'll definitely reconsider it unless I find a younger woman (50-60ish say) interested in an older man!:blush: Hopefully elderly care will much improve by the time I need it!


I am beginning to lean towards possibly going to Japan on a work visa (probably doing the English conversation gig) after my daughter graduates from college. She is in her sophomore year. I figure that would help me get my foot in the door and make a transition to retirement status (then again, who knows, I may want to continue working after I reach retirement age and my U.S. pension/annuities/social security kick in) easier.

The work visa would be the best "in" you could get I think and would definitely recommend it. Hopefully some places will still hire people our age for a work visa to teach as I know they still have age limits in a majority of their ads. Thankfully I won't need one. So far.

[ArmandV]

The work visa would be the best "in" you could get I think and would definitely recommend it. Hopefully some places will still hire people our age for a work visa to teach as I know they still have age limits in a majority of their ads. Thankfully I won't need one. So far.


Since Asians revere elders a lot more than other western societies, we should be okay. We've got plenty of time to plan and think it out.

If I get too fed-up in my current job as an insurance claims examiner, I can always do a career change a lot sooner. But I won't make any kind of change or move until my daughter is out of college.

[Iron Chef]

Quality-teachers are always in demand regardless of their age. Besides, if all else fails and you still need an "in", I can do the visa cert for you through my business. Just some paperwork on my part-no biggie, although you would have to arrange to come here in person at least once to hammer out the details. You can then do with it as you wish. At least it's an option should all else fail. Looks like i've cast my lot here in Fukuoka after purchasing my first home so i'll be around for awhile to watch my investment grow... 8-)

[Pachipro]

Since Asians revere elders a lot more than other western societies, we should be okay. We've got plenty of time to plan and think it out.
Good point there. Let's hope it stays that way.
If I get too fed-up in my current job as an insurance claims examiner, I can always do a career change a lot sooner. But I won't make any kind of change or move until my daughter is out of college.
Good move. Make sure the off-spring are ok first.
Thankfully I still enjoy very much what I am doing for the moment and the pay is fantastic or I would already be in Japan. My salary goes directly into savings and we are living off my wife's salary so money will not be a problem for many years. The house and cars are paid for and, coupled with 401k and SS, we should live quite comfortably regardless of the cost of living.

[Pachipro]

Quality-teachers are always in demand regardless of their age. Besides, if all else fails and you still need an "in", I can do the visa cert for you through my business. Just some paperwork on my part-no biggie, although you would have to arrange to come here in person at least once to hammer out the details. You can then do with it as you wish. At least it's an option should all else fail. Looks like i've cast my lot here in Fukuoka after purchasing my first home so i'll be around for awhile to watch my investment grow... 8-)
Thanks for that info Iron Chef. It's good to know that quality teachers are still in demand regardless of age.

Also, it's very kind of you and very much appreciated for offering a visa! Also it's something I will definitely keep in mind! How about that Armand V!

The only problem I forsee having in Japan is boredom if I am not working. I would have to do something and I always did enjoy teaching. Even if it is only 8-10 hours a week that would be fine with me. Besides, I do have over 15 years experience in doing it there.

Congratulations on the purchase of your home Iron Chef! If you don't mind me asking, was it much of a problem for you to purchase a house? Are you married or did you do it alone as a foreigner? Was it a hassle? Did you get a mortgage and, if so, was that much of a problem?

We could pay cash for a "mansion" or a house, but we are undecided yet if we want to purchase or rent. A Japanese magazine article my wife showed me recently said that, for people over 50, it would be cheaper in the long run to rent. Still, I like the security of ownership.

Thanks again for the info.

[ArmandV]

Quality-teachers are always in demand regardless of their age. Besides, if all else fails and you still need an "in", I can do the visa cert for you through my business. Just some paperwork on my part-no biggie, although you would have to arrange to come here in person at least once to hammer out the details. You can then do with it as you wish. At least it's an option should all else fail. Looks like i've cast my lot here in Fukuoka after purchasing my first home so i'll be around for awhile to watch my investment grow... 8-)

Domo arigato gozaimasu! That's real nice of you!

[ArmandV]

Thankfully I still enjoy very much what I am doing for the moment and the pay is fantastic or I would already be in Japan. My salary goes directly into savings and we are living off my wife's salary so money will not be a problem for many years. The house and cars are paid for and, coupled with 401k and SS, we should live quite comfortably regardless of the cost of living.

I basically enjoy what I am doing. My main beef is that office politics tends to get under my skin. The actual work (investigating, negotiating, etc.) is fun. It's the other stuff that's a drag.

If we need to, we can start our own gaijin retirement community like Leisure World. We can call it Seizure World.

[Iron Chef]

"Congratulations on the purchase of your home Iron Chef! If you don't mind me asking, was it much of a problem for you to purchase a house? Are you married or did you do it alone as a foreigner? Was it a hassle? Did you get a mortgage and, if so, was that much of a problem?
We could pay cash for a "mansion" or a house, but we are undecided yet if we want to purchase or rent. A Japanese magazine article my wife showed me recently said that, for people over 50, it would be cheaper in the long run to rent. Still, I like the security of ownership."

Thanks, i'm very happy with my new investment. Originally, when I was first entertaining the idea of buying a home here I had a LOT of questions and concerns. I wasn't even sure if I was legally eligible to purchase one or qualify for a loan because I was a) not Japanese, single, and lacking permanent resident status (turns out it is not necessary), b) my visa was only valid for three years at the time, and c) would it be cost-prohibitive for me as a foreigner/would I be penalized as a result? Well, everything worked out even better than I had expected and the whole process went quite smoothly (although I did have to rely on the help of others with most of the paperwork).

Low-interest rates certainly help and after searching dilligently in my area for three months (and pooling all my contacts and their resources) I was able to find an amazing property that had just been offered up. A thirteen year-old house with no prior tenants, used only for storage and built as a second-home by the original owner... good as new! Located less than five minutes by foot to the local Nishitetsu train station it's conveniently located for my work on my way to Fukuoka (i'm about 30 minutes outside the city proper).

At any rate, I suppose i'm pretty lucky to be in the position i'm in right now and my only advice is that if you do decide to eventually buy or build a new property then the options available to you are quite varied. I'm ceratinly no realty expert but from what I can tell, the markets pretty much bottomed out and a lot of the newer mansions and whatnot tend to lose their value after the first couple of years (not to mention having to pay additional maintenance fees which can be pretty steep sometimes).

It all comes down to finding the right kind of property you're looking for, selecting a realtor and proper lending institution, then jumping through all the necessary hoops to make it happen. In essence, a lot of research and footwork canvassing what's available. You should be able to qualify for a loan, so no worries there as long as your credit holds up. Also, you might consider finding an older house (10 years or more) with good documentation and then rennovate or build on as you see fit to increase the property value if you're planning on staying for the long-term. Aside from being a worthy investment, it will make your living in Japan all the much more satisfying. Hope that helps in some way. 8-)

[ArmandV]

This should be an easy one (I hope!). Suppose you are an American (or other nationality) planning to work in Japan. NOVA or ECC hires you as an English instructor. You are at retirement in your home country. You wish to have a bank account in which you have direct deposit set up for your Social Security or pension money. Are there banks that will allow you to have direct deposit (they all do, in your home country) and branches in Japan where you have access to that account?


[Can we "sticky" this thread so we don't have to go searching for it?]

[Pachipro]

I don't know if they have direct deposit, but I know you can have your checks from Social Security and investment firms mailed directly to you. Then you take the check(s) to your bank in Japan, deposit it and wait about a week for it to clear. The funds will then be deposited in yen into your account.

[ArmandV]

I don't know if they have direct deposit, but I know you can have your checks from Social Security and investment firms mailed directly to you. Then you take the check(s) to your bank in Japan, deposit it and wait about a week for it to clear. The funds will then be deposited in yen into your account.


I am fairly certain that Social Security does have direct deposit. I always wondered if S.S. checks could be mailed to a foreign country.

[Pachipro]

Yes, SS has direct depost and they will also mail you your check anywhere in the world as will the firm you have your 401k with. I was referring to Japanese banks accepting direct deposit of US checks. Maybe someone with better knowledge will be able to answer that. My wife says she doesn't know.

[ArmandV]

I am fairly certain that Social Security does have direct deposit. I always wondered if S.S. checks could be mailed to a foreign country.

That's why I asked if there were banks in the U.S. with branches in Japan for your S.S. to be direct deposited to and you can get at your money at a branch in Japan.

[ArmandV]

I found this page from the AARP with pertinent information:
http://www.aarp.org/worldwide/a2004-09-30-faq-ssabroad.html#receive

I found this page from the Social Security Administration:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10137.html#countries

[senseiman]

I'm only 30, so retirement is decades away for me.

Nonetheless, in my more relaxed moments I've often thought about retiring out in Japan too. Really its just daydreaming about being independently wealthy and living in a quaint little country house without any worries in the world (which is what retirement looks like when you are 30). Anyway, these sites have some neat country houses that might make a decent place to retire to someday:

http://www.furusato-net.co.jp/index.html

http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~ut7h-Kwgc/asahi/index.htm

[ArmandV]

I'm only 30, so retirement is decades away for me.

Nonetheless, in my more relaxed moments I've often thought about retiring out in Japan too.

Don't kid yourself. It is never too early to plan for your "golden years." I was your age in 1984 and it seems like yesterday. The time goes mighty quick as you get older (you'll soon find out, if you haven't already).

[Iron Chef]

To give you and example of what to look for, found this available online and in my area recently. Nice home and a good investment in an ideal location. Owners seem flexible and one could probably negotiate a slightly lower price.

http://www.geocities.jp/westwind0120/index.html

[ArmandV]

To give you and example of what to look for, found this available online and in my area recently. Nice home and a good investment in an ideal location. Owners seem flexible and one could probably negotiate a slightly lower price.
http://www.geocities.jp/westwind0120/index.html

With interior materials from Home Depot in Las Vegas to boot!

[alchow]

People were talking about retiring in other parts of Asia. May I suggest Malaysia? You can join the Malaysia My Second Home program if you are a retiree.

[ArmandV]

People were talking about retiring in other parts of Asia. May I suggest Malaysia? You can join the Malaysia My Second Home program if you are a retiree.

Okay, I'll bite. Why do you suggest Malaysia? What's the standard of living compared to Japan? How does its medical care compare? Is the government stable?

I've only been to Japan, so I know pretty much what to expect. And, most importantly (to me), I like it enough to want to retire there.

[ArmandV]

This will take you to the Social Security Website. Look for your year of birth and get your Full Retirement Age info.

http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/agereduction.htm

[ET_Fukuoka]

Quality-teachers are always in demand regardless of their age. Besides, if all else fails and you still need an "in", I can do the visa cert for you through my business. Just some paperwork on my part-no biggie, although you would have to arrange to come here in person at least once to hammer out the details. You can then do with it as you wish. At least it's an option should all else fail. Looks like i've cast my lot here in Fukuoka after purchasing my first home so i'll be around for awhile to watch my investment grow... 8-)



Which part of Fukuoka did you buy your house? My wife's family lives in the sticks outside of Fukuoka and we were thinking about getting a 3ldk there since they are so cheap.