Abstract
In light of the changing international economic environment and the strengthening of economic partnerships, the number of foreigners who will come to work in Japan and the number of Japanese citizens who will work abroad are expected to see further increase. To enable these workers and their families to live with peace of mind, it is essential that they receive proper social security.
However, social security systems in all countries have developed as purely domestic regimes reflecting their national origins ; consequently, they are incompatible with other national systems. Thus, it is quite possible that workers who cross borders will confront various problems regarding social security once they have relocated. This not only presents complications for workers and their families, but it could also discourage workers from relocating.
Therefore, this paper will focus on workers who have relocated across borders, with reference to initiatives in Germany and the European Union, where social security coordination has been implemented between many countries over the years. The paper will then explore specific measures required to solve social security problems that arise when workers relocate between Japan and other countries.
