Has anyone here gone through the process of combining work credits in the US with the Japan system?
If so, was it easy or difficult? Did you approach the US side, Japanese, or both?
Given all my US work was seasonal/part-time and covered about 6 years, I can't see it impacting my Japan benefits (21 years paying in so far to the Shigaku Kyosai).
I had a friend who did it 15 years ago, but sadly passed away a couple years later.
https://www.ssa.gov/international/Agree ... japan.html
If you live in Japan and wish to apply for U.S. or Japanese benefits, contact:
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or the Social Security Division, Veterans Affairs Regional office, American Embassy, 1131 Roxas Boulevard, 0930 Manila, PHILIPPINES, to file for U.S. benefits; or
Any Japanese Social Security office to file for Japanese benefits.
You can apply with one country and ask to have your application considered as a claim for benefits from the other country. Information from your application will then be sent to the other country. Each country will process the claim under its own laws—counting credits from the other country when appropriate—and notify you of its decision.