The End of 'Non-Applicable Industries' for Social Insurance in Five Years

The landscape of social insurance in Japan is about to undergo a significant transformation, affecting various industries that have traditionally been exempt from mandatory coverage. By October 2029, sectors deemed 'non-applicable,' including agriculture, forestry, fishery, beauty services, cleaning, lodging, and private tutoring, will have to comply with mandatory social insurance enrollment. This change means that businesses, regardless of size, will face immediate inclusion into the social insurance system, drastically altering their operational strategies.

What This Change Means for Businesses

The impact of this mandate cannot be overstated. Currently, many businesses operating in the non-applicable sectors enjoy the flexibility of not being obligated to enroll their employees in social insurance, even with a workforce exceeding five individuals. However, following the new regulations set to take effect, even companies with no employees will be required to enroll immediately, and sole proprietorships will no longer be exempt based on their employee count.

As a result, employers will need to re-evaluate their financial strategies, particularly concerning the costs associated with social insurance premiums. The requirement to contribute to health and employee pension insurance will lead to a reevaluation of payroll strategies and employee retention practices, especially in the context of potential increased turnover due to financial strain.

Joining the Free Online Seminar

In anticipation of these changes, the Creahuman Resource Development Association, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, will host a free online seminar titled "What Will Change with the Elimination of Non-Applicable Industries? Approaches to the Last Blank Zone of Social Insurance" on August 5, 2025. The session, running from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM JST, will be led by Jun Ono, a licensed social insurance labor consultant with an extensive background in labor and harassment training, with over 400 sessions to his credit.

The seminar aims to address several pressing questions, including:

- What exactly are 'non-applicable industries'?
- Does our business fall under this classification?
- What are the differences in enrollment rules between corporations and sole proprietors?
- Is it genuinely beneficial to utilize the 'start date special provision' before the October 2029 deadline?
- Could increased social insurance fees lead to higher employee turnover, and what strategies can be employed for effective salary design?

About the Instructor

Jun Ono is a prominent figure in the field of labor consultancy and training, specializing in the practical application of laws in a business context. Recognized for his dynamic teaching methods, he emphasizes the importance of translating legal requirements into actionable workplace practices. Furthermore, he supervises and teaches the Employment Clean Planner qualification, an online certification program tailored toward harassment prevention and response, which has empowered over 650 professionals nationwide to implement effective workplace strategies.

For media professionals seeking expert commentary or to arrange interviews with Mr. Ono, the Creahuman Resource Development Association welcomes inquiries and is prepared to accommodate various publication formats and feature projects.

Contact Information

For any inquiries related to this seminar or the associated topics, please contact the Creahuman Resource Development Association’s office at:

- Phone: 03-6380-8095
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: caa.or.jp

The changes to social insurance regulations present both challenges and opportunities for businesses. By proactively engaging in discussions and educational initiatives, companies can position themselves to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.