The April 1 start to the new fiscal year brings with it a number of increases in the cost of living.
With tax hikes lurking around the next corner, people must first face higher social security payments.
The basic premium for the National Pension system has been raised from 13,860 yen to 13,580 yen, in line with the ruling coalition's unpopular revisions to the pension system laws in 2004.
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