The premium-collection rate for the basic pension (kokumin nenkin) for fiscal 2010 was 59.3 percent, down from fiscal 2009's 59.98 percent and a record low. The rate has fallen below 60 percent for two consecutive years and has continued to tumble for five straight years.

The downward trend is linked to an increase in the number of temporary workers and unemployed people, with the payment of monthly premiums having apparently become impossible for many people, and growing distrust in the public pension system.

What is particularly worrisome is that the collection rate is low among young people — 47 percent for people aged 25 to 29 and 51 percent for people aged 30 to 34.