Based on your reply it appears that you are having problems making the payments on your
pension and as a result you are falling behind on those payments, this means that you may be
able to claim an exemption to make these payments on the grounds of having a low income.
But to claim the exemption you must apply every year and in your current situation, as soon as
possible as it does not cover past due payments.
Claiming an exemption to pay the national pension will not affect any extensions to your
status of residence, but you must live with your wife.
Should your claim be successful you will either receive a full exemption, a 3/4 exemption, 1/2
exemption or a 1/4 exemption, it appears that in your reply they may have allowed a full
exemption to some of your outstanding payments, you need to check this and ensure you claim
the exemption every year.
After making the claim they will send a card in the post advising you of your exemption every
six months.
Here is a link for you to read about claiming an exemption.
http://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/english/nationalpension/nationalpension.html
However if your wife is working and she is enrolled in a company pension, you can be included
on her company pension as a dependent and then you would not need to worry about paying
the pension or claiming an exemption.
