<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<Law Era="Showa" Lang="en" LawType="Act" Num="68" PromulgateDay="16" PromulgateMonth="5" Year="24">
  <PromulgateBody>
    <PromulgateStatement>I hereby promulgate the Post Office Life Insurance Law.</PromulgateStatement>
    <ImperialSignature>Signed:HIROHITO, Seal of the Emperor</ImperialSignature>
    <PromulgateDate>This sixteenth day of the fifth month of the twenty-fourth year of Showa (May 16, 1949)</PromulgateDate>
    <Signature>
      <MinisterialTitle>Prime Minister</MinisterialTitle>
      <Name>YOSHIDA Shigeru</Name>
    </Signature>
  </PromulgateBody>
  <LawNum>Law Ne.68</LawNum>
  <LawBody>
    <LawTitle>The Post Office Life Insurance Law</LawTitle>
    <TOC>
      <TOCLabel>Contents</TOCLabel>
      <TOCChapter Num="1">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter I. General Provisions</ChapterTitle>
        <ArticleRange>(Articles 1-4)</ArticleRange>
      </TOCChapter>
      <TOCChapter Num="2">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter II. Contract</ChapterTitle>
        <ArticleRange>(Articles 5-54)</ArticleRange>
      </TOCChapter>
      <TOCChapter Num="3">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter III. Post Office Life Insurance and Annuities Investigation Committee</ChapterTitle>
        <ArticleRange>(Articles 55-67)</ArticleRange>
      </TOCChapter>
      <TOCChapter Num="4">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter IV. Post Office Life Insurance and Annuities Enterprise Deliberation Committee</ChapterTitle>
        <ArticleRange>(Article 68)</ArticleRange>
      </TOCChapter>
      <TOCChapter Num="5">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter V. Health Facilities for Insured</ChapterTitle>
        <ArticleRange>(Article 69)</ArticleRange>
      </TOCChapter>
      <TOCChapter Num="6">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter VI. Investment of Reserve Fund</ChapterTitle>
        <ArticleRange>(Article 70)</ArticleRange>
      </TOCChapter>
      <TOCSupplProvision>
        <SupplProvisionLabel>Supplementary Provisions</SupplProvisionLabel>
      </TOCSupplProvision>
    </TOC>
    <MainProvision>
      <Chapter Num="1">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter I. General Provisions</ChapterTitle>
        <Article Num="1">
          <ArticleCaption>(Object of this law)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 1.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The object of this Law is to furnish the people with an easily accessible form of life insurance by sound operation and at moderate premium rates with a view to stabilizing their economic life and promoting their welfare.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="2">
          <ArticleCaption>(Post Office Life Insurance as State Function)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 2.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The life insurance operated by the State in accordance with the provisions of this Law (hereinafter to be referred to as "Post Office Life Insurance" ) is a nonprofit enterprise and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Postal Services.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="3">
          <ArticleCaption>(Representative Organ)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 3.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Matters relating to the conclusion of the Post Office Life Insurance contract, and the rights and duties thereunder shall be exercised by the Director of the Post Office Life Insurance Bureau of the Ministry of Postal Services.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Director of the Post Office Life Insurance Bureau of the Ministry of Postal Services may delegate his powers prescribed in the preceding paragraph, concerning matters of detail, to Masters of Local Post Office Life Insurance Offices, Directors of Local Postal Services Bureaus or to the Postmasters.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="4">
          <ArticleCaption>(Exemption from Stamp Duty)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 4.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Any documents relating to Post Office Life Insurance shall be exempt from stamp duty.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
      </Chapter>
      <Chapter Num="2">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter II. Contract</ChapterTitle>
        <Article Num="5">
          <ArticleCaption>(Insurance Contract)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 5.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Post Office Life Insurance contract (hereinafter to be referred to as "insurance contract" ) shall be one whereunder the State promises to pay the sum insured on the survival or on the previous death of an insurance policyholder or third party, and in consideration thereof, the insurance policyholder promises to pay the premium to the State.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="6">
          <ArticleCaption>(Insurance Policy Conditions)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 6.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The insurance contract shall be concluded by the Post Office Life Insurance Policy Conditions (hereinafter to be referred to as "Insurance Policy Conditions" ) which provide the following matters, as well as by the provisions of this Law:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to the amount of insurance and premium;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to the insurance term and premium paying period;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="3">
              <ItemTitle>(3)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to entry age;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="4">
              <ItemTitle>(4)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to the formation of the insurance contract;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="5">
              <ItemTitle>(5)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to premium payment, the grace period, and refund of premiums;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="6">
              <ItemTitle>(6)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to the reduction of the sum insured and other cases of payment thereof;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="7">
              <ItemTitle>(7)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to change in and rescission of the insurance policy, change of address and change of parties to the insurance policy and misstatement of the age of an insured;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="8">
              <ItemTitle>(8)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to payment of refund money;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="9">
              <ItemTitle>(9)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to the revival of an insurance policy;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="10">
              <ItemTitle>(10)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to loans to insurance policyholders;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="11">
              <ItemTitle>(11)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to distribution of surplus.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Insurance Policy Conditions shall be determined by the Minister of Postal Services through the deliberation of the Post Office Life Insurance and Annuities Enterprise Deliberation Committee.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Insurance Policy Conditions must be published in the Official Gazette.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="4">
            <ParagraphNum>4</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>This Law and the Insurance Policy Conditions must be available at the Post Office for inspection by the applicants for insurance contracts.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="7">
          <ArticleCaption>(Limitation on Insurance Policyholder)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 7.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In the case of an insurance policy insuring the life under ten years of age, insurance policyholder thereof must be the father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, elder brother or elder sister of the said insured.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="8">
          <ArticleCaption>(Life-of-another Policy)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 8.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">In case an insurance policy is written which promises to pay the sum insured on the death of a third party, the consent of such person shall be required, provided that this shall not apply in case such third party is the beneficiary or person under ten years of age.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="9">
          <ArticleCaption>(Policy with Third Party as Beneficiary)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 9.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Num="1">Under the insurance contract, a third party may be made a beneficiary;in this case, the insurance policyholder must pay the premium to the State.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="10">
          <ArticleCaption>(Enjoyment of Benefit by Third Party)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 10.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case a beneficiary is a third party, such third party is, as a matter of course, entitled to the benefit of an insurance policy.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="11">
          <ArticleCaption>(Limitation on Beneficiary)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 11.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Until an insured attains to the age of ten years, an insurance policyholder shall be a beneficiary.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="12">
          <ArticleCaption>(Representative of Insurance Policyholders or Beneficiaries)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 12.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Num="1">In case there exist two or more insurance policyholders or beneficiaries with respect to one and the same insurance policy, they must choose one representative respectively from among themselves;in this case, such representative shall respectively represent any other insurance policyholders or beneficiaries with respect to such policy.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case the representative mentioned in the preceding paragraph has not been chosen or the whereabouts of such person is unknown, any measures taken, concerning such policy, against any one of the insurance policyholders shall be binding on such other persons.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="13">
          <ArticleCaption>(Joint Liability)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 13.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case there exist two or more insurance policyholders with respect to one and the same insurance policy, they shall be jointly and severally liable for any premiums in arrears, loan outstanding or any other indebtedness due to the State with respect to such policy.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="14">
          <ArticleCaption>(Kind of Insurance)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 14.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Post Office Life Insurance shall be Whole Life and Endowment.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="15">
          <ArticleCaption>(Whole Life Policy)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 15.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>A Whole Life Policy is one whereunder the sum insured is payable on the death of an insured.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="16">
          <ArticleCaption>(Endowment Policy)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 16.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>An Endowment Policy is one whereunder the sum insured is payable on the maturity of insurance term thereof during the lifetime of an insured or on the previous death of such person.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="17">
          <ArticleCaption>(Amount of Insurance)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 17.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The amount of insurance shall not exceed 50,000 yen per insured.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">The amount of insurance must be 5,000 yen or more per policy, provided that this shall not apply in the case where, in accordance with the provisions of Article 46, the amount of insurance has been reduced in lieu of repayment of a loan.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="18">
          <ArticleCaption>(Bases of Premium Calculation)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 18.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The premium shall be calculated on the following bases:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Mortality Table compiled on the basis of Post Office Life Insurance mortality experience during the period running from April, 1930 to March, 1935;however, in the case of an insured whose age calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions is under six years of age, Mortality Table compiled by adding 10 per cent to the male mortality rates of Life Table No.5 published in 1936 by the Government Statistics Bureau;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Assumed rate of interest of 3.5 per cent per annum;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="3">
              <ItemTitle>(3)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Loading representing the amount not exceeding the total of a sum equal to 18 par cent of the net premium calculated in accordance with the provisions of the preceding two items and a sum equal to 0.8 per cent of the amount of insurance.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="19">
          <ArticleCaption>(Method of Reserve Calculation)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 19.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">The reserve to be accumulated for an insured shall be calculated by the net premium method on the bases mentioned in the preceding Article;however, with respect to policies other than paid-up policies and policies which have been granted waiver of premium payment for disability in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions, such reserve may be calculated by the Zillmer method, so long as ten years do not elapse after the coming into force of such policies.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The amount to be advanced by the Zillmer method mentioned in the proviso to the preceding paragraph shall be one not exceeding a sum equal to three months'premiums.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="20">
          <ArticleCaption>(No Medical Examination but Personal Interview)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 20.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In Post Office Life Insurance, a medical examination of an insured shall be dispensed with.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Any person who wants to apply for an insurance contract must, at the time of application, have the person to be insured personally interviewed by an official of the post office.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="21">
          <ArticleCaption>(Rescission of Policy due to Breach of Warranty)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 21.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">In case an insurance policyholder or insured has, at the time of application, failed to disclose the true facts or made a false statement, in bad faith or with grosss negligence, concerning the questions stated in the questionnaire, the State may rescind the insurance policy, provided that this shall not apply in case the State had such knowledge or had not such knowledge with negligence.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Num="1">The right of rescission mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall become extinct, if not exercised by the State within one month from the date on which the ground for such rescission has come to the knowledge of the State. The same shall apply in case three years have elapsed since the effective date of the insurance policy.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="22">
          <ArticleCaption>(Effect of Rescission)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 22.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case the State has rescinded an insurance policy in accordance with the provisions of the preceding Article, such rescission shall be effective only for the future.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">The State shall not be liable to pay the sum insured even if the rescission of an insurance policy has been effected after the death of an insured, and in case the sum insured has already been paid, the State may claim such to be refunded, provided that this shall not apply in case the cause of death of the insured has been proved by the insurance policyholder in no way attributable to the fact disclosed or not disclosed.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="23">
          <ArticleCaption>(Other Party in Rescission)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 23.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The rescission mentioned in Article 21 may also be effected by expressing such intention to a beneficiary in case an insurance policyholder or legel representative of such person cannot be identified or the whereabouts of such persons is unknown.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The period of one month mentioned in Article 21, Paragraph 2 shall, in case an insurance policyholder or legal representative of such person, or the beneficiary in the case of the preceding paragraph or legal representative of such person cannot be identified or the whereabouts of such person is unknown, be counted as from the moment when the whereabouts of such persons has come to be known.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="24">
          <ArticleCaption>(Formation of Contract and Effective Date)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 24.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The insurance contract shall, on approval of application therefor, be deemed to have been formed on the date of application and shall take effect as from the said date.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="25">
          <ArticleCaption>(Insurance Policy and Standard Policy Conditions)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 25.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>On approval of the application for an insurance contract, an insurance policy shall be executed and delivered to an insurance policyholder.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The following matters shall be required to be stated in an insurance policy:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Kind of insurance;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Amount of insurance;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="3">
              <ItemTitle>(3)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Amount of a premium;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="4">
              <ItemTitle>(4)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Full name or alias of an insurance policyholder;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="5">
              <ItemTitle>(5)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Full name and date of birth of an insured;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="6">
              <ItemTitle>(6)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>In case the insured is under ten years of age, the relationship between such person and the insurance policyholder;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="7">
              <ItemTitle>(7)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>In case a beneficiary has been designated, full name or alias of such person;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="8">
              <ItemTitle>(8)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>In the case of an Endowment policy, the maturity date of the insurance term;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="9">
              <ItemTitle>(9)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Effective date of an insurance policy;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="10">
              <ItemTitle>(10)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Date of issue of the insurance policy.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">Of the Insurance Policy Conditions, the following matters (Standard Policy Conditions) and matters relating to non-liability of paying the sum insured must be stated in an insurance policy, provided that, in lieu of such statement, a slip of paper with such statement may be attached thereto:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to the grace period;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to the sum insured to be reduced;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="3">
              <ItemTitle>(3)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to misstatement of an age;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="4">
              <ItemTitle>(4)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to payment of refund money;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="5">
              <ItemTitle>(5)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to revival of an insurance policy;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="6">
              <ItemTitle>(6)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to loans to insurance policyholders;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="7">
              <ItemTitle>(7)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to distribution of surplus.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="26">
          <ArticleCaption>(Invalidity due to Fraud)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 26.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Any insurance policy effected by fraud on the part of an insurance policyholder or insured shall be null and void.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="27">
          <ArticleCaption>(Invalidity of Policy)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 27.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case the State or insurance policyholder already has, at the time of application, the knowledge of the happening of an insurance event, the insurance policy concerned shall be null and void.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="28">
          <ArticleCaption>(Lapse of Policy)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 28.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case the grace period prescribed by the Insurance Policy Conditions has elapsed without the payment of the premium by an insurance policyholder, the insurance policy shall lapse.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="29">
          <ArticleCaption>(Paid-up Insurance Policy)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 29.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>An insurance policyholder may, irrespective of the provisions of the preceding Article, apply, in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions, for change of an insurance policy into a paid-up one only within three months from the expiration of the grace period mentioned in the said Article.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="30">
          <ArticleCaption>(Premium Payment in Case of Insurance Policyholder's Bankruptcy)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 30.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">If, in the case of a beneficiary being a third party, an insurance policyholder has been adjudged bankrupt, the State may claim premium payment from such beneficiary, provided that this shall not apply in case the beneficiary has waived his right as such.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="31">
          <ArticleCaption>(Double Payment of Sum Insured)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 31.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">In case an insured has died, as the direct result of an external bodily injury caused by a contingency or other vis major, or by an assault from a third party, within two months from the date of such injury, after two years from the date of the coming into force of an insurance policy, the same amount as the sum insured shall be paid, in addition to the original sum insured, at the time of payment of the latter, provided that this shall not apply, if, in the case of the insurance policy concerned being a revived one, such policy has not been in force one year from the effective date of revival.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall apply also in the case where an insurance policyholder or beneficiary has proved that such death was caused by a contingency or other vis major, or by an assault from a third party, even if not caused by an external bodily injury, provided that this shall not apply in the case where death has been caused by any disease.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs shall not apply in the case where an insured has died as the result of any one of the following causes:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Where death has taken place from an accident incurred while in mental derangement or drunkenness;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Where death has taken place from a gross negligence.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="32">
          <ArticleCaption>(Reduction of Sum Insured)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 32.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case an insured has died, prior to the lapse of two years from the date of the coming into force of an insurance policy, from any cause other than an accident or any one of the communicable diseases mentioned in Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the Prevention of Communicable Diseases Law (Law No.36 of 1897), part of the sum in cured shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="33">
          <ArticleCaption>(Amount of Insurance Payable in Case of Infant)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 33.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case an insured has died under six years of age, part of the sum insured shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In the case mentioned in the preceding paragraph, where the provisions of the preceding Article or Article 44 are applicable, the amount payable shall be the smaller one of the sum payable in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph and the one payable in accordance with the provisions of the preceding Article or Article 44.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="34">
          <ArticleCaption>(Beneficiary in Case of Non-designation)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 34.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case an insurance policyholder does not designate a beneficiary (including the case where such designated person has died, and no new beneficiary has been designated), the following person shall be a beneficiary:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>In case the sum insured is payable by the maturity of the insurance term, the insured, provided that, in the case where the insured has died after the maturity of the insurance term, prior to the application for the sum insured, the surviving family member of insured;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>In case the sum insured is payable by an insured's death, the surviving family member of the insured.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The surviving family members mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be the spouse (including the person who is virtually, if not forwally notified, in matrimonial relation), child, father and mother, grandchild, grandfather and grandmother, and brother and sister of the insured and the person who has been supported by, or has supported, the insured at the time of the latter's death.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>An unborn child or grandchild shall be deemed to have been born in the application of the preceding paragraph.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="4">
            <ParagraphNum>4</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not apply in the case where an unborn child has been born dead.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="5">
            <ParagraphNum>5</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case there exist two or more surviving family members mentioned in Paragraph 2, such person as preceding in rank according to the order mentioned in the same paragraph shall be a beneficiary.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="6">
            <ParagraphNum>6</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Any surviving family member who has intentionally killed an insured, person preceding in rank or in the same rank cannot become a beneficiary.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="35">
          <ArticleCaption>(Non-Liability of Paying Sum Insured)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 35.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The State shall be under no obligation to pay the sum insured in any one of the following cases:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>In case an insured has killed himself prior to the lapse of two years from the date of the coming into force of an insurance policy or of its revival;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>In case a beneficiary has intentionally killed an insured;in the case, however, of the former being entitled to a portion of the sum insured, the State shall pay the balance to otherr beneficiaries;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="3">
              <ItemTitle>(3)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>In case an insurance policyholder has intentionally killed an insured.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="36">
          <ArticleCaption>(Voluntary Succession to Position of Insurance Policyholder)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 36.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">An insurance policyholder may, with the consent of an insured, cause a third party to succeed to the rights and duties under the insurance policy;such consent, however, shall not be required, if the insured is under ten years of age.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The succession mentioned in the preceding paragraph cannot be set up against the State unless the State has been notified thereof.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="37">
          <ArticleCaption>(Legal Succession to Position of Insurance Policyholder)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 37.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>If, in case of death of an insurance policyholder, there exists no heir to such person, the beneficiary designated by the insurance policyholder (in the case where the insurance policyholder has designated no beneficiary, or the beneficiary designated by the insurance policyholder has died and no new beneficiary has been designated, the insured) shall succeed to the rights and duties of the insurance policyholder under the insurance policy.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Num="1">If, in the case where an insurance policyholder has died before the insured has attained to the age of ten years, his heir is not the person mentioned in Article 7, the insured shall succeed to the rights and duties of the insurance policyholder under the insurance policy. The same shall apply in the case where the insurance policyholder has ceased to be the person mentioned in Article 7 before the insured has attained to the age of ten years.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="38">
          <ArticleCaption>(Designation or Change of Beneficiary)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 38.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">An insurance policyholder may, prior to the happening of the event wherein the sum insured or refund money becomes payable (excepting the case where refuud money is paid due to the change effected in accordance with the provisions of Article 39), designate or change a beneficiary, provided that this shall not apply in case the insurance policyholder has expressed to the State his intention not to change the designation in the case of the beneficiary designated by the insurance policyholder being a third party.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The designation or change mentioned in the preceding paragraph cannot to set up against the State unless the State has been notified thereof.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The provisions of Article 8 shall apply correspondingly in the case where the designation or change mentioned in Paragraph 1 is effected.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="39">
          <ArticleCaption>(Payment of Refund Money)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 39.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In any one of the cases of rescission, lapse or change of an insurance policy, or in the case of non-liability of paying the sum insured (excepting the case mentioned in Article 35, Item 2), a beneficiary may, in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions, apply for payment of refund money within the limit of a sum equal to from 80 to 98 per cent of the reserve accumulated for the insured.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="40">
          <ArticleCaption>(Application for Revival)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 40.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In the case mentioned in Article 28, an insurance policyholder may apply for its revival only prior to the lapse of one year from the date of lapse of the insurance policy.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="41">
          <ArticleCaption>(Effective Date of Revival)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 41.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The revival of an insurance policy shall, on approval of the application therefor, take effect on the day of such application.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In the case of the preceding paragraph, statement as to revival shall be made in the insurance policy.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="42">
          <ArticleCaption>(Effect of Revival)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 42.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Upon revival of an insurance policy, it shall be deemed not to have lapsed.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="43">
          <ArticleCaption>(Applicable Provisions)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 43.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The provisions of Articles 21 to 23 inclusive, 26, 27 and 48 shall apply correspondingly in the case of revival of an insurance policy.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="44">
          <ArticleCaption>(Reduction of Sum Insured in Case of Revival)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 44.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case an insured has died, prior to the lapse of one year from the date of revival of an insurance policy, from a cause other than an accident or any one of the communicable diseases mentioned in Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the Prevention of Communicable Diseases Law, part of the sum insured shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="45">
          <ArticleCaption>(Convention of Policy)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 45.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>A person applying for a new insurance policy on the life of the insured (one insured in case there exist two or more insureds) of one or more insurance policies, which have been in force two years after the effective dates thereof may, by terminating such original policy or policies, apply for the total (or balance after deducting therefrom any premiums in arrears, loan outstanding or any other indebtedness due to the State with respect to such insurance policy or policies;the same shall apply in Paragraph 2) of the reserve or reserves accumulated for the insured or insureds of such policy or policies and the surplus to be distributed, if the event wherein the sum insured becomes payable should happen, in accordance with the provisions of Article 47, to be appropriated to the whole or part of the premiums of such new policy;if, in this case, the policyholder of the original policy or policies and the person applying for a new policy are not one and the same person, the cousent of the policyholder of the original policy or policies shall be required.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>If, in the case where the application mentioned in the preceding paragraph has been made, the new insurance policy has taken effect, the original policy or policies shall cease to exist, and any premiums in arears, loan outstanding or other claims owned by the State under the said policy or policies shall become extinct, and the sum total mentioned in the said paragraph shall be appropriated to the premiums of the new policy in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="46">
          <ArticleCaption>(Legal Repayment of Loan)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 46.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case four years have elapsed, in the case where the State has granted a loan to an insurance policyholder in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions, from the date of repayment without the repayment of the loan by the policyholder, the State may reduce the sum insured in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions in lieu of repayment of such loan.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="47">
          <ArticleCaption>(Distribution of Surplus)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 47.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Any surplus realized by the operation of Post Office Life Insurance Service shall be distributed to the beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>With respect to an insurance policy having been granted waiver of premium payment in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions or paid-up policy, the sum to be distributed in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall be reduced, in whole or in part, in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Policy Conditions.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In the case where the sum insured is paid in accordance with the provisions of Article 31, the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs shall not apply.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="48">
          <ArticleCaption>(Refund of Premium)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 48.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>If, in the case of an insurance policy being null and void in whole or in part, the insurance policyholder and insured are in good faith and without goss negligence, such policyholder may apply for refund of whole or part of the premiums paid.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="49">
          <ArticleCaption>(Prohibition of Assignment)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 49.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The right to receive the sum insured, refund money or surplus cannot be assigned.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="50">
          <ArticleCaption>(Prohibition of Seizure)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 50.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The right to receive the sum insured or refund money cannot be seized.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="51">
          <ArticleCaption>(Deduction in Payment)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 51.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>If, in the case where the sum insured, refund money, surplus, or premiums to be refunded to an insurance policyholder or beneficiary are paid, there exists any premium in arrears, loan outstanding or any other indebtedness due to the State with respect to the policy concerned, such shall be deducted from the money to be paid.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="52">
          <ArticleCaption>(Legitimate Payment)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 52.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case the sum insured, refund money, loan, surplus, or premiums to be refunded to an insurance policyholder of beneficiary have been paid in accordance with the provisions of this Law and the procedures prescribed in the Insurance Policy Conditions, such payment shall be effective.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="53">
          <ArticleCaption>(Effect of Amendment of Insurance Policy Conditions)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 53.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The amendment of the Insurance Policy Conditions shall not be binding on the policies already in force.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">If deemed extremely necessary, in the case where the Insurance Policy Conditions are amended, for the protection of the insurance policyholders, insureds and beneficiaries as a whole, the Minister of Postal Services may, irrespective of the provisions of the preceding paragraph, cause the effect of such amendment to be binding, for the future, on the policies already in force, excepting the following cases:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to reduction of the discount rate for premiums paid in advance;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to reduction of the sum insured;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="3">
              <ItemTitle>(3)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Matters relating to distribution of surplus.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="54">
          <ArticleCaption>(Prescription)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 54.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The liability to pay the sum insured, refund money, and surplus, and the liability to refund the premium shall become extinct by prescription by the lapse of five years, and the liability to pay the premium, by the lapse of one year.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
      </Chapter>
      <Chapter Num="3">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter III. Post Office Life Insurance and Annuities Investigation Committee</ChapterTitle>
        <Article Num="55">
          <ArticleCaption>(Investigation by Investigation Committee)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 55.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>An insurance policyholder or beneficiary must, before bringing a civil action against the State as defendant with respect to matters relating to the rights and duties under the policy of Post Office Life Insurance, undergo investigation thereof by the Post Office Life Insurance and Annuities Investigation Committee (hereinafter to be referred to as "Investigation Committee" ).</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>If after an insurance policyholder or beneficiary has submitted an application for investigation to the Investigation Committee, six months have elapsed without the investigation Committee giving any decision thereon, the person who has submitted such application may bring a civil action irrespective of the provisions of the preceding Article.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case the person who has submitted an application for investigation mentioned in Paragraph 1 has brought a civil action in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Investigation Committee does not make any investigation into such application.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="56">
          <ArticleCaption>(Interruption of Prescription)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 56.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The application for investigation mentioned in the preceding Article, Paragraph 1 shall be deemed as a judicial de mand in so far as interruption of prescription is concerned.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="57">
          <ArticleCaption>(Power and Organization of Investigation Committee)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 57.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Investigation Committee shall come under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Postal Services and condust the matters assigned to its power in accordance with the provisions of Article 55 of this Law and Article 40 of the Post Office Annuities Law (Law No.69 of 1949).</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Investigation Committee shall be composed of 13 members or less.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Necessary matters pertaining to the organization of the investigation Committee other than those provided in the preceding paragraph shall be prescribed by Cabinet Order.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="58">
          <ArticleCaption>(Application for Investigation)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 58.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Application for investigation shall be made by submitting a written application therefor to the Investigation Committee.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The following matters shall be stated in the application, and the applicant or legal representative of such person must affix signature and seal thereto:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Full name or alias, date of birth and address of the applicant;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Full name and address of the legal representative;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="3">
              <ItemTitle>(3)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Full names or aliases of the insurance policyholder, insured and beneficiary;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="4">
              <ItemTitle>(4)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Mark and number of the insurance policy;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="5">
              <ItemTitle>(5)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Purport of application;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="6">
              <ItemTitle>(6)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Reason for application.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Any documentary evidence must be attached to the application for investigation.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="4">
            <ParagraphNum>4</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case the legal representative applies for investigation, the document to prove his qualification must be attached to the application for investigation.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="5">
            <ParagraphNum>5</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Num="1">In case there exist two or more applicants, such applicants must choose one representative from among themselves;in this case, such representative shall represent the other applicants in the matters of investigation applied for.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="59">
          <ArticleCaption>(Withdrawal of Application)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 59.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>Application for investigation may, only prior to the decision by the Investigation Committee, be withdrawn in whole or in part.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The withdrawal mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be made in writing.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="60">
          <ArticleCaption>(Sending of Certified Copy and Presentation of Written Explanation)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 60.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>On receipt of an application for investigation, the Investigation Committee must prepare and send a certified copy of the said application to the Director of the Post Office Life Insurance Bureau of the Ministry of Postal Services.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>On receipt of the said copy mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the Director of the Post Office Life Insurance Bureau of the Ministry of Postal Services must present written explanation therefor to the Investigation Committee.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="61">
          <ArticleCaption>(Documentary Investigation)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 61.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The investigation by the Investigation Committee shall be conducted with respect to the application for investigation and the written explanation therefor.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="62">
          <ArticleCaption>(Proceedings of Investigation Committee)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 62.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The meeting of the Investigation Committee cannot be called unless a majority of the members are present.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The proceeding of the Investigation Committee shall be decided by a majority of t e members present, and in case of a tie, the Chairman shall decided the issue.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="63">
          <ArticleCaption>(Decision)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 63.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Investigation Committee shall give a decision in writing.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="64">
          <ArticleCaption>(Matters to be stated in Written Decision)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 64.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The following matters must be stated in a written decision and the members who have taken part in the said decision must affix signature and seal thereto:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Text of decision;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Gist of fact and dispated point;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="3">
              <ItemTitle>(3)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Reason for decision;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="4">
              <ItemTitle>(4)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Full names or aliases and addresses of the applicant and legal representative of such person.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="65">
          <ArticleCaption>(Effective Date of Decision)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 65.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The decision shall take effect at the time of arrival at the applicant of the original copy of the written decision.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="66">
          <ArticleCaption>(Rejection)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 66.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>In case the application for investigation is made with respect to the matters not belonging to the power of the Investigation Committee, such application shall be rejected with a decision.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
        <Article Num="67">
          <ArticleCaption>(Application for Reinvestigation)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 67.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The case which has been given a decision by the Investigation Committee cannot be subjected to another application for investigation by the said Committee.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
      </Chapter>
      <Chapter Num="4">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter IV. Post Office Life Insurance and Annuities Enterprise Deliberation Committee</ChapterTitle>
        <Article Num="68">
          <ArticleCaption>(Power and Organization of Deliberation Committee)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 68.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Post Office Life Insurance and Annuities Enterprise Deliberation Committee (hereinafter to be referred to as "Deliberation Committee" ) shall come under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Postal Services, and conduct the matters assigned to its powers in accordance with the provisions of Article 6, Paragraph 2 and Article 70, Paragraph 1 of this Law, and Article 6, Paragraph 2 and Article 42, Paragraph 1 of the Post Office Annuities Law.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Deliberation Committee shall, besides the matters mentioned in the preceding paragraph, investigate and bellberate on important matters pertaining to the operation of Post Office Life Insurance and Annuities Service conformity with an inquiry by the Minister of Postal Services.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="3">
            <ParagraphNum>3</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Deliberation Committee may make recommendations to Ministers concerned with respect to matters mentioned in the preceding paragraph.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="4">
            <ParagraphNum>4</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The matters pertaining to the organization of the Deliberation Committee shall be prescribed by Cabinet Order.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
      </Chapter>
      <Chapter Num="5">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter V. Health Facilities for Insured</ChapterTitle>
        <Article Num="69">
          <ArticleCaption>(Health Facilities for Insured)</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 69.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The Minister of Postal Services may establish health facilities necessary to preserve or improve the health of the insured.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">The necessary expenses for the health facilities mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be borne by the State, provided that the Minister of Postal Services may cause such to do borne by the insured in accordance with the provisions of the Ministerial Ordinance, if he deems it extremely necessary to do so.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
      </Chapter>
      <Chapter Num="6">
        <ChapterTitle>Chapter VI. Investment of Reserve Fund</ChapterTitle>
        <Article Num="70">
          <ArticleCaption>(Investment of Reserve Fund).</ArticleCaption>
          <ArticleTitle>Article 70.</ArticleTitle>
          <Paragraph Num="1">
            <ParagraphNum/>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The reserve fund must, except in the case of loans made to insurance policyholders, be invested in the following ways with profit and security and for the public intererst upon the advice of the Deliberation Committee:</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
            <Item Num="1">
              <ItemTitle>(1)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Loans to public bodies;</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
            <Item Num="2">
              <ItemTitle>(2)</ItemTitle>
              <ItemSentence>
                <Sentence>Subscription to, underwriting or purchase of Government bonds, local bonds, debentures and other securities.</Sentence>
              </ItemSentence>
            </Item>
          </Paragraph>
          <Paragraph Num="2">
            <ParagraphNum>2</ParagraphNum>
            <ParagraphSentence>
              <Sentence>The reserve fund may, prior to investment made in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, be deposited tempolarily in the Deposit Bureau of the Ministry of Finance, irrespective of the provisions of the preceding paragraph.</Sentence>
            </ParagraphSentence>
          </Paragraph>
        </Article>
      </Chapter>
    </MainProvision>
    <SupplProvision>
      <SupplProvisionLabel>Supplementary Provisions:</SupplProvisionLabel>
      <Paragraph Num="1">
        <ParagraphNum>1.</ParagraphNum>
        <ParagraphSentence>
          <Sentence Function="main" Num="1">The Law shall come into force as from June 1, 1949;however, the provisions of Paragraph 5 shall come into force as from the day of its promulgation.</Sentence>
        </ParagraphSentence>
      </Paragraph>
      <Paragraph Num="2">
        <ParagraphNum>2.</ParagraphNum>
        <ParagraphSentence>
          <Sentence>The Post Office Life Insurance Law (Law No.42 of 1916;hereinafter to be referred to as "old Law" ) shall be abrogated.</Sentence>
        </ParagraphSentence>
      </Paragraph>
      <Paragraph Num="3">
        <ParagraphNum>3.</ParagraphNum>
        <ParagraphSentence>
          <Sentence>The provisions of this Law (excepting those of Articles 14 to 19 inclusive, Articles 31 to 33 inclusive, Articles 39 and 44) shall apply also to the policies in force prior to the enforcement of this Law.</Sentence>
        </ParagraphSentence>
      </Paragraph>
      <Paragraph Num="4">
        <ParagraphNum>4.</ParagraphNum>
        <ParagraphSentence>
          <Sentence>In the case of policies in force prior to the enforcement of this Law, the kind of insurance, reduction of the sum insured, amount of insurance to be paid in case of death of an insured under the age of ten years, refund money to be paid, and bases of calculation for the premium and reserve to be accumulated for an insured shall be treated same as heretofore.</Sentence>
        </ParagraphSentence>
      </Paragraph>
      <Paragraph Num="5">
        <ParagraphNum>5.</ParagraphNum>
        <ParagraphSentence>
          <Sentence>The Minister of Postal Services may, prior to the enforcement of this Law, enact the Post Office Life Insurance Policy Condititions mentioned in Article 6, Paragraph 1, through the deliberation of the Post Office Life Insurance and Annuities Enterprise Committee prescribed in Article 28-(2) of the old Law.</Sentence>
        </ParagraphSentence>
      </Paragraph>
    </SupplProvision>
  </LawBody>
  <Signatures>
    <Signature>
      <MinisterialTitle>Minister of Communications</MinisterialTitle>
      <Name>OZAWA Saeki</Name>
    </Signature>
    <Signature>
      <MinisterialTitle>Prime Minister</MinisterialTitle>
      <Name>YOSHIDA Shigeru</Name>
    </Signature>
  </Signatures>
</Law>