Japan Pension Service began full operations Jan. 4, succeeding the Social Insurance Agency after that body was shut down at the end of December for mishandling pension records on a massive scale.

Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Akira Nagatsuma told employees to be aware of the new entity's uphill battle to regain public trust after the records scandal.

Many of the workers are from the old SIA.

"No failures will be allowed at the new organization. Have a spirit that you are supporting people's retirement life," Nagatsuma said at an opening ceremony at the headquarters in Suginami Ward, Tokyo.