Learn about your rights as a worker in Japan
This page provides an introduction to your rights as a worker recognised by Japanese law. If you're facing difficulties in getting your rights recognised at work, please contact the free consultation desks listed.
1 Contract
koyō keiyakusho
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Get a copy of your contract and check it (make sure you understand it before you sign it)
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Please keep your contract (do not throw it away)
A contract is an agreement outlining the details of your employment (e.g. wages, working hours, working conditions), your rights and responsibilities. Your employer should provide you with a a written document detailing your working conditions when you start a new job.
Your employer should give you a printed contract, preferably in the language of your choice. If you are denied a translated copy, ask for a verbal explanation while taking notes.
2 Wages
kyūryō / kyūryō
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Are you paid at least the minimum wage*?
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Are you paid directly, once a month?
Wages must be paid directly to you, not via an intermediary (in cash or via bank account).
Wages must be paid at least once a month on a fixed date specified in your contract.
The minimum wage is the lowest amount employers must pay workers, calculated by the hourly wage. Rates vary by prefecture and industry. In case there is a difference, the higher minimum wage applies to you.
*As of 2023, the minimum wage in Okayama Prefecture is 932 yen.
*As of 2023, the minimum wage in Hiroshima Prefecture is 970 yen.
3 Payslips
kyūyo meisai-sho
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Get a payslip* with your wages and check it
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Please keep your payslips
If there are unauthorised deductions from your pay, you should seek consultation immediately.
A payslip shows how much you were paid and any deductions made by your employer. Legally, employers can only deduct taxes, insurance, or agreed-upon deductions mentioned in your contract.
*Your employer is required to give you a payslip (printed or digital).
4 Overtime
zangyō
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Do you get an increased wage* for overtime?
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Keep note of the days and hours you work
You're entitled to increased wages for working overtime, at night, or on holidays.
Increased wages range from 1.25 to 1.75 times your regular hourly wage.
Regular working hours are defined by law: 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. If your employer asks you to work beyond these limits at night or on holidays, it's considered overtime. Check the overtime rates that apply.
5 Paid Leave
yūkyū kyūka
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You’re eligible for paid leave if you’ve worked for 6 months with 80% attendance
You don’t need to disclose leave reasons to your employer.
Employers cannot treat you unfairly for requesting leave, but they may ask you to change leave dates.
National holidays and paid leave will not affect your pay. Employees are also entitled to family-related leaves such as childcare and maternity leave. Check your employment regulations.
6 Days Off
kyūjitsu
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Check your company calendar for days off and holidays
A day off is when there is no work obligation. Check the days off when you start working by looking at the company calendar or work regulations.
Your employer must provide you with at least one day off a week or a minimum of four days off during a four-week period.
7 Breaks
kyūkei
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Are you able to take breaks during work?
Break is your guaranteed time away from work tasks and the workplace. It cannot be compensated by wages.
Your employer must provide you with a 45 minute break if you work 6+ hours, or a 1 hour break if you work 8+ hours.
8 Harassment
harasumento
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Save all evidence of harassment* (e.g. what happened, who, when, how)
Save video or audio recordings, text messages, or emails that evidence the harassment.
Employers are obligated to ensure your safety and are not allowed to penalize you for reporting harassment.
*Can be physical acts (e.g., kicking, punching, inappropriate touching) as well as verbal or psychological (e.g., abusive, threatening, discriminatory language) along with intimidation or coercion. If you are being harassed or feel unsafe, please seek consultation.
For more information, please refer to the MHLW's multilingual resources about harassment and the Equality Act.
9 Dismissal
kaiko
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Dismissed unexpectedly? Request a certificate of reasons from your employer.
Your employer should provide either 30 days’ dismissal notice or 30 days' wages.
If your company asks you to resign, but you wish to keep working, you have the right to decline the request.
Your employer cannot dismiss you for reasons such as taking leave for work-caused or related injuries, pregnancy and childbirth, among others. You have the right to contest unfair dismissals.
10 Resignation
taishoku
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You have the right to resign. Employers are not allowed to prevent you from resigning.
Rules for resigning vary based on your contract type, so you should check your company procedures for resignation. If your actual working conditions differ from your contract, talk to a support organisation. You also have the right to quit.
You should receive 1. Employment Insurance Card, 2. Pension Handbook, 3. Withholding Tax Slip, and 4. Certificate of Separation from your company (if unemployed). If you are prevented from resigning, save the evidence and seek consultation.
For more information, please refer to the MHLW’s multilingual resources about leaving employment and unemployment insurance.
11 Unions
rōdō kumiai
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All workers have the right to join and get help from labour unions*
Your employer is not allowed to threaten, dismiss, or treat you unfairly for joining or consulting a labour union.
*A union is different from a supervising organisation (kyōdō kumiai). If you face issues at work such as unpaid wages or harassment, you can contact a labor union for consultation. → What is a union?