Japan Labor Law Guide ๐ฏ๐ต
Employees are entitled to 10 days of paid annual leave after 6 months of continuous employment with at least 80% attendance. This increases by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 20 days after 6.5 years.
Japan Labor Law Guide
Employees are entitled to 10 days of paid annual leave after 6 months of continuous employment with at least 80% attendance. This increases by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 20 days after 6.5 years.
Primary Legislation
Labor Standards Law (ๅดๅๅบๆบๆณ)
Secondary Legislation
Labor Standards Law (ๅดๅๅบๆบๆณ)
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Essential compliance data regarding minimum entitlement and standard work hours in Japan.
Ref: Labor Standards Law Art. 39 (ๅดๅๅบๆบๆณ)Employees are entitled to 10 days of paid annual leave after 6 months of continuous employment with at least 80% attendance. This increases by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 20 days after 6.5 years.
Accrual
10 days after 6 months, increasing annually: 11 days (1.5 years), 12 days (2.5 years), up to 20 days (6.5+ years). Requires 80% attendance rate.
Carry Over
Leave expires after 2 years. Unused leave from the previous year can be carried over once, then expires if not used.
Standard Week
40 hours
Max Weekly
45 hours
Max Daily
8 hours
Rest Period
No statutory minimum, but weekly rest of at least one day (or 4 days per 4 weeks) is required.
Employment Contract & Termination
Notice Period
30 days notice required for termination, or payment in lieu of notice. Both employers and employees must provide this notice period.
Labor Standards Law Art. 20Probation Period
Typically 3-6 months. During probation, 14 days notice is required for termination (if beyond initial 14 days). No specific statutory maximum period.
Labor Standards Law / Court PrecedentCore Labor Obligations
Operational rules regarding leave requests, sick pay, and public holiday work that every HR manager must know.
Ref: Labor Standards Law Art. 39Leave Requests
From 2019, employers must ensure employees take at least 5 days of paid leave annually. Employers can designate timing if employees do not request leave.
Sick Pay
No statutory sick pay. Employees may receive health insurance sickness allowance (ๅท็ ๆๅฝ้) at approximately 67% of salary after 3 days absence.
Holiday Work
Working on public holidays requires premium pay or compensatory time off as specified in employment contracts or collective agreements.
Part-Time Calculation
Pro-rata based on working days. Part-time workers with 30+ hours weekly or 5+ days weekly receive full entitlement. Others receive proportionate leave.
Parental & Family Leave
Maternity Leave
6 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after birth (14 weeks total). Payment is approximately 67% of wages through health insurance (first 6 months).
Labor Standards Law Art. 65Paternity/Partner Leave
Up to 4 weeks immediately after birth (Paternity Leave) plus up to 1 year of childcare leave. Payment is 67% of wages for first 6 months, then 50%.
Child Care and Family Care Leave LawSick Pay & Compensation
Sick Pay
No statutory sick leave requirement. Health insurance provides sickness allowance (ๅท็ ๆๅฝ้) from the 4th day of absence at approximately 67% of standard daily wage for up to 18 months.
Source: Health Insurance LawSpecific Laws & Regulations
Unique regulations and legal concepts that distinguish the Japan labor market from others.
Mandatory 5-Day Leave (2019 Reform)
Since April 2019, employers must ensure all employees take at least 5 days of their annual paid leave. Employers can designate leave dates if employees do not request sufficient leave. Failure to comply results in penalties.
Health Insurance Sickness Allowance (ๅท็ ๆๅฝ้)
While there is no statutory sick pay, employees absent due to illness for 4+ consecutive days receive approximately 67% of their standard daily wage through health insurance for up to 18 months.
Overtime Limits (Karoshi Prevention)
Following 2019 reforms to prevent karoshi (death from overwork), overtime is limited to 45 hours per month and 360 hours per year. Special circumstances allow up to 100 hours per month but never exceeding 720 hours annually.
Hourly Leave Option
Employers may allow employees to take paid leave in hourly increments (up to 5 days per year) rather than full days, providing greater flexibility for medical appointments or personal matters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are employees compensated if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
If a public holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday automatically becomes a substitute holiday (furikae kyลซjitsu). If it falls on Saturday, there is no automatic substitute unless specified by company policy.
What is the difference between paid leave and Obon holidays?
Paid annual leave is a statutory entitlement. Obon is not an official public holiday, but most companies grant leave during this traditional period (mid-August), often requiring employees to use their paid leave or providing special summer leave.
Can employers force employees to take leave?
Since the 2019 reform, employers must ensure employees take at least 5 days of annual leave. If an employee has not requested sufficient leave, the employer can designate when the remaining days must be taken.
Looking for the holiday calendar?
View the official Japan public holiday list for 2025.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official government sources and legal counsel for compliance matters.
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