Worktime records - 2017

Following a series of overwork-related deaths, the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare implemented the 'Zero Deaths from Overwork' plan, which aims to prevent illegally long working hours through strict work time recording measures for all employees. Only representative directors are exempt.

Employers must monitor working hours using either on-the-spot confirmation by the manager, or objective measures such as timecards or IC cards. If neither can be used and the employee must self-report their worktime, employers must explain the importance to employees and managers of accurate time-recording, conduct surveys on the accuracy of employees' self-reported time, verify employees' justifications for staying at work beyond their self-reported time, and refrain from imposing limitations on the amount of worktime employees can report.

Salary payment records must state employees' worktime, overtime, late-night work, and holiday work. Missing or falsified information risks a fine of up to 300,000 yen. Employers must keep salary payment records, attendance records, and a roster of employees for five years, or risk a fine of up to 300,000 yen.

Employee Contract - April 2024

Employers must state in the employment contract the possible changes to work location and scope in the future, in addition to stating work location and scope immediately upon employment. For fixed-term employees, contract renewal details must also be stated.

Work Rules in Japan. Regulations and minimum requirements concerning company work rules, i.e., the terms and conditions of employment for employees in a company in Japan.

HR Legislative Reporting in Japan. Table of main human resources legislative reporting requirements for employees and companies in Japan.

Sample Offer Letter for Japanese Employment Market. Sample offer letter of employment for a prospective employee in Japan.

Labor Contracts. Regulations and practice regarding labor contracts in japan, including working conditions, restrictions, cancellation, and dismissal.

Dismissal. Regulations on dismissal of employees in Japan, including grounds for dismissal and the dismissal process.

Compensation in Japan. Employee compensation considerations for outsourcing companies in Japan, including regulations, practice, and recommended policies.

Employee Housing “Legal Rent” Arrangement in Japan. “Legal rent”, a specific arrangement of providing housing for employees in Japan which reduces social insurance costs for both the employee and the company.

Apartment Insurance. Minimum insurance coverage required for apartments in Tokyo, Japan.

Holidays in Japan. Japanese national holidays, traditional holiday periods, and annual leave regulations, including leave recommendations for companies in Japan.

Human Resources Services