Working Rules Checklist: What to Know Before Starting a Job in Japan

【What is an 契約書（Employment Contract）?】

It is an important document (paper or PDF) that summarizes the conditions of your employment. In Japan, companies are legally required to provide this document. In most cases, it is called an Employment Contract or Notice of Working Conditions.

📝 Things You Must Check

✍ Sample Contract Explanation

Sample (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare official PDF): Notice of Working Conditions (Template)

・契約期間: Start and end dates, possibility and conditions of renewal

・終業の場所: Where you will work

・従事すべき業務の内容: Type of work you will perform

・始業・終業の時刻: Starting and ending time

・休憩時間: Duration and timing of breaks

・所定時間外労働の有無: Whether overtime is required

・休日: Weekly or monthly days off

・休暇: Types of leave, number of days, when you can start using them

・賃金: Salary, allowances, overtime pay, payment method and payday

・退職に関する事項: Rules for resignation and dismissal

・その他 Insurance, etc.

💡 Additional Points to Check

・Transportation allowance: If provided, up to how much

・Social insurance: Whether you are enrolled

・Overtime: How many hours you may work, how much the overtime pay is

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Click ▶ to see the answer

🔑 Key Takeaways

・An employment contract is your “proof of working conditions”

・Use this checklist and sample if you feel uncertain

・Ask questions before signing if you don’t understand

📚 References

・MHLW | About Employment Contracts and Notices of Working Conditions (JP)

・MHLW (English) | Explanation of Working Conditions

・MHLW | Rules on Working Conditions (Labour Standards Act, Article 15)

・MHLW | Template of Notice of Working Conditions (PDF)

【What is a シフト（Shift）?】

It is a “work schedule” that you and your employer decide together—when and how long you will work.
In Japan, the legal standard is 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week.

📝 Things You Must Check

【What is 残業（Overtime）?】

It means working beyond the legal standard (8 hours per day, 40 hours per week).
To require overtime, the company must sign a labor-management agreement and submit it to the Labor Standards Inspection Office.

💡 Rules for Overtime Pay (set by law)

・Regular overtime: 25% or more extra

・Late-night work (10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m.): 25% or more extra

・Work on holidays: 35% or more extra

・Over 60 hours/month: 50% or more extra

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Click ▶ to see the answer

🔑 Key Takeaways

・Shifts must follow your contract and posted schedule—check when it will be released

・The legal standard is 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week

・Breaks and holidays are protected by law

・Overtime pay must always be paid

📚 References

・MHLW | Working Hours (Labour Standards Act, Article 32)

・MHLW | Breaks and Days Off

・MHLW | Overtime and Holiday Premium Pay

・Immigration Services Agency | Student Visa Work Restrictions (28-hour limit)

【What is 有給休暇（Paid Leave）?】

It is a special type of leave where you can take time off while still receiving your salary.
It can be used for illness, travel, or personal matters.

👧 Who Can Receive It

・ Employees who have worked for at least 6 months

・ Those who have attended work for at least 80% of scheduled days during that time

・ Both full-time employees and part-time workers are eligible

📅 Number of Days

・ Full-time employees (5 days a week, 8+ hours a day): Start with 10 days, increasing each year

・ Part-time workers: The number of days is adjusted according to working days and hours. Ask your company for details.

🌴 How to Use

・ Request your leave as early as possible

・ You do not need to give a reason

・ If your absence causes serious issues, the company may ask you to take leave on another day

・ Some companies allow half-day or hourly paid leave

・ Unused paid leave expires after 2 years, so use it early

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Click ▶ to see the answer

🔑 Key Takeaways

・ Paid leave allows you to take time off while still receiving your salary

・ Eligibility: 6 months of work + 80% attendance

・ Both full-time and part-time workers are covered

・ Expires after 2 years, so plan ahead

📚 References

・ MHLW | Annual Paid Leave

・ MHLW | Guide for Foreign Workers (Easy Japanese)

・ MHLW | Proportional Paid Leave Chart (Part-time)

【What is 社会保険（Social Insurance）?】

It is a system that protects the lives of employees.
It provides support in cases of illness, injury, unemployment, or retirement.

Full-time employees are automatically enrolled. Your company will handle the enrollment process, so you don’t need to apply separately.

🏥 Types of Social Insurance

There are four main types of social insurance:

・ 健康保険（Health Insurance）
When you visit a hospital for illness or injury, you only pay 30% of the cost.
If you miss work due to illness or injury, financial support may be provided.
Premiums are deducted from your salary.

・ 厚生年金保険（Employee Pension Insurance）
A pension system that provides income after retirement.
Premiums are deducted from your salary.

・ 雇用保険（Employment Insurance）
Provides unemployment benefits if you lose your job.
Premiums are deducted from your salary.

・ 労災保険（Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance）
Covers medical expenses and compensation when you are injured or fall ill at work.
Applies to all workers.

👩‍💼 For Part-time Workers

Part-time workers must also join Health Insurance and Employee Pension Insurance if all of the following conditions are met:

・ Work 20 hours or more per week

・ Earn a monthly salary of at least 88,000 yen

・ Have an expected employment period of at least 2 months

・ Work at a company with 51 or more employees

💰 How Premiums Are Paid

・ Premiums are automatically deducted from your salary
・ Half is paid by you, and half by your employer
・ In some cases, if paying is financially difficult, you may apply for exemption

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Click ▶ to see the answer

🔑 Key Takeaways

・ Social insurance covers Health, Pension, Employment, and Workers’ Accident

・ Part-time workers may also be required to join if conditions are met

・ Premiums are automatically deducted; employers cover half

・ If payments are difficult, you may apply for exemption

📚 References

・ MHLW | Social Insurance System (Health & Pension)

・ MHLW | Employment Insurance

・ MHLW | Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance

【What is a 試用期間（Probation Period）?】

It is a trial period when you first join a company.
The company uses this time to decide whether you are a good fit for long-term employment. It usually lasts 3 to 6 months.

📝 Things You Must Check

【What is 解雇（Dismissal）?】

It means the company tells you that you can no longer work there.
Under Japanese law, it is not easy for a company to dismiss an employee without valid reasons.

📌 Valid Reasons for Dismissal (Examples)

・ Repeatedly breaking company rules

・ Lying to get hired (such as false qualifications or education)

・ Theft of company money or causing serious trouble

・ Business downsizing due to poor management

📝 Rules for Dismissal

・ Employers must give notice at least 30 days in advance

・ If dismissed immediately, the company must pay 30 days’ worth of salary

・ Dismissal for reasons such as nationality, gender, or pregnancy is prohibited

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Click ▶ to see the answer

🔑 Key Takeaways

・ Probation is a trial period, usually 3–6 months

・ Even during probation, dismissal requires valid reasons

・ Dismissal requires “30 days’ notice” or “30 days’ pay”

📚 References

・ MHLW | Labor Contracts (Probation Period)

・ MHLW | Dismissal (Labor Standards Act, Article 20)

If you ever feel something is “unfair” or find yourself in trouble while working in Japan, it’s very important to know where you can get help.
You do not need to endure problems alone.

🏢 Labor Standards Inspection Office

・ A government office that checks whether companies are following labor laws

・ You can consult about problems such as unpaid wages, overtime, or dismissal

・ Consultations are free of charge

🔗 Official Website｜List of Labor Standards Inspection Offices (MHLW)

📞 Consultation Services for Foreign Workers

・ There are hotlines and offices where foreign workers can seek advice if they face problems at work

・ Support is available in Easy Japanese, English, and sometimes other languages

🔗 Official Website｜Consultation Dial for Foreign Workers (MHLW)

By applying for a job, you’ve already taken one big step forward!

This checklist will help you resolve any worries about working in Japan.
Start your career in Japan with confidence.

YOLO JAPAN is here to fully support your future!

This checklist was created by YOLO JAPAN to provide clear guidance for foreign residents.
It is based on the latest laws and regulations. (Last updated: August 2025)