Before You Work in Japan: Rules for Shifts and Overtime [YOLO JAPAN]

Do you know the rules about working hours in Japan?

Many workers face issues such as “My shift changed suddenly” or “I didn’t get paid for overtime.”

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the basic rules about shifts, breaks, and overtime before you start working in Japan.

【What is a シフト（Shift）?】

A shift is your work schedule—when and how long you will work, decided between you and your company.
In Japan, the legal limit is 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.

📝 Things You Must Check

・How shifts are decided: Who decides? When is the schedule posted?

・Weekly working hours: Must be within 40 hours (8 hours per day)

* If you are a student visa holder or on a dependent visa with “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted,” you can only work up to 28 hours per week (and up to 8 hours per day during long school breaks).

・Breaks: 45 minutes for shifts over 6 hours, 60 minutes for shifts over 8 hours

・Days off: At least 1 day per week or 4 days every 4 weeks

【What is 残業（Overtime）?】

Overtime means working beyond the legal limit (8 hours per day or 40 hours per week).
To require overtime, companies must sign a labor-management agreement and report it to the Labor Standards Inspection Office.

💡 Rules for Overtime Pay (set by law)

・Regular overtime: 25% or more extra pay

・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 per month: 50% or more extra

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Click ▶ to see the answer

Q1. Can my company suddenly change my shift?

A. Shifts must follow your contract. Major changes require your agreement or must be written in the company’s work rules.

Q2. Can I refuse to work overtime?

A. If your contract says “overtime may be required” and the company has a valid agreement, they may ask you to work overtime. However, if you have health problems or family reasons, talk with your supervisor first.

Q3. Is unpaid overtime allowed?

A. No. Under Japanese law, all overtime must be paid.

🔑 Key Takeaways

・Shifts must follow your contract or official schedule—check when it’s released

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

・Breaks and days off are protected by law

・Overtime pay must always be paid

📚 References

・MHLW | Working Hours (Labor 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)

If you’re in trouble, get help

If your company changes shifts unfairly or doesn’t pay overtime, you can get free help.

・Labor Standards Inspection Office (for working hours, holidays, overtime)

Consultation Desk for Foreign Workers (support available in easy Japanese)

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*This content is designed to help foreign residents understand Japan’s labor rules easily. Always confirm details with your company or official institutions for the latest updates.