Before You Work in Japan: Rules for Paid Leave [YOLO JAPAN]

Before you start working in Japan, it’s good to know how paid leave works.

“Can I take a day off and still get paid?” “Do part-time workers also get paid leave?” — these are common questions.

This page explains the basic rules for paid leave (annual leave) in Japan so foreign workers can keep working comfortably.

【What is 有給休暇（Paid Leave）?】

It is a special type of leave where you can take time off and still receive your salary.
You can use it for sickness, travel, or family matters.

👧 Who Can Receive It

・ Workers who have been employed for at least 6 months

・ And who have attended work on at least 80% of scheduled days during that period

・ Not only full-time workers — part-time and arubaito workers can get it too

📅 Number of Days

・ Full-time (5 days/week, about 8h a day): you usually get 10 days in the first year. After that, the number increases every year.

・ Part-time / short-hours: the number is calculated based on how many days/hours you work. Ask your company for your exact number.

🌴 How to Use

・ Tell your company as early as possible which day you want to take off.

・ You don’t have to explain the reason.

・ If the company has a serious business reason, they may ask you to take another day instead.

・ Some companies allow half-day or hourly paid leave.

・ Unused paid leave expires after 2 years, so try to use it in time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Click ▶ to see the answer

Q1. I haven’t worked for 6 months yet. Can I still take time off?

A. You don’t have paid leave yet, but some companies offer “special leave” or unpaid leave. Ask your employer.

Q2. Will my salary decrease if I take paid leave?

A. No. Paid leave means you can rest and still receive your usual pay.

Q3. What if I don’t use my paid leave?

A. Paid leave in Japan usually expires after 2 years. Try to plan your days off and use them.

🔑 Key Points

・ Paid leave = take a break and get paid

・ Condition: 6 months of work + 80% attendance

・ Part-time workers can get it too

・ It expires after 2 years — use it regularly

📚 References

・ MHLW｜Annual Paid Leave (JP)

・ MHLW｜Guide for Foreign Workers (Easy Japanese)

・ MHLW｜Proportional Paid Leave Table (for part-time)

If you’re not sure, ask for help

If you feel something is unfair or you don’t understand your leave rights, don’t keep it to yourself.
You can talk to these places for free:

・ Labor Standards Inspection Office (for working hours, paid leave, dismissal)

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

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*This content is a simplified guide for foreign residents working in Japan. Please check with your company or public institutions for the latest laws and detailed rules.

Before You Work in Japan: Rules for Paid Leave

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