Japan Employment Guide

Japan is in East Asia, consisting of main islands like Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, bordering the Pacific (east) and Sea of Japan (west). It has ~125 million people; Japanese is official, and Tokyo is the capital. Its highly developed economy focuses on manufacturing and services, with global influence in auto, electronics, machinery and IT, while finance, tourism and export trade also matter. Labor laws (per Labor Standards Act) protect wages, hours, leave and social security. Standard workweek: 40 hours (overtime needs extra pay or time off). Salaries are usually monthly (avg. JPY 350,000 pre-tax). Laws cover paid leave and protect contract/temp workers, balancing interests for a fair, stable labor market.

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Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Capital

Tokyo

Official language

Japanese

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Japan

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Understanding Paid Time Off (PTO) in Japan

In Japan, both full-time and part-time employees are entitled to 10 working days of paid time off (PTO) annually. This entitlement is granted after completing six months of service. Unlike systems where PTO accrues monthly, Japan increases leave based on an employee's tenure with the same company. Unused PTO from the previous year can be carried over to the next, offering flexibility for employees to plan their time off effectively.

National Public Holidays in Japan

Japan observes 16 national public holidays each year, providing ample opportunities for rest and cultural observance. These holidays include:

New Year's Day
Coming of Age Day
National Foundation Day
Emperor's Birthday
Vernal Equinox Day
Showa Day
Constitution Memorial Day
Greenery Day
Children's Day
Marine Day
Mountain Day
Respect for the Aged Day
Autumnal Equinox Day
Sports Day
Culture Day
Labor Thanksgiving Day

For detailed information on regional holidays, employees can refer to official government resources.

Best Practices for Managing Leave Policies

Companies like SailGlobal recommend integrating local leave policies with global HR frameworks to ensure compliance and employee satisfaction. For instance, aligning PTO carry-over rules with business cycles can prevent operational disruptions while supporting work-life balance.

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