No. 14 How many annual days off will I have? General working conditions at Japanese companies
Working conditions in Japan are established according to the Labor Standards Act. This article will explain the number of working hours and the number of days off at most Japanese companies.
General working conditions at Japanese companies
According to Japanese labor laws, companies cannot force a person to work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. It is also stipulated that there be at least one day off a week, and that a break of at least 45 minutes must be provided when work exceeds 6 hours, and of at least 1 hour when work exceeds 8 hours. (Source:https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/roudoukijun/roudouzikan/index.html）
Average number of days off per year at Japanese companies
According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of annual days off in FY2018 for Japanese companies was between 100 to 109 days, which was 34% and the highest result. Since there is a limit of 40 working hours per week, working 8 hours a day will result in two days off a week, so there will be at least 105 days off. Including holidays such as summer vacation, year-end and New Year’s holidays, and national holidays, you could have around 120 days off a year. This also means that if you work fewer hours per day, you may get fewer days off. (Source:https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/itiran/roudou/jikan/syurou/18/dl/gaiyou01.pdf）
Annual paid leave at Japanese companies
Japanese companies must allow annual paid leave to workers who have worked for a certain time. It is stipulated that if you work continuously for at least 6 months and have an attendance rate of at least 80%, you must receive 10 days of paid leave. (Source:https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/roudoukijun/roudouzikan/index.html )
Japanese companies and other vacations
Some Japanese companies set other days as leave that are not stipulated in the Labor Standards Act. For example, there is special leave for weddings and funerals and birthday leave, special incentive leave that can be taken for milestones such as 5 or 10 years of service, and company anniversary leave. At companies with such leave systems, it may be possible to take more days off.
Conclusion
This section explained some basic working conditions at Japanese companies. Working hours and days off are one important thing to consider when choosing a company. Please refer to the average values mentioned in this article and compare these with the company you are considering.
■The contents provided in these articles are for informational purposes only.
Therefore, the reader must use discretion and take responsibility when using the information in these articles.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the administrator, and the management office shall not be responsible for the results of applying the contents of the articles.
■The information in these articles is current as of January 2020. Keep in mind that there may be changes at the time it is used.
