— Latest update: December 2023 —

Japan displays a workforce recognized for its diligence and commitment, shaped by a unique blend of tradition and modernity, but also distinguished for its historical legacy of challenging work conditions. Nevertheless, significant steps have been made in improving work-life balance and reshaping the traditional notion of lifetime employment. As these transformations persist, labour laws and regulations are also undergoing continuous advancement.

Labour-related laws in Japan are quite extensive and govern different aspects of every hiring step as well as leave, contracts forms, working hours etc.

Table of Contents

• Legislation overview
• Labor Standards Act
• Recruitment
• Contracts
• Different types of employment
  • Permanent Employees
  • Contract Employees
  • Temporary Workers (or Outsourced Employees)
• Posted Workers
• Further Reading
• Relevant Organisations and Trade Fairs