Business hours in Japan

Long hours and excessive overtime are often criticized aspects of Japanese business culture. Japanese workers spend on average 1735 hours a year at work – one of the highest figures in the OECD.

Under Japan’s Labour Standards Act, work rules covering working hours and wages, as well as conditions that employees must comply with, must be drawn up and submitted to the local Labour Standards Inspection Office by employers with 10 or more regular employees. Companies with fewer than
10 workers are also encouraged to draw up work rules. Where work rules are established, they have the same legal force as labour contracts.

Work rules must contain the following items:

• Start and finish times, breaks, days off, leave of absence (including childcare and family care leave), and work shift arrangements where work is to be performed by two or more teams of workers
• Methods of determining, calculating and paying wages (excluding special bonuses and other pay), wage calculation periods and dates of payment, as well as matters pertaining to wage rises
• Matters pertaining to resignation or dismissal (including grounds for dismissal). 

Leave

Employees who have worked for six consecutive months from the time of hiring are entitled to paid leave. The annual entitlement increases with length of service.

Overtime

Overtime must be paid to employees who work in excess of ordinary hours, on days off or late at night.

Socialising after business hours

Japanese can be formal and reserved in social interactions, especially in the office. Socialising after hours over dinner and drinks is a great way to develop a relationship and make communication more open. Business is unlikely to be discussed at dinner, as it is about establishing a personal relationship and giving your Japanese counterpart the opportunity to learn more about your ‘true character’.