A Guide to the Japanese Labour Standards Law for Foreign Nationals
Revised date: 31/May/2017
In Japan, the Labour Standards Law defines minimum working standards. The standards cover areas such as wages and working hours and aim to protect workers’ quality of life. The law applies to all workers in Japan regardless of their nationality.
The Japanese Labour Standards Law is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) kosei rodo sho.
If an employer defines working standards that do not meet the official standards, the conditions defined by the Labour Standards Law should prevail.
People from overseas are advised to be aware of the official minimum working conditions in Japan to ensure that they are treated fairly. This site provides basic information on working conditions in Japan.
An employer that employs foreign nationals should know the conditions defined in the law and comply with the law. They should also be aware that the same rules apply to foreign national workers as apply to Japanese workers.
1. Working conditions and the employment contract
2. Equality principle as per the Labour Standard Law
3. Prohibition of enforced labour
4. A Worker as defined by the Labour Standards Law
5. Wage by law – inclusions and exclusions
7. Visas and the Employment contract
8. Working conditions in the employment contract
9. Work rules and the employment contract