Many foreigners in Japan do not know that Japanese labor law fully applies to them — including protections against unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, forced overtime, and workplace harassment. This guide explains your rights and how to enforce them.
ℹ️ Workplace harassment (harassment in Japan)
Japan enacted the Power Harassment Prevention Act in 2020. Employers are legally obligated to prevent power harassment (pawahara), sexual harassment (sekuhara), and maternity harassment (matahara). You can report violations to your prefectural Labor Bureau.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Know your basic labor rights
Japan's Labor Standards Act (Rodo Kijun Ho) applies to all workers regardless of nationality. Key protections: minimum wage, maximum 8-hour workday, mandatory overtime pay (1.25x for overtime, 1.35x for midnight hours), 10 days paid leave after 6 months.
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For unpaid wages: contact the Labor Standards Inspection Office
Rodo Kijun Kantouku-sho (Labor Standards Inspection Office) is Japan's labor law enforcement agency. File a complaint there — it's free, anonymous if you choose, and they have authority to order employers to pay. Find your nearest office at mhlw.go.jp.
💡The General Labor Consultation Corner: 0120-811-610 (toll-free, Mon–Fri) provides multilingual labor consultation.
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For illegal dismissal: you may be entitled to reinstatement or compensation
Japanese courts require "objectively reasonable grounds" for dismissal. If fired without cause, you can file for unjust dismissal (fusei kaiko). Options: Labor Relations Commission mediation, civil court lawsuit, or negotiated settlement. Get a lawyer.
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Document everything
Collect: employment contract, pay stubs, work schedules, communications from your employer, witness statements. In Japan, verbal agreements are enforceable but hard to prove. Email or LINE message records are admissible in labor disputes.
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Get free legal consultation
Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu): 0570-078374 — free legal consultations in multiple languages. JFBA (Japan Federation of Bar Associations) also offers free 30-minute consultations at many local bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Japanese labor laws apply to foreigners?
Yes. Japan's Labor Standards Act, Minimum Wage Act, and all labor protections apply equally to foreign workers regardless of nationality or visa type.
What can I do if my Japanese employer doesn't pay me?
File a complaint with the nearest Labor Standards Inspection Office (Rodo Kijun Kantouku-sho). This is free, and inspectors have authority to order payment. The hotline 0120-811-610 offers multilingual support.
Can I be fired without warning in Japan?
Under Japanese law, dismissal requires 30 days notice or 30 days' pay in lieu of notice. Dismissal must have "objectively reasonable grounds and be socially appropriate." Japan has strong job security protections.
What is "power harassment" (pawahara) in Japan?
Power harassment is abusive behavior by superiors in a workplace power relationship — including verbal abuse, unreasonable workloads, exclusion, and invasion of privacy. It became explicitly illegal under the Power Harassment Prevention Act in 2020.
Can I get a lawyer for a labor dispute in Japan?
Yes. Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu) provides free consultations and subsidized legal fees for those with limited income. Call 0570-078374. Many attorneys offer free first consultations.
Gaijin Support Editorial Team
Japan Life Support Specialists
Written by a team of foreign residents in Japan with combined 50+ years of experience navigating Japanese legal, medical, and administrative systems.
Reviewed by Kenji Tanaka, Esq., Licensed Japanese Attorney (bengoshi) · Last updated June 2026