Japan is known for its hard-working ethics, but they are actually quite generous with annual leaves. This article will explain how many leave days you will have every year and other paid leaves, such as public holidays and family-related occasions.
Annual Leave in Japan
All employees in Japan, both full-time and part-time, are entitled to annual paid leave, known as 有休 (ゆうきゅう yūkyū). The number of leave days you receive depends on your employment status and how long you've worked at the company. Your leave days will increase as your years of service grow.
Two conditions must be met to claim annual leave:
You need to have worked at the same company for at least 6 months. After the first year, you will receive an additional one to two leave days each year.
You must have been present for at least 80% of the scheduled working hours.
Employees can take their paid leave at any time and even accumulate days to take longer breaks. However, they must inform the employer or HR department in advance and get approval before proceeding. Companies often have their own rules on how far in advance notice should be given, so it's best to submit your request early to help coworkers manage your absence.
Although annual leave is a right, employers can reject requests if they have valid reasons. For example, if there are staff shortages during busy periods, your employer may ask you to delay taking leave. Not considering your coworkers’ schedules could strain your office relationships.
Annual leave in Japan cannot be converted into cash. This rule encourages employees to use their vacation time. However, if an employee’s contract is terminated, any unused leave must be paid out in cash.
How to Calculate Annual Leave for Full-time Employees
Full-time workers in Japan typically receive between 10 and 20 days of annual paid leave. The exact number of days depends on how long they’ve been employed at the company. Here’s the breakdown:
This leave system rewards long-term service by allowing employees more rest time as they continue working at the company. Keep in mind that these numbers represent the minimum requirements set by Japanese labor laws. Some companies may offer more generous leave policies.
How to Calculate Annual Leave for Part-time Employees
In addition to the length of service, the number of paid leave days for part-time workers is also determined by how many days they work each week. Unlike full-time employees, whose leave is based solely on years of service, part-time employees receive leave in proportion to their work schedule.
The calculation ensures that part-time employees are treated fairly based on the hours they contribute to the company. As with full-time employees, their leave days increase gradually over time, rewarding long-term service.
It’s important for part-time workers to check with their HR department to understand their company’s specific leave policy, as some companies may offer more generous provisions depending on their internal rules.
Public Holidays
Japan has 16 public holidays, and most offices close during these holidays, allowing employees time off unless they work in sectors like tourism. These holidays are spread throughout the year, and since they don’t affect your monthly salary, they can technically be considered paid leave.
Public Holidays in Japan:
January
Japanese New Year (January 1)
Coming of Age Day (Second Monday in January)
February
National Foundation Day (February 11)
The Emperor's Birthday (February 23)
March
Vernal Equinox Day (March 21)
April
Shōwa Day (April 29)
May
Constitution Memorial Day (May 3)
Greenery Day (May 4)
Children’s Day (May 5)
July
Marine Day (Third Monday in July)
August
Mountain Day (August 11)
September
Respect for the Aged Day (Third Monday in September)
Autumnal Equinox Day (September 23)
October
Sports Day (Second Monday in October)
November
Culture Day (November 3)
Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23)
One significant period is called Golden Week in early May, which includes four consecutive holidays: Shōwa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day. Many employees use their annual leave to take the whole week off.
Other Paid Leaves
Besides the annual leave and national holiday, employees are also entitled to family-related leaves, such as child care, wedding, and mourning.
Child Care Leave
Both maternity and paternity leave are regulated by Japanese law. Maternity leave includes 6 weeks before the expected birth date to 8 weeks postnatal. Paternity leave is given 4 weeks after childbirth. After maternity and paternity periods end, parents can take child care leave up to one year later.
Wedding
Newly married couples can take five days’ leave for their honeymoon.
Mourning
You can take up to five days of leave for a nuclear family death and three days for an extended family death. However, if you are the one who manages the funeral service, you will receive two additional days.
Expired Annual Leave
Unfortunately, you cannot pile up your annual leave for more than two years. Some companies even set the expiration date after one year. Make sure to check with your employer so you don’t lose your entitled vacations.
Sick Leave
Sick leave does not exist in Japan. The employees usually use their annual leave if they want to rest. If you cannot claim the annual leave, you will be considered absent and don’t get paid for your days off. This is one of the reasons why people like to save their annual leave in case they get sick. However, they have to be careful to not keep it until the expiration date. Use your annual leave wisely!
Also read: Navigating Healthcare as Foreigners in Japan
Japanese Work Culture about Taking Leave
According to a 2019 survey by the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, workers in Japan use only 52.4% of their entitled paid leave. This is influenced by a strong work culture and Japan’s group-oriented society.
Japanese employees are often dedicated to their work, and overwork is sometimes viewed positively. As a result, many feel hesitant to leave the office on time or take days off, concerned that it may give the impression of being less committed. Others feel reluctant because they don’t want to inconvenience their coworkers by having them cover their duties.
In response, the Japanese government introduced a law requiring employees with 10 or more days of paid leave to take at least 5 days each year. Employers who don’t comply may face penalties. While changes are gradual, Japan is steadily working towards improving work-life balance for its employees.
If you’re considering working in Japan, don’t worry—there’s an easy way to check if a company complies with this law. By visiting our job review website, you can gain valuable insights into how companies handle annual leave policies. Tokhimo Review provides firsthand accounts from employees who have experienced different workplaces in Japan. Visit Tokhimo Review companies that prioritize employee well-being and ensure that workers take their entitled leave, as well as those that may fall short in this regard.
