Japanese law prohibits discrimination of employees based on nationality or creed in the rates of wages, working hours, and other employment conditions. Non-Japanese workers are legally entitled to the same rights as Japanese workers. It is important to know and understand the laws and systems related to employment.

Eligibility for working in Japan

You must have a Status of Residence (zairyuu shikaku) that allows you to work. Also, the job must be within the qualifications permitted by your resident status.

Looking for a job in Japan

You can find a job at the Public Employment Security Office (Hello Work) operated by the national government (free of charge). There are also private employment agencies and organizations certified by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (Some of them charge a commission fee)

Public Employment Security Office (Hello Work)

The Public Employment Security Office (Hello Work) is operated by the national government to provide employment counselling and job introductions for free. All Hello Work offices are connected by the computer network where one can obtain information of available jobs across Japan. Those who can speak Japanese should visit a nearby Hello Work office. Some offices set up the “Employment Service Section for Foreign Workers.” with interpreting services. For international students and international residents with professional skills, “Employment Service Center for Foreigners” and/or “Hello Work for New Graduates” provide them job information and offers.

The Labor Standards Law protects workers’ rights, including those of international residents in Japan. If you have problems such as unpaid wages, suddenly dismissal from job without cause, and/or received injuries while working, consult the following offices.

Consultations Contacts

① Consultation Counter for Foreign Workers, Kyoto Labor Bureau

TEL	075-241-3214/241-3211
Address	2F Kyoto Labor Bureau, 451 Kinbuki-cho, Ryogaecho- dori Oike agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto CIty
Consulting Days and Hours	English - Tue., Wed. (2nd & 4th in the month), Thu. Vietnamese - Wed. 9:00 - 16:30 (closed between 12:00 and 13:00)

• Please call to make sure to confirm the language support will be provided before you visit.
• Consultations in Japanese are available on Monday through Friday at the General Labor Consultation Counter on the 1F of the Kyoto Labor Bureau.

② Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare’s Telephone Consultation Service for Foreign Workers

This service provides explanations of labor laws and regulations as well as the introduction of involved organizations related to labor conditions and issues using Navi-dial (closed on national holidays and from Dec. 29 to Jan. 3).

Language	Days	Time	Telephone
English	Mon. - Fri.	10:00 - 15:00 (closed 12:00 - 13:00)	0570-001701
Chinese			0570-001702
Portuguese			0570-001703
Spanish			0570-001704
Tagalog	Mon. - Fri.		0570-001705
Vietnamese	Mon. - Fri.		0570-001706
Burmese	Mon.		0570-001707
Nepali	Tue./Wed./ Thu.		0570-001708
Korean	Thu. /Fri.		0570-001709
Thai	Wed.		0570-001712
Indonesian			0570-001715
Cambodian (Khmer)	Wed.		0570-001715
Mongolian	Fri.		0570-001718

＊Closed on National Holidays and Dec. 29 - Jan. 3

Part-time Employment

The Labor Standards Law also applies to part-time employment. If you have any issues to consult about, visit “Guide to Labour Bureaus with Foreign Workers Consultation Service (Adviser for Foreign Workers)” and/or “Telephone Consultation Service for Foreign Workers”.

Employment Contracts

An employment contract is an agreement between an employee and their employer subject to the former’s work under the latter’s directions in return for wages. When an employment contract is signed, the employer must provide employees with working conditions including wages, working hours and other matters in written form. If these agreements are only made orally, the employee won’t be able to present any evidence in case any violation or dispute occurs. To prevent employment problems, request the employer to translate the contract into the employee’s native language.

Matters that must be included in an employment contract

• (1) Length of the employment contract
• (2) Criteria for renewal of fixed-term labor contracts (if contract renewal is possible and the evaluation criteria for renewal).
• (3) Place of work and contents of work.
• (4) Working hours, including starting and finishing time, the possibility of overtime work, the duration of breaks, holidays, and vacations.
• (5) Wages, methods of calculating and paying wages, date of payment, and matters related to promotions (does not have to be in written form).
• (6) Retirement and Dismissal (including reasons for dismissal)

If a company has written working rules and terms (shugyo kisoku), ask the company to show them to you to check the contents.

Labor Standards Offices (Japanese)