In Japan, standard working hours are limited to eight hours per
day and 40 hours per week. However, flexibility is built into the
system through structured agreements and exemptions. We explore the
essentials for employers when it comes to working time in
Japan.
The basics
An employer is prohibited from requesting its employees work
more than eight hours per day, or 40 hours per week, although this
standard limit can be exceeded by agreement, known as an
'Article 36 Agreement'. The employer must enter into it
with a labour union to which the majority of its employees belong
or, if such a labour union does not exist, an employee
representative who represents the majority of its employees. Once
an Article 36 Agreement has been executed, the employer must submit
it to the Labour Standards Inspection Office before requiring
employees to perform the overtime. Such an agreement is also
required if an employer wishes an employee to work on a statutory
holiday.
