Japanese companies are required to grant 10 days of paid leave to employees who have been working continuously for at least 6 months and have reported to work at least 80% of the time. As the employee continues to work for the company, the number of paid leave days will increase by one additional day after the first year of employment to any increase of 10 additional days after working 6 years or more for the employer.
Usually employers in Japan will grant extra days off to an employee for marriage, death of a close relative and childbirth by the employee’s souse among other things. Maternity and child care leave are also mandated by law.
The paid leave rules of the company should be described in the work rules received by an employee upon being hired. Employees should familiarize themselves with these rules before applying for paid vacation. If the employer rejects the application for paid leave, it is important for the employee to ask for an explanation that conforms with the company’s work rules.
If you have any questions about working condition laws in Japan, please contact our office for a legal consultation.