Companies who have 10 or more employees should compile a handbook with all the company’s work rules and give every employee a copy. It should also be submitted to the local Labor Standards Inspection Office. Companies with less than 10 employees are not required to draft a copy of the work rules but are encouraged to do so.
Japan has a national work placement agency called “Hello Work.” Hello Work provides free help to job seekers as well as employers looking to fill positions and provides an essential service in matching these two needs.
Japanese labor law is very protective of employees’ rights. While it isn’t impossible to fire an employee on a contract without a fixed term (a lifetime employee), it is very difficult.
The Japanese Constitution protects the freedom of choice of employment. Therefore, within limits, people should be able to work for whatever company they want. However, Non-compete clauses in Japan are very common in contracts.