Japan

Standard Work Week System

Japan's standard work week is Monday–Friday, 8 hours per day (typically 9:00–18:00 with 1-hour lunch). Under the Labor Standards Act, weekly working hours must not exceed 40.

Overtime Culture & Compliance

Japan has a strong overtime culture, but since the 2018 Work Style Reform Act, statutory overtime is capped at 45 hours/month and 360 hours/year (up to 100 hours/month in busy periods). Exceeding limits is illegal with employer penalties. Cross-border businesses should note supplier overtime compliance.

Overtime Pay Rates

Legal Basis

Japanese public holidays are defined by the Law Concerning National Holidays (国民の祝日に関する法律), currently 16 days. The "Golden Week" in late April to early May is formed by four consecutive holidays and is one of Japan's longest breaks.

Working Days & Holidays by Year

🚚 Shipping Routes from Japan