Hiring in Japan? Paid Leave Counts From Day One — Including Probation

Hiring in Japan? The clock for paid leave starts on day one — including the probation period.

In many countries, employees don't start accruing paid leave until after probation ends. In Japan, the probation period counts.

How It Works

Under Japan's Labor Standards Act, an employee who has worked continuously for six months, and attended at least 80% of their scheduled working days, is entitled to 10 days of annual paid leave. Those six months are counted from the first day of employment — regardless of whether part of that time was a trial period.

The entitlement then grows with each additional year of service. Part-time employees are entitled to paid leave too, on a pro-rated basis.

Employers are also required to make sure that employees who are granted 10 or more days take at least five of them each year.

Why It Surprises Foreign Employers

It's one of the more employee-protective parts of Japan's labor system, and one of the first surprises for foreign employers — especially when the first leave grant arrives earlier than HQ expected.

Know the rules before you make your first hire, and make sure your leave tracking starts on the first day, not after probation.

Natsuki Suzuki is the founder of BANTO, which provides back-office support — accounting, HR and payroll, and administration — to overseas companies and their Japan entities. She spent 15 years in Europe and brings both sides of the cultural equation to every engagement.