Unpaid Salary in Japan: What Foreign Workers Can Check First
What to check if your salary is late or unpaid in Japan, and what records to keep.
- Check the Payday and Amount
- Keep Evidence
- Ask in Writing if Possible
- Where to Consult
- Do Not Give Up Quickly
Check the Payday and Amount
First confirm the payday written in your contract or company rules. Compare your payslip, bank transfer, working days, and working hours.
Keep Evidence
Do not delete shift records, chat messages, emails, attendance records, bank records, or photos of schedules. These records are important when you consult.
Ask in Writing if Possible
If you can, ask the company in writing when the salary will be paid and why it is delayed. Written communication is easier to show later.
Where to Consult
You can consult labor standards offices, labor consultation services, local foreign resident consultation desks, or a trusted professional.
Do Not Give Up Quickly
Even if your Japanese is weak, unpaid salary is a serious problem. Bring records and ask someone to help translate if necessary.
This article is based on official public information and is written in simple English. Procedures may differ by person and city. Please check the official page or a consultation office for your own case.
Source: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/roudoukijun/index.html
