Overtime Pay in Japan: Simple Checks for Foreign Workers

How foreign workers can check working hours, overtime records, and payslips in Japan.

overtime pay Japan foreignerunpaid overtime Japanworking hours Japan

Read this topic in other languages

Yasashii JP simple guide image
Quick checklist

  • Working Hours Matter
  • Keep Your Own Notes
  • Check the Contract
  • Consult With Records
  • Language Help

Working Hours Matter

Overtime problems are often about records. Check your scheduled hours, actual hours, breaks, night work, holiday work, and what appears on your payslip.

Keep Your Own Notes

If the company record is unclear, write your own daily record. Include start time, finish time, break time, workplace, and what work you did.

Check the Contract

Some contracts include fixed overtime. Even then, you should check how many hours are included and whether extra overtime should be paid.

Consult With Records

When you consult, bring your contract, payslips, attendance records, shift table, messages, and bank transfers. More records make the situation easier to explain.

Language Help

If Japanese is difficult, look for multilingual labor consultation or ask a trusted person to go with you.

Source and note

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/roudoujouken02/index.html