GUIDE · CONTRACTS
Employment contracts in Japan
雇用契約と労働条件の明示Rodo joken tsuchisho — the written working conditions
In Japan, the key terms of a job must be given in writing when you hire. Since April 2024 the list includes how the place of work and duties may change.
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When
Hiring
And when renewing fixed-term contracts
How
In writing
Email etc. if the employee asks
Since
Apr 2024
Scope of changes must be shown
Applies to
All
Full-time, part-time, fixed-term
What to put in writing
- Contract period, and for fixed-term contracts whether and how it is renewed
- Place of work and duties — and the scope of future changes to both (since April 2024)
- Working hours, breaks, days off and overtime
- Wages: how they are calculated and paid, and pay day
- Resignation and dismissal
- For fixed-term contracts: any limit on total period or number of renewals (since April 2024)
The notice is usually called a working conditions notice (労働条件通知書). The labor ministry publishes model forms.
How to give it
- In principle on paper; by email or similar if the employee asks for it
- Use plain wording and keep a copy
- Remote work places count — if staff normally work from home, show that
- With 10 or more employees, you also need written work rules filed with the labor standards office
Related guides
FAQ
Do I need a written employment contract in Japan?
You must give key working conditions in writing when hiring, such as contract period, place of work, duties, hours and wages. Email is allowed if the employee asks.
What changed in Japanese employment contracts in April 2024?
Employers must now show the scope of possible changes to place of work and duties, and for fixed-term contracts any limit on renewals.
Do part-time workers need a working conditions notice?
Yes. The rules apply to all workers, including part-time, fixed-term and dispatched workers.
Sources
- Working conditions disclosure rules from April 2024 — Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
- Model work rules — Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
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