Japan
Japan guarantees 10 paid days/year minimum after 6 months (Labour Standards Act art. 39), up to 20 days after 6.5 yrs. 16 public holidays (OECD record). Maternity 14 wks (Health Insurance), paternity 4 wks (since 2022, Ikuji Kyugyo Kyufu).
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Annual paid leave
LSA art. 39LSA art. 39: 10 days after 6 continuous months, +1 day/year up to 11 (1.5 yr), 12 (2.5), 14 (3.5), 16 (4.5), 18 (5.5), 20 days (6.5 yrs+). Cultural habit = low usage.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 10 j | 100% | — |
| 6.5 years+ | 20 j | 100% | Plafond |
| 5 mandatory days/year | 5 j | 100% | Réforme 2019 |
Public holidays
16 holidays (Furikae)16 public holidays (OECD record). If on Sunday, Monday becomes holiday (Furikae Kyujitsu).
| Day | Date | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year | All | — |
| 2nd Mon Jan | Coming of Age | All | — |
| Feb 11 | National Foundation | All | — |
| Feb 23 | Emperor’s Birthday | All | — |
| Mar 20/21 | Vernal Equinox | All | Variable |
| Apr 29 | Showa Day | All | Golden Week |
| May 3 | Constitution | All | Golden Week |
| May 4 | Greenery | All | Golden Week |
| May 5 | Children’s | All | Golden Week |
| 3rd Mon Jul | Marine Day | All | — |
| Aug 11 | Mountain Day | All | — |
| 3rd Mon Sep | Respect for the Aged | All | — |
| Sep 22/23 | Autumn Equinox | All | Variable |
| 2nd Mon Oct | Sports | All | — |
| Nov 3 | Culture | All | — |
| Nov 23 | Labour Thanksgiving | All | — |
Sick leave
Health Insurance 67%No federal sick pay law. Health Insurance pays Shobyo Teate Kin (66.67% average salary) after 4 days, up to 1.5 yrs.
| Scenario | Waiting | Pay | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | 3 j | Unpaid (sauf contrat) | Waiting |
| Day 4+ | 3 j | 66.67% Health Ins. | Up to 1.5 yrs |
Maternity, paternity, parental
14 wks mat · 4 wks patMaternity 6 wks pre + 8 wks post (14 wks) at 67% Health Insurance. Childcare Leave (Ikuji Kyugyo) until child’s 1st birthday (extendable to 2) at 67% (50% after 6 mos). Paternity Childcare 4 wks possible since 2022.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 14 sem | 67% Health Ins. | LSA art. 65 |
| Childcare Leave | Jusqu’à 1 an (2 ans extendable) | 67% (50% > 6m) | Ikuji Kyugyo |
| Paternity Childcare | 4 sem (2022) | 67% | Sanyon kyuka |
| Family Care Leave | 93 j | 67% | — |
Special leaves
Per employerBereavement and marriage = company practice (3-5 days typical per CLA). Sick child care 5 paid days/year (Hatarakikata).
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bereavement (spouse) | 5-10 j | Variable | Discretionary |
| Bereavement (parent) | 3-5 j | Variable | Discretionary |
| Marriage | 5 j | Variable | Discretionary |
| Sick child care | 5 j/an | Variable | Discretionary |
Information current as of last update. This guide does not replace local legal advice. For specific situations, consult a labor lawyer in the relevant country.
Centralize Japan absence management
Illizeo applies LSA art. 39 + Health Insurance + Ikuji Kyugyo + 16 holidays (Golden Week).
Book a meeting← Back to the guide
