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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).

Authority: Labour Standards Act · MHLW · Hello Work
Leave
10-20 days by seniority
Public holidays
16
Maternity
14 wks · 67% Health Ins.
Paternity
4 wks (2022)
Sick
No law · Health Insurance
Framework
Labour Standards Act
01

Annual paid leave

LSA art. 39

LSA 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.

TypeDurationPayConditions
6 months10 j100%
6.5 years+20 j100%Plafond
5 mandatory days/year5 j100%Réforme 2019
~62% (faible)
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Official sources: MHLW Labour Standards
02

Public holidays

16 holidays (Furikae)

16 public holidays (OECD record). If on Sunday, Monday becomes holiday (Furikae Kyujitsu).

DayDateStatusNote
Jan 1New YearAll
2nd Mon JanComing of AgeAll
Feb 11National FoundationAll
Feb 23Emperor’s BirthdayAll
Mar 20/21Vernal EquinoxAllVariable
Apr 29Showa DayAllGolden Week
May 3ConstitutionAllGolden Week
May 4GreeneryAllGolden Week
May 5Children’sAllGolden Week
3rd Mon JulMarine DayAll
Aug 11Mountain DayAll
3rd Mon SepRespect for the AgedAll
Sep 22/23Autumn EquinoxAllVariable
2nd Mon OctSportsAll
Nov 3CultureAll
Nov 23Labour ThanksgivingAll
Apr 29 – May 5
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Official sources: Cabinet Office Holidays
03

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.

ScenarioWaitingPayCap
Days 1-33 jUnpaid (sauf contrat)Waiting
Day 4+3 j66.67% Health Ins.Up to 1.5 yrs
Official sources: Kyoukai Kenpo
04

Maternity, paternity, parental

14 wks mat · 4 wks pat

Maternity 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.

TypeDurationPayConditions
Maternity14 sem67% Health Ins.LSA art. 65
Childcare LeaveJusqu’à 1 an (2 ans extendable)67% (50% > 6m)Ikuji Kyugyo
Paternity Childcare4 sem (2022)67%Sanyon kyuka
Family Care Leave93 j67%
Official sources: MHLW
05

Special leaves

Per employer

Bereavement and marriage = company practice (3-5 days typical per CLA). Sick child care 5 paid days/year (Hatarakikata).

TypeDurationPayConditions
Bereavement (spouse)5-10 jVariableDiscretionary
Bereavement (parent)3-5 jVariableDiscretionary
Marriage5 jVariableDiscretionary
Sick child care5 j/anVariableDiscretionary
Official sources: MHLW

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).

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