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2026-04-01
Social Insurance Coverage Expanded!
From April 2026, part-timers working 20+ hours/week at companies with 51+ employees must join social insurance (health insurance + pension).
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Work & Labor
8 itemsLatest information on labor law, minimum wage, parental leave, and foreign employment
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2026-04-01
3 New Fields Added to Specified Skills
From April 2026, linen supply, logistics warehousing, and resource recycling added to Specified Skills. Total 19 fields, 5-year cap expanded to 1.23M.
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2026-04-01
Dependent Status Criteria Changed
From April 2026, dependent status based on projected income instead of past income. Temporary spikes won't disqualify. ¥1.3M wall remains.
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2026-04-01
In-Service Old-Age Pension Cap Raised ¥500K→¥620K
From April 2026, the earnings threshold for pension reduction while working rises from ¥500K to ¥620K/month. Elderly foreign residents working and receiving pension may see higher payouts.
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2026-01-01
Freelance Protection Law + Subcontracting Law Expanded
Building on the 2024 Freelance Protection Act, the "SME Subcontracting Fairness Act" takes effect January 2026. Written contracts and on-time payment are now mandatory. Foreign freelancers working on contract in Japan are also protected.
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2025-10-01
Minimum Wage Hits ¥1,121 Nationwide! All Prefectures Above ¥1,000
Effective October 2025. National weighted average reaches ¥1,121/hr (+¥66 YoY). All 47 prefectures surpass ¥1,000 for the first time. Directly impacts hourly wages for foreign part-timers and specified skilled workers.
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2025-10-01
Flexible Work for Parents Now Mandatory (2+ of 5 Options)
Employers must offer 2+ out of 5 flexible work options (remote work, staggered hours, shorter hours, etc.) to employees with children aged 3 to pre-school. Foreign employees are also covered.
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2025-06-01
Mandatory Workplace Heatstroke Measures
From June 1, 2025, a revised Industrial Safety and Health Regulation makes workplace heatstroke measures mandatory with penalties. It covers work at WBGT 28°C+ or 31°C+ air temperature lasting over 1 continuous hour or 4 hours a day. Employers must set up detection/reporting systems and worsening-prevention procedures; violations bring up to 6 months in prison or a ¥500,000 fine.