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This thematic guide helps WHVers and aspiring expatriates understand how to find work abroad, with practical insights on markets, wages, visas, and the realities of everyday employment. You’ll learn where opportunities cluster, how to search effectively online and offline, and how to build a network that leads to offers. Whether you seek skilled roles or flexible gigs, you’ll gain clear steps to turn plans into reality—Discover your path today.
Table of contents
Working in Japan: regulations and conditions
To work in Japan as a foreign national, you must hold a visa that authorises you to do so. Working, volunteering or doing an internship while on a tourist status is illegal.
Restrictions for H-1 Visa (Working Holiday) holders
The Japanese authorities state that participants in the Working Holiday Programme may not engage in activities that are contrary to public morals (e.g., jobs in bars, cabarets, nightclubs, gaming venues).
As a Working Holiday Visa holder, there is no limit to the number of hours you may work in a week. HOWEVER, even if you plan to work full time in Japan, it is strongly discouraged to state this in your Working Holiday Visa application, as it could lead to your application being rejected.
Regulations related to working in Japan
Here is what the law says about regulations relating to work:
- Full time is 40 hours per week (8 hours per day, excluding breaks). Breaks are regulated by law: a minimum of 45 minutes after 6 hours of work and a minimum of 1 hour after 8 hours of work. In practice, many employees work overtime (on average 22 extra hours per month).
- 16 fixed public holidays per year.
- A minimum of 10 days’ paid leave after 6 months (if conditions are met).
- There is a minimum wage in Japan, which varies by region. In Tokyo, the minimum wage is ¥1,226 per hour. More information in our article Cost of living and minimum wage in Japan.
- Different employment statuses: seishain (= permanent employee), keiyaku shain (= fixed-term employee), hakenshain (= temporary agency or consulting worker), arubaito or baito (part-time, often precarious).
- Legal minimum age to work: 15 (under certain conditions).
- If you are considered a non-resident for tax purposes in Japan, income tax may be withheld at a flat rate of 20.42%.
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