Working Overtime in Japan — What Foreigners Need to Know (2025)
Overtime in Japan has a reputation — some of it deserved, much of it exaggerated. But the culture around hours worked, karoshi, and work-life balance is real and affects foreign employees in specific ways. Here’s what to expect and how to navigate it. The Legal Framework for Overtime in Japan Japan’s Labor Standards Act sets clear rules on overtime: Standard Working Hours The legal standard is 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Work beyond this requires either overtime pay or a formal agreement. ...