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Wage and hour law in Osaka, Japan is designed to protect the rights of both employees and employers by regulating wages, working hours, overtime, rest periods, and related issues. The system is governed primarily by the Labor Standards Act, which sets the national framework, though local labor bureaus provide oversight and assistance within specific regions like Osaka. Workers in Osaka are entitled to certain minimum wages, paid leave, and limits on working hours, with robust systems in place to address unfair treatment or unpaid wages.
There are several situations where consulting a wage and hour lawyer in Osaka can be beneficial. Common scenarios include disagreements over unpaid overtime, disputes about minimum wage, unclear employment contracts, wrongful termination claims related to wage issues, or misunderstandings over part-time and temporary worker rights. A legal professional can help employees understand their rights, navigate negotiations with employers, and represent their interests if escalations become necessary. Employers may also seek legal help to ensure compliance with changing regulations and to prevent disputes from arising.
The main law governing wage and hour issues in Osaka is the Labor Standards Act. Osaka also follows nationally mandated minimum wage rules but may update the local minimum wage annually depending on cost-of-living adjustments. Key aspects include:
The minimum wage in Osaka is set each year by the Osaka Labour Bureau. As of 2024, it is approximately 1,064 yen per hour, but you should confirm the latest figure with the Osaka Labour Bureau.
Generally, employees cannot be required to work more than 40 hours in a week or 8 hours in a single day, except in cases where labor-management agreements permit variations.
Overtime pay starts when employees work over 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Overtime must be paid at least 25 percent above the regular hourly wage, with higher rates applicable for late-night or holiday work.
Yes, part-time and temporary workers in Osaka are entitled to minimum wage, overtime, holiday pay, and other protections under the Labor Standards Act.
You should first confirm your payslip and employment agreement for discrepancies, raise the issue with your employer or HR, and if unresolved, contact your nearest Labour Standards Inspection Office for mediation or file a claim.
Employees must typically receive at least one rest day per week or four days per month. Exceptions may exist under certain labor-management agreements but must be documented and follow the law.
Basic wage protections apply to base salary, but bonuses and certain allowances may be treated differently depending on your contract and company policy. Some are included in wage calculations, others are not.
Unless your contract or company’s labor-management agreement explicitly allows for overtime, you are not obligated to accept overtime work. Any overtime must be properly compensated.
Employees who have worked continuously for six months and attended work at least 80 percent of scheduled days are entitled to at least 10 days of paid annual leave, increasing with each year of service.
Employers can face administrative orders, fines, and even criminal penalties for breaches. Affected employees can file claims with Labor Standards Inspection Offices and may be entitled to back pay or damages.
If you need support or further information about wage and hour matters in Osaka, these resources can be valuable:
If you believe your wage and hour rights have been violated, it is important to take these steps:
Seeking knowledgeable legal support early can help protect your rights and secure the fair treatment you deserve under Osaka’s wage and hour laws.
