Taking Paid Leave in Japan: Timing, Asking, Handover

Japan Work, Labeled · No. 04 — Taking Paid Leave in Japan: Timing, Asking, Handover

You have paid leave on the books in Japan — but how much, when can you take it, and how do you ask? Law separated from custom: the entitlement table, the 5-day rule, and the wording for asking.

What's inside

• The entitlement table: 10 days at 6 months, rising to 20; part-time grants included
• The 5-day rule your employer must meet
• 4 ready phrases in Japanese, from asking to offering cover
• A 6-item handover checklist; the 2-year expiry on unused days

Format

PDF, 7 pages. Last checked: November 2026.

Who this is for

Employees in Japan who want to use the leave they have, without friction.

Not for: disputes over refused requests — a labor bureau outranks a guide.

What this guide does not cover

Sick leave as a separate system; parental and care leave; company special leave; disputes.

How the labels work

Claims are labeled Known (checked against official sources), My read (the author's interpretation), or Don't know (it varies — the guide says how to check).

By One View From Japan — a Japanese data professional based in Japan. Japan from the inside, with the guesses labeled.

Drafted with AI assistance; every claim and figure reviewed by the author.

Questions: riku-muse@muse.ai

FAQ

Q: Is this legal advice?

A: No — general information based on Article 39 and MHLW guidance.

Q: I'm part-time. Am I covered?

A: Yes — proportional to scheduled days; a 4-day week starts at 7.