Overtime Premium Pay: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you are entitled to extra pay for working long hours or during night shifts in Japan.
This scheme ensures that employees receive extra compensation when they work more than their standard hours.
Who it's for
This protection is designed for employees who work beyond their standard shift lengths. You qualify for these extra payments if your working hours exceed 8 hours in a single day or if your total working time exceeds 40 hours in a single week.
What you get
When you work these extra hours, you are entitled to receive at least 25% extra pay for each hour of overtime worked. This premium is calculated based on your standard rate of pay to ensure you are compensated for the additional time spent on the job.
What it costs you
There is no cost to you for this scheme. You should not be required to pay any fees to access the overtime pay you have earned through your labor.
The catch to know
There is an additional layer of compensation specifically for night work. If your overtime hours fall during the night period—specifically between 10 PM and 5 AM—you are entitled to an additional 25% premium on top of your regular pay. This ensures that working during late-night hours is compensated more heavily than standard overtime.
How to apply
- Maintain a detailed, personal record of every hour you work, including start and end times.
- Review your monthly pay slips to ensure the overtime hours you worked match the extra pay listed.
- Verify that any work performed during the night window (10 PM to 5 AM) includes the extra premium.
- If you notice your pay does not match your recorded hours, speak with your employer to resolve the discrepancy.
- If the issue is not resolved, consult with a relevant government body or labor authority for assistance.