Overtime Rules in Japan
In Japan, overtime starts after 8 hours in a day and after 40 hours in a week and is paid at 1.25× the regular rate.
- Daily overtime after
- 8 hours
- Weekly overtime after
- 40 hours
- Overtime rate
- 1.25×
- Maximum weekly hours
- Not set nationally
- Rest break
- 45 minutes · 6 hours
- Source
- laws.e-gov.go.jp
When overtime starts in Japan
The daily threshold is 8 hours and the weekly threshold is 40 hours. Hours worked beyond either point count as overtime and are paid at 1.25× the regular rate.
Where a figure is not shown, Japan does not set that threshold nationally, or it is left to a collective agreement. Check the source before applying it to a specific contract.
Maximum weekly hours
No maximum weekly hours figure is listed for Japan: the statute cited below does not set one as a weekly ceiling. Daily limits, annual overtime caps and minimum rest periods may still apply, so read the source before planning long weeks.
Rest breaks
A rest break of at least 45 minutes applies once a shift exceeds 6 hours. Unpaid breaks are excluded from paid hours, which is how the hours calculator treats the break field by default.
Calculate overtime pay for Japan
Select Japan in the hours calculator or the timesheet and these thresholds and the 1.25× multiplier are applied to your week automatically. Overtime hours are shown on their own line rather than folded into the total, so the figure can be checked against the statute.
As of September 21, 2026
This page summarises the statutory baseline in Japan for general information. It is not legal advice, collective agreements and sector rules can set different terms, and labour law changes. Check laws.e-gov.go.jp before relying on any figure.
Questions and answers
When does overtime start in Japan?
After 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, whichever is reached first. Hours beyond that point are overtime.
How much is overtime pay in Japan?
Overtime is paid at 1.25× the regular hourly rate under the rule cited on this page. Collective agreements may set a higher rate.
What is the maximum number of hours per week in Japan?
The statute cited on this page does not set that figure for Japan. It is left to the employment contract, the collective agreement or sector rules, so check laws.e-gov.go.jp and the agreement that covers the job.
Are rest breaks required in Japan?
A break of at least 45 minutes is required once a shift passes 6 hours. Whether it is paid depends on the contract.
Where do these figures come from?
From laws.e-gov.go.jp, the statutory instrument for working time in Japan. Where a figure is uncertain it is left blank rather than estimated.