Mayumi Fujii presented on what you need to do legally in terms of HR and labor when starting a business in Japan, as well as the common mistakes foreign companies make when doing business in Japan in terms of HR and labor. This is a must see.
👩💼 Presenter Intro:
Mayumi Fuji, Labor & Social Security Attorney and founder of International HR Partners, Tokyo (est. 2011), specializes in supporting foreign companies in Japan.
🧭 Purpose & Goal:
Provide key HR and labor insights to help foreign businesses avoid legal pitfalls and operate successfully in Japan.
🧑⚖️ Key Specialists in Japan:
Bengoshi (Lawyers): Handle legal disputes
Shihoshoshi (Judicial Scriveners): Manage company registration
Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scriveners): Handle immigration and visas
Zeirishi (Tax Accountants): Tax matters
Shakai Hoken Roumushi (Labor/Social Security Attorney): HR compliance
📢 Hiring Methods in Japan:
Job ads on HelloWork (free government job board) or private job sites
Recruitment Agencies (specialized industry recruiters)
Staffing Companies (temporary/flexible hires)
🚧 Challenges in Recruitment:
💰 High recruitment agency fees (up to 40% of annual salary)
⏳ Long hiring timeline (3–6 months)
📉 Limited LinkedIn use (~25%) among Japanese professionals
🏢 Strong company loyalty, slow job mobility
⚠️ Common Legal Pitfalls:
🕒 Annual salary ≠ overtime exemption: Must clearly define included OT hours and allowances in contracts
🛡️ Mandatory social/labor insurance: Health, pension, employment, and accident insurance for all full-time staff
📄 Overtime limits: Max 45 hours/month & 360/year; must file a "36 Agreement" with labor office
🧩 Key Recommendations:
✅ Consult local experts early
📘 Understand Japanese labor law thoroughly
🧑💼 Plan hiring strategies aligned with local norms
🧠 Adapt to Japan’s unique regulatory and business culture
