- June 2, 2025
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Many people may find resignation in Japan to be a challenging process. In a previous article, “Quit Job Japan: Complete Guide to Resignation Procedures,” we provided a comprehensive overview of how to resign from a job in Japan, including the necessary steps, required documents, and key points to keep in mind.
In this article, we aim to deepen your understanding of the resignation process in Japan by addressing common questions and potential issues that may arise. From procedural concerns to how to respond when problems occur, this FAQ will help guide you through your resignation smoothly and with confidence.
Profile of Writer
Masashi Yasumori
Representative of Yasumori Social Insurance Labor Consultant Office;
After 25 years at Central Japan Railway Company (JR Tokai), opened Yasumori Social Insurance Labor Consultant Office in 2023. At JR Tokai, worked on human resources strategy, Shinkansen reservation system development, and the creation of railway usage rules. Now, as a certified Labor and Social Security Attorney, provide consulting on HR matters and write as a specialist in labor and employment issues.
For more useful tips on living in Japan, check out the articles below.
Table of Contents
Basic Rules for Resignation in Japan
Q1: Do the same resignation rules apply to part-time or contract workers in Japan as they do to full-time employees?
When it comes to resignation in Japan, the rules can vary depending on your employment type. If you’re working as a part-time or contract employee, it’s important to pay attention to the length of your contract.
For contracts of one year or less, resigning before the contract ends requires a valid reason—something considered unavoidable. If you leave without such a reason and your resignation causes the company financial loss, there’s a chance they could seek compensation.
On the other hand, if your contract is longer than one year, you’re free to resign at any time after completing the first year of employment, even without a special reason.
Q2: Do I have to be completely honest about why I’m resigning? What if I don’t want to share the real reason?
When resigning for personal reasons, it’s common practice in resignation procedures in Japan to simply state “personal reasons” (一身上の都合により) on your resignation letter. You’re not required to give any further explanation.
If your employer asks for a more specific reason and you’d rather not share it, you are not obligated to answer. However, to avoid unnecessary conflict or tension, it may help to prepare a polite, non-controversial reason you’re comfortable sharing—even if it’s just a general excuse.
Keep in mind, as mentioned in Q1, if you’re a contract employee with a contract of one year or less and wish to resign before the contract ends, your reason for leaving can become a critical issue. In such cases, your employer may ask for a clear and specific reason, and it could affect whether early resignation is accepted without penalty.
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
Personal Reasons |
一身上の都合 |
Isshinjō no tsugō |
Notifying Resignation and Employer Communication
Q3: I'm worried about potential conflict with my employer. Can I have a third party present when I give notice of resignation?
Yes, it is possible to have a third party present when notifying your employer about your resignation in Japan. If you feel uncomfortable or anticipate trouble, don’t hesitate to ask someone you trust—such as a colleague, union representative, or HR personnel—to be present during the conversation.
Q4: I followed the company’s rules about the resignation date, but HR says they won’t accept my resignation. What are my legal rights, and how can I resign?
While company policies usually require you to submit a resignation letter and get approval before leaving, it’s possible for the company to refuse your resignation for their own reasons.
However, under Japanese law, if you’re a full-time employee or a contract worker with a contract longer than one year who’s worked for more than a year, you have the legal right to resign by simply giving notice. In Japan, resignation in Japan becomes effective once you submit a written resignation notice at least two weeks before your intended last day—regardless of whether the company accepts it or not.
Q5: I submitted my resignation letter, but the company asked me not to leave because my replacement hasn’t been found yet. I already have a new job lined up. What should I do?
In Japan, once you submit a written resignation notice, the law states that your resignation takes effect two weeks later. This means you are not obligated to stay just because the company requests it.
If you initially submitted a resignation request (退職願) expressing your intention to resign with the company’s approval, and the company tries to persuade you to stay, you should submit a formal resignation letter (退職届) to clearly state your decision to resign.
Q6: I want to use my paid leave before resigning, but my company says I’m not allowed to. Should I just quit without using my paid leave?
If you wish to use your paid leave before resignation, your employer cannot refuse your request. Under Japanese labor law, companies are required to allow employees to take paid leave if they request it.
While the company can change the timing of your paid leave based on business needs, this flexibility is limited right before resignation, so in practice, they usually cannot deny your paid leave during this period.
If your company still refuses to approve your paid leave, it’s recommended to consult the local Labor Standards Inspection Office or the Prefectural Labor Bureau’s consultation service. Be sure to keep clear records of your paid leave requests—such as written applications or emails—that show when and how you made your request.
Foreign Workers Consultation Corner: Official Site
Life and Procedures After Resignation
Q7: I haven’t decided on my next job yet. Can I stay in Japan and continue job hunting?
Yes, you can continue your job search while staying in Japan. However, you need to pay close attention to the validity period of your work visa and the types of jobs your visa allows you to work in. If you plan to change to a job outside the categories permitted by your current visa, you’ll need to go through the appropriate visa procedures. Also, if you don’t find a new job within three months, renewing your residency status may become difficult, so keep this in mind.
Q8: After resigning, I was told to move out of the company dormitory or housing. Do I have to move out immediately?
The length of time you can stay in company dormitories or housing after resignation usually depends on the company’s policies, so it’s important to check the specific rules. Some companies may offer a grace period before you need to vacate. However, since company housing is generally provided as a benefit for current employees, the general rule is that you should move out promptly after resigning.
Q9: My company is slow to provide important documents like the separation notice (Rishokuhyo). What should I do if they don’t give it to me promptly?
If your company delays issuing documents like the separation notice (Rishokuhyo), you can contact the local Public Employment Security Office (Hello Work) that oversees your area. They can assist you with obtaining these documents, so it’s a good idea to reach out to them for support.
Preparing for Problems and Uncertainty
Q10: My contract period isn’t over yet, but I need to resign for unavoidable reasons. Will I have to pay a penalty?
In Japan, employees on fixed-term contracts—such as contract workers—are generally expected to stay until the end of the contract period. However, if you have an unavoidable reason for leaving, resignation in Japan is legally permitted even before the contract ends. Examples of such valid reasons include workplace harassment, illness or injury that prevents you from continuing work, or the need to care for a family member.
In these cases, you are not required to pay any penalties for early resignation.
Additionally, if your contract is longer than one year and you have already worked for at least one year, you can resign at any time without needing to provide a specific reason.
Q11: I want to resign due to harassment, but HR hasn’t helped. Where can I get support?
If you’re considering resignation in Japan because of harassment and your company’s HR department isn’t taking appropriate action, you can seek help from the Comprehensive Labor Consultation Desk (Sōgō Rōdō Sōdan Kōnā) at your local Prefectural Labor Bureau or Labor Standards Inspection Office.
They offer support in multiple languages for foreign residents:
Foreign Workers Consultation Corner: Official Site
Summary
In principle, employees in Japan are free to resign as long as they follow the rules outlined in their employment contract or company policies. However, as shown in the Q&A above, resignation can sometimes lead to issues or conflict with the company.
If you find yourself facing trouble during the resignation process, refer back to this article for guidance. And if the situation becomes difficult to handle on your own, don’t hesitate to seek help from public support services like the General Labor Consultation Corner introduced above.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
