ChartsWorking timePublished 26 October 2026

Japan caps overtime at 45 hours a month, and never allows 100

How much overtime is legal in a month, and what it must pay. No 36 Agreement on file means no lawful overtime at all.

Japan's overtime limits under a 36 Agreement Monthly overtime limits in Japan: 45 hours ordinarily and 360 a year; up to 6 months a year above 45 under a special clause, 720 a year; a 2 to 6 month average of 80 hours; never 100 hours or more in a month. Premiums are 25%, rising to 50% beyond 60 hours. LIMITS UNDER A 36 AGREEMENT · OVERTIME HOURS IN A MONTH Ordinary limit 45 h a month 360 h a year Special clause up to 6 months a year 720 h a year Single months only 2–6 month average must stay ≤ 80 h Never 100 h or more in any month OVERTIME PREMIUM ON HOURLY PAY at least 25% at least 50% 0 h 45 h 60 h 80 h 100 h PER MONTH Before anyone works overtime: a 36 Agreement with a majority union or employee representative, filed with the Labour Standards Inspection Office. The 100 h and 80 h caps include statutory-holiday work; the 45 h, 360 h and 720 h limits do not. LEGEND Allowed Prohibited The statutory week is 40 hours, 8 hours a day.

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Source: Labour Standards Act, Articles 32, 36 and 37, as amended by the Work Style Reform legislation (in force April 2019, April 2020 for smaller employers). Chart: The Hardest Market (hardestmarket.com).

Download PNG36 Agreement (glossary)Overtime premium (glossary)

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