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Source: The Hardest Market Labour Law Tracker, from the official gazette and ministry notices. Effective dates as confirmed on 26 October 2026. Chart: The Hardest Market (hardestmarket.com).
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Tax and social insurance
Two income walls are gone. The ¥1.3 million cliff remainsThe salary levels at which a part-time worker starts paying tax or social insurance, or stops counting as a dependant, in 2026.
Pay
On an ¥8 million salary in Tokyo, the employee keeps 74%The employer spends ¥9.25 million. The employee keeps ¥5.95 million. Where the difference goes, at October 2026 rates.
Labour market
Specified Skilled Worker grew 38% in a year, faster than any other statusJapan's 2.57 million foreign workers, by the status of residence that lets them work.
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