労働時間 2026
Complete guide to working hours, public holidays, and annual leave in Japan for 2026
Standard Work Week
- 8 hours per day
- 5 days per week
- 40 hours per week
Under the Labour Standards Act (労働基準法, Art. 32), employers may not have employees work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Art. 36 agreements (三六協定) between employers and employee representatives permit overtime within statutory caps.
Annual Leave Entitlement
10 - 20 days
10 days after 6 months of work. Increases by 1-2 days yearly up to 20 days after 6.5 years.
Monthly Averages
- 20.3 working days/month
- 162.7 working hours/month
Monthly Working Hours Goals 2026
Expected working hours per month based on 8-hour workday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
| Month | Working Days | Monthly Goal |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 20 | 160.00 |
| February 2026 | 18 | 144.00 |
| March 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| April 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| May 2026 | 18 | 144.00 |
| June 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| July 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| August 2026 | 20 | 160.00 |
| September 2026 | 19 | 152.00 |
| October 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| November 2026 | 19 | 152.00 |
| December 2026 | 23 | 184.00 |
| Total | 244 | 1952.00 |
Public Holidays in Japan 2026
Japan has 18 public holidays in 2026, with 17 falling on weekdays. See full public holidays list
Understanding Holiday Types
Different countries use different terminology for non-working days. Here is what each term means for workforce planning.
Public Holidays
Official days off recognized by a country's government. Most employees are entitled to paid leave, and businesses may close or operate with reduced staff.
Federal Holidays
Holidays established by a national government, primarily affecting government offices and federally-regulated employers. Private companies may choose whether to observe them.
Bank Holidays
Days when banks and financial institutions are closed. In the UK, this term is synonymous with public holidays. Important for payroll processing and payment schedules.
Observances
Notable dates that are not official days off. Examples include Earth Day or Mother's Day. These do not affect work schedules unless an employer chooses to recognize them.
| Date | Day | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day (元日) | |
| Mon, Jan 12 | Monday | Coming of Age Day (成人の日) | |
| Wed, Feb 11 | Wednesday | National Foundation Day (建国記念の日) | |
| Mon, Feb 23 | Monday | Emperor's Birthday (天皇誕生日) | |
| Fri, Mar 20 | Friday | Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日) | |
| Wed, Apr 29 | Wednesday | Showa Day (昭和の日) | |
| Sun, May 3 | Sunday | Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日) | Weekend |
| Mon, May 4 | Monday | Greenery Day (みどりの日) | |
| Tue, May 5 | Tuesday | Children's Day (こどもの日) | |
| Wed, May 6 | Wednesday | Substitute Holiday (振替休日) | |
| Mon, Jul 20 | Monday | Marine Day (海の日) | |
| Tue, Aug 11 | Tuesday | Mountain Day (山の日) | |
| Mon, Sep 21 | Monday | Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日) | |
| Tue, Sep 22 | Tuesday | Citizens' Holiday (国民の休日) | |
| Wed, Sep 23 | Wednesday | Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日) | |
| Mon, Oct 12 | Monday | Sports Day (スポーツの日) | |
| Tue, Nov 3 | Tuesday | Culture Day (文化の日) | |
| Mon, Nov 23 | Monday | Labour Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日) |
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