Basic Contract in Japan

A contract is a basic requirement for teaching in Japan. Before you begin working, be sure to negotiate a contract with your employer. You should have a clear understanding of your contractual obligations before signing the contract. A basic teaching contract should include provisions for the following matters: salary, housing, working hours, severance pay, income tax, medical insurance, holidays, transportation and travel allowance for the passage back home (provided that you complete the period of the contract). If these items are not covered, you should negotiate until they are included in the contract. Most contracts provide for either a set monthly salary or a salary based on the number of teaching hours. A guaranteed monthly or hourly salary should be specified.

Many teachers are easily intimidated by contracts or believe them to be the final word. The reality is that any contract is subservient to established labour laws. Labour laws are the final word. So even if you wind up signing yourself to a 46 hour 6 day a week contract it’s unenforceable because it is illegal. It’s important to know your rights as a worker under Japanese labour laws. If you feel you’re being treated unfairly, you can contact General Union for representation (by joining the union) or contact the Labour Standards Office for help in your disputes. General Union has answers to many questions like: withholding pay, termination, maximum hours, notice for quitting, contract renewal or other matters involved in teaching contracts.