JapanWhat is the premium rate for late-night work?
Employers in Japan must pay at least 25% more than the regular hourly wage for work performed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
What the Law Says
Japan’s Labor Standards Act sets a mandatory wage premium for work performed during late-night hours.
Under Japanese labor law, any work performed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. is classified as 'late-night work' and triggers a statutory wage premium.
The employer must pay at least 25% more than the worker’s regular hourly wage for each hour worked during this period.
This requirement applies to all workers covered by the Labor Standards Act, including part-time and fixed-term employees, unless specifically exempted by law.
Statutory TextAn employer who has a worker perform work between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. shall pay wages at a rate of at least 25 percent higher than the rate prescribed in paragraph (1).
— Labor Standards Act, Art. 37(3) — Overtime and Late-Night Work
What to Do
Confirm that the work occurred between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Calculate the regular hourly wage for the employee.
Apply a minimum 25% increase to that hourly rate for each late-night hour worked.
Include the premium in the next scheduled wage payment.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.