I was fired because of pregnancy. Is this illegal?

What the Law Says

Japanese law explicitly prohibits dismissal based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related leave. Employers who violate this face administrative penalties and civil liability.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Law (EEO Law) forbids employers from treating women unfavorably due to pregnancy, childbirth, or childcare leave. This includes refusing to hire, demoting, or dismissing a worker for these reasons.

The Labor Standards Act reinforces this protection: it prohibits dismissal during pregnancy and for 30 days after childbirth — unless the employer obtains prior permission from the labor standards inspection office (which is rarely granted).

Violations can result in criminal penalties: up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥300,000 under the Labor Standards Act, and up to ¥200,000 under the EEO Law.

Statutory Text

An employer shall not dismiss a woman who is pregnant or who has given birth within the last 12 months, except where the employer has obtained permission from the Director of a Labor Standards Inspection Office.

— Labor Standards Act, s. 19 — Restrictions on Dismissal of Pregnant Women and Women Who Have Recently Given Birth

Statutory Text

Employers shall not treat women workers unfavorably with regard to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, retirement, dismissal or renewal of employment contracts on grounds of pregnancy, childbirth or application for or taking of childcare leave.

— Equal Employment Opportunity Law, s. 7 — Prohibition of Adverse Treatment

What to Do

Sources