JapanCan I claim unpaid wages in Small Claims Court in Japan?
Yes, you can claim unpaid wages in Japan’s Small Claims Court (Summary Court) for claims up to ¥1.4 million, filed without a lawyer.
What the Law Says
Japanese law provides strong protections for wage claims, allowing employees to pursue unpaid wages efficiently through the Summary Court system.
Under Japan’s Civil Procedure Act, the Summary Court (also called Small Claims Court) handles civil disputes up to ¥1.4 million, including unpaid wages, overtime, and severance owed by employers (Civil Procedure Act, Art. 368-2). This streamlined process is designed for speed and accessibility — hearings are typically held within one month, and parties may appear without legal representation.
The Labor Standards Act (LSA) mandates timely wage payment and establishes that unpaid wages constitute a civil debt enforceable in court. Article 24(1) states: 'Wages shall be paid in currency directly to the worker at least once per month on fixed dates.' Violations trigger employer liability under Articles 114–115.
Crucially, wage claims are subject to a six-month statute of limitations from the date the wage became due (Labor Standards Act, Art. 115), shorter than the general 10-year limit for civil debts under the Civil Code (Art. 167). This deadline is strictly enforced, making prompt action essential.
Statutory TextWages shall be paid in currency directly to the worker at least once per month on fixed dates.
— Labor Standards Act, Art. 24(1)
Statutory TextA claim for unpaid wages shall be extinguished by prescription after the lapse of six months from the time when it becomes payable.
— Labor Standards Act, Art. 115
What to Do
Confirm your claim falls within the ¥1.4 million limit and is filed within 6 months of the unpaid wage’s due date.
Gather evidence: pay slips, employment contract, attendance records, emails or messages requesting payment, and any written acknowledgment of debt from the employer.
File a Statement of Claim (Kiso-sho) at your local Summary Court (not District Court); forms are available online in Japanese and English via the Supreme Court website.
Attend the hearing — usually scheduled within 30 days — and present your evidence clearly; interpreters may be requested in advance if needed.
If you win, obtain a certified copy of the judgment and, if unpaid, apply for compulsory execution (e.g., wage garnishment) through the same court.
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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: 2026-10-11.