# Japan labor overtime regulation revisions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-labor-overtime-regulation-revisions
> Updated: 2026-09-01T06:55:15.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Japan is revising its overtime guidance policies to increase labor flexibility and address shortages in sectors such as construction, transport, and hospitality. 

Effective September 1, labor standards inspection offices have moved away from a uniform 45-hour monthly overtime limit for companies with special labor-management agreements that legally allow up to 100 hours. Instead, inspectors will adopt a case-by-case approach, focusing on whether workplaces are implementing necessary health protections for employees rather than enforcing a specific hour cap. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare stated this shift aligns with a government growth strategy and responds to requests to increase working hours. This change does not apply to all businesses; companies without special labor-management agreements must still adhere to the 45-hour monthly limit.

As the implementation progresses, the government’s broader strategy—linked to the ‘Basic Policy for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2026’—includes reviewing discretionary labor and variable working hour systems. The policy also aims to address the ‘right to disconnect’ and manage hours for teleworkers. 

While the government seeks to promote diverse working styles, labor unions like Zenroren have expressed sharp criticism. The National Confederation of Trade Unions described the shift as an ‘unacceptable’ reversal of efforts to reduce working hours, expressing concerns that the changes could encourage a ‘workaholic culture’ and increase the risk of ‘karoshi’, or death from overwork.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Japan eases overtime limits to combat labor shortages

Japan has eased overtime restrictions for certain industries to combat labor shortages and boost growth, sparking fears from unions regarding a return to a workaholic culture and increased risks of overwork.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-revises-overtime-regulations-to-increase-labor-flexibility

### 2026-08-19: Japan Ministry of Health revises overtime guidance policy

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will revise its uniform guidance to limit overtime to 45 hours per month starting in September, focusing instead on individual workplace health measures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-ministry-of-health-revises-overtime-guidance-policy

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Cite as: Japan labor overtime regulation revisions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-labor-overtime-regulation-revisions