ENGLISH-SPEAKING LAWYER IN TOKYO
Trouble at work in Japan?
Dismissal, unpaid wages or pressure to resign — Japanese labor law protects you whatever your nationality.
Yusuke Abe, attorney
Admitted in Japan and New York · English & Japanese
- You were dismissed or told to resign
- Your salary or overtime has not been paid
- You face harassment or a non-compete clause
JAPANESE LAW
Three things to know
- 01
Dismissal needs a real reason
A dismissal without objectively reasonable grounds, or that is not socially appropriate, is void.
Labor Contract Act, Art. 16
- 02
30 days’ notice or pay
An employer must give at least 30 days’ notice, or pay at least 30 days’ average wages instead.
Labor Standards Act, Art. 20
- 03
Same rules for every nationality
Employers may not treat you differently in wages or working conditions because of your nationality.
Labor Standards Act, Art. 3
General information as of November 2026. Your situation may differ — please ask us.
HOW WE HELP
What we can do
- Check whether the dismissal or demand is lawful
- Calculate unpaid wages and overtime
- Negotiate with your employer in Japanese
- Labor tribunal or court proceedings
Yusuke Abe
Representative attorney
- Admitted in Japan (2018) and New York (2024)
- Anderson Mori & Tomotsune; Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (Thailand)
- LL.M., Fordham University · Marshall Suzuki Law Group, San Francisco
- Fundamentals of M&A Practice, 3rd ed. (Shojihomu, 2025)
HOW IT WORKS
Three steps
- 01
Book a time
Pick a slot online, or send a short note through the form.
- 02
30 minutes, free
Online or in Otemachi, Tokyo — in English. No need to be in Japan.
- 03
Written estimate first
Approach and fees in writing. We start only once you agree.
FAQ
Quick answers
My employer asked me to sign a resignation letter. Should I?
Not before you understand what you give up. Resigning is different from being dismissed, and it is hard to undo. Talk to a lawyer first.
Will a dispute affect my visa?
Losing your job can affect your residence status, so timing matters. We look at the employment issue and your visa situation together.
Can you speak to my employer for me?
Yes. Once you engage us, we deal with your employer in Japanese on your behalf.
CONTACT
Tell us what is happening — in English
The first 30 minutes are free — in Japanese or English, online or in person.
Book a free consultation