FOR COMPANIES
HR, employment and harassment
Harassment complaints, difficult employees, overtime and dismissal. Early steps decide the outcome.
Yusuke Abe, attorney
Admitted in Japan and New York · English & Japanese
- You received a harassment complaint
- You are considering dismissing an employee
- You need to review work rules or overtime
JAPANESE LAW
Three things to know
- 01
Preventing power harassment
Employers must take measures such as setting up a consultation system to prevent power harassment.
Comprehensive Labor Policy Promotion Act, Art. 31
- 02
Overtime has a cap
Even with an Article 36 agreement, overtime is generally capped at 45 hours a month and 360 hours a year.
Labor Standards Act, Art. 36(4)
- 03
Dismissal needs a real reason
A dismissal without objectively reasonable grounds, or that is not socially appropriate, is void.
Labor Contract Act, Art. 16
General information as of November 2026. Your situation may differ — please ask us.
HOW WE HELP
What we can do
- Harassment investigations and discipline
- Problem employees, resignation talks and dismissal
- Work rules and internal policies
- Labor inspectors and labor tribunals
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
Can we run the investigation ourselves?
Yes, but the order of interviews and the records you keep can decide the outcome. Talk to us at the start.
What should we prepare before a dismissal?
Records of warnings and guidance, and of the chances given to improve. A sudden dismissal is likely to be void.
Can you explain things to our head office?
Yes. We explain Japanese employment law to your global HR team in English.
CONTACT
Tell us what is happening
The first 30 minutes are free — in Japanese or English, online or in person.
Book a free consultation