Guide to Living in Tochigi

• Right to Work in Japan〔RODO SHIKAKU〕
• Job Searching〔KYUSHOKU NO MOSHIKOMI〕
• Working Conditions〔RODO JOKEN〕

Right to Work in Japan〔RODO SHIKAKU〕

Only foreigners with qualified residence status and a recognized work permit may work in Japan. Those who may obtain a work permit include permanent residents, spouses of permanent residents and spouses of Japanese citizens. The work they may engage in is dependent on their residence status. Those individuals who are here for study, training, engaging in cultural activities, or here on short-term residence status, are unable to work in Japan.

Job Searching 〔KYUSHOKU NO MOSHIKOMI〕

Foreigners who have a work permit can get all kinds of job-related information at the Public Employment Security Office, including job information, job counseling, employment insurance, unemployment benefits and job training. If you are looking for employment, or for further information, please contact the Public Employment Security Office nearest you.

Important Points Before Starting a New Job〔求職の申し込み〕

Before starting a new job, your new employer is legally obligated to write a contract detailing your working conditions. This written agreement is essential to avoid misunderstanding, and you should request it if your employer does not offer you one. The contract must include the following information:

• The length of the contract
• Job description and job location
• Working hours, paid holidays and overtime working conditions
• Base salary, date of pay, how salary is paid (e.g. bank transfer, cash, etc.)
• Conditions upon termination of employment or after retirement

The revised Part-time Work Law (effective on April 1, 2008) requires company owners to provide part-time workers information on existence of pay increase, retirement benefits, and bonuses.

Working Conditions〔RODO JOKEN〕

By law, minimum working conditions are guaranteed for anyone working in Japan,（foreigners and Japanese citizens alike）, including seasonal and part-time employment, and regardless of whether or not the job is legal. If you have problems with your working conditions, your working hours, salary, etc., please contact your nearest Labor Standards Inspection Office or the Foreign Worker's Consultation Corner of the Tochigi Bureau of Labor.

Foreign Worker’s Consultation Corner, Tochigi Bureau of Labor

Address	Phone	Consultation Dates	Languages
District 2 Government Building, 4th Floor Meihono-machi 1-4, Utsunomiya-shi 320-0845	028-634-9115	Mondays, 1st & 3rd Thursdays	Japanese & Portuguese
Otawara Labor Standards Inspection Office Hon-cho 2-2828-19, Otawara-shi 324-0041	0287-22-2279	2nd & 4th Thursdays	Japanese & Portuguese