5. Leave
Sick leave
An employee is entitled to a sick leave as long as he/she is actually sick.
For sick leave of 3 days or more, an employer may ask an employee to present a certificate from a
first class physician or an official medical establishment. If the employee can not present such
certificate, he/she must give an explanation to the employer.
A day which an employee can not work because of injury or illness arising out of working or
maternity leave must not be regarded as sick leave.
Leave for necessary business
An employee is entitled to a leave for necessary business in accordance with the work rules of
his/her workplace.
Leave for sterilization
An employee is entitled to a leave for sterilization and a leave as a result of sterilization for a
period determined and a certificate issued by a first class physician.
Leave for military service
An employee can take a leave for military service for inspection, military drilling or readiness
testing under the law concerning military service.
Maternity leave
A pregnant employee is entitled to a maternity leave of not more than 90 days for each pregnancy.
Leave for training
An employee is entitled to a leave for training or development of his/her knowledge and skills for
the benefit of the labour and social welfare, or the increase of skills and expertise in order to
increase the working efficiency; and for educational examinations organized or allowed to be
organized by the Government. Such training and development must have a program or course
with a definite and clear duration.
An employee must inform an employer clearly in advance about the reasons for leave and present
relevant evidence, if any, of not less than 7 days before taking leave.
An employer may not allow an employee to take leave in cases of such employee has already
taken leave for 30 days or more or on three occasions or more; or the employer can present that
such leave may cause damage to or affect an employer's business operation.