Tag - laws

 
 

LAWS

JAPAN / Politics
May 21, 2018
Opposition deal to tweak Japanese labor bill likely to get contentious legislation past Diet
The ruling bloc agreed Monday with some opposition parties to modify a labor reform bill aimed at tackling Japan's chronic overwork problem, paving the way for its passage before the Diet closes on June 20, lawmakers said.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
May 20, 2018
My company didn't enroll me in the Japanese social insurance program. What to do?
A non-Japanese worker wrote to Lifelines with some questions about the shakai hoken social insurance system.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 16, 2018
Former News 23 anchor Kishii dies at 73
Shigetada Kishii, a former anchor of with the news program News 23, died Tuesday of lung cancer at his Tokyo home. He was 73.
EDITORIALS
May 5, 2018
A new status for foreign workers
The creation of a new term-limited residence status for veterans of the notorious foreign trainee program would be a welcome step forward.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LABOR PAINS
Mar 25, 2018
Dodgy data spared Japan's workers from a labor system that's ripe for abuse, for now
At first glance, the discretionary work system looks like a dream come true in terms of work-life balance. On closer inspection, though, it has the potential to be a worker's nightmare.
ASIA PACIFIC / Crime & Legal
Mar 21, 2018
Chinese rights activists fearful as former police official takes charge of legal affairs
Chinese rights lawyers and activists say the Monday promotion of former police official Fu Zhenghua to head China's justice ministry signals an even deeper freeze on attempts to use the country's legal system to defend against rights abuses.
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 10, 2018
Over 85% say Japan at risk of going to war again: triennial survey
The 10-point jump from 2015 is blamed mainly on international antagonism and an inadequate U.N., the results of the January multiple choice survey show.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Mar 4, 2018
South Korean 'job nomads' follow their dreams to Japan
Millennials drawn to not only more jobs but also a perceived less competitive working environment.
JAPAN / Politics
Feb 27, 2018
LDP refuses calls to redo flawed labor survey as debate delays budget talks
Political wrangling over an error-laden survey compiled by the labor ministry on what is known as the discretionary labor system shows no sign of subsiding, with the government persistently rejecting opposition calls for a redo of the probe said to underline Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's campaign to reshape Japan's work style.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LABOR PAINS
Feb 25, 2018
Lessons on life, love and compassionate leave from a silly old bunny
Having just suffered a string of painful losses, this month I will explore compassionate leave (kibiki kyu016bka), the days you take off in Japan after the death of a close family member.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 20, 2018
Japan's discretionary labor system: What you need to know
As Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and government officials clash with opposition lawmakers over a proposal to expand an overtime work system called the discretionary labor system, here's a look at how the system works.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Feb 20, 2018
Abe denies ordering doctored survey regarding overwork problem
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe denied Tuesday the possibility that he or his office was involved in a controversial survey that oppositional parties claim was aimed at making a so-called discretionary labor proposal look like a system that could improve the nation’s overwork problem.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Feb 7, 2018
Japanese temp worker fights for labor rights as companies avoid hiring full-time staff
One Wednesday in early December, Teruko Watanabe left home for her office job of almost 17 years at a consulting firm in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward. But it was the last time she made the commute, because when she got to the office she was informed her contract had been terminated.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LABOR PAINS
Jan 28, 2018
Court cases shine a light on Japan's problem with paternity leave
Two cases currently before the courts show how the reality of Japanese workplaces can clash with government attempts to encourage fathers to help raise their children.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / JUST BE CAUSE
Jan 3, 2018
In 2017, Japan woke up to the issue of discrimination
The year saw a landmark human rights survey and action on hate speech and pensions — but conditions remain dire for foreign 'trainees' and other workers alike.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Nov 22, 2017
Disneyland entertainer awarded compensation over pain linked to performances
A woman employed as a costumed performer at Tokyo Disneyland was awarded labor compensation after developing a disorder that caused acute pain in her arm, the park's operator said Wednesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 9, 2017
Kibo no To leadership contenders detail opposing views on security laws and Constitutional revision
Two candidates vying for leadership of Kibo no To take contrasting views on key issues that could kill or preserve Koike's founding ideals.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LABOR PAINS
Oct 29, 2017
TV drama glorifies the Japanese scourge of working illegally for nothing
In the TBS drama 'Rikuo,' female factory workers work all hours — some of them unpaid — to make a new type of running shoe.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 17, 2017
More Japanese job fairs wooing people with disabilities and foreign students
They looked like any other job recruiting seminar. Company officials asked job seekers their perceived strengths and in return were asked what kind of people they want to hire.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LAW OF THE LAND
Oct 15, 2017
Duck and cover: Regulation by and for the state, through the Japanese people
Bureaucrats rustle up policies that require citizens to do their duty, however irrationally.

Longform

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.
Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree