The issue of "black companies" in Japan has garnered significant attention for a while, raising concerns about the well-being of workers, especially foreigners, and the overall work culture within the country. These black companies are often characterized by exploitative practices, excessive working hours, and disregard for labor rights.
To protect yourself from these bad employers, you need to know your rights and Japanese labor law. However, if you happen to work under a black company, you need to take some protection measures. In this article, we'll go through these steps to help you stay safe and secure in your career.
Keep records and document any harassment
First and foremost, you need to maintain detailed records of your work hours, salary agreements, and any communication related to any working issues. In case of unpaid wages, carefully review your employment contract to understand the terms and conditions. If you face employee rights violations, such as harassment or unfair workplace injury compensation, make sure to record any incidents, including dates, times, locations, people involved, and what was said or done. This documentation can be valuable evidence if you decide to take legal action.
Seek support from a trusted colleague
Talk to a trusted colleague or mentor about your experiences. They may offer guidance or support and could be potential witnesses if the situation escalates. You can also talk with your friends or seniors from other companies in case they have similar experiences. Unfortunately, a lot of foreigners have worked in black companies due to a lack of awareness and fear of unemployment and losing their visas. Joining a forum and community is also a good way to find support.
Mediation
If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, you can report the harassment to your immediate supervisor, your company's Human Resources (HR) department, or your employer. Mediation will help you to resolve the issues without going to court, so it’s less time and energy-consuming. Share your documentation and be clear about your concerns.
Consult and report to authority
If communication with your employer doesn't resolve the issue, you can seek help from the Japanese government or related organizations. You can consult these organizations or file reports with their help.
Consultation Line for Foreign Employees (外国人労働者向け相談ダイヤル)
This service is provided by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. You can ask questions related to labor law and regulations or ask for referrals to relevant agencies. As this line is specialized for foreigners, they offer the services in 13 languages. Note that this hotline is not free. You can call this line on weekdays from 10 am to 3 pm (lunch break from 12 am to 1 pm).
Language | Working day | Number |
English | Monday to Friday | 0570-001-701 |
Chinese | Monday to Friday | 0570-001-702 |
Portuguese | Monday to Friday | 0570-001-703 |
Spanish | Monday to Friday | 0570-001-704 |
Tagalog | Monday to Friday | 0570-001-705 |
Vietnamese | Monday to Friday | 0570-001-706 |
Nepali | Monday to Thursday | 0570-001-708 |
Korean | Thursday and Friday | 0570-001-709 |
Burmese | Wednesday | 0570-001-707 |
Thai | Wednesday | 0570-001-712 |
Indonesian | Wednesday | 0570-001-715 |
Cambodian (Khmer) | Wednesday | 0570-001-716 |
Mongolian | Friday | 0570-001-718 |
Working Conditions Hotline/Labour Standards Advice Hotline (労働条件相談ほっとライン)
This hotline is also provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare for similar purposes. The difference is this is a free line and available on weekends too. You can contact this number for advice, explanation, and referrals on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends or public holidays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Language | Working day | Phone number |
Japanese | Monday to Sunday | 0120-811-610 |
English | Monday to Sunday | 0120-531-401 |
Chinese | Monday to Sunday | 0120-531-402 |
Portuguese | Monday to Saturday | 0120-531-403 |
Spanish | Thursday, Friday, Saturday | 0120-531-404 |
Tagalog | Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday | 0120-531-405 |
Vietnamese | Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 0120-531-406 |
Burmese | Wednesday and Sunday | 0120-531-407 |
Nepali | Wednesday and Sunday | 0120-531-408 |
Korean | Thursday and Sunday | 0120-613-801 |
Thai | Thursday and Sunday | 0120-613-802 |
Indonesian | Thursday and Sunday | 0120-613-803 |
Cambodian (Khmer) | Monday and Saturday | 0120-613-804 |
Mongolian | Monday and Saturday | 0120-613-805 |
Consultation Corner for Foreign Workers
If you want to do a direct consultation, you can visit the Consultation Corner for Foreign Workers in your local Labor Standards Inspection Office or Prefectural Bureau. Some offices offer consultation in foreign languages. The Tokyo office, for example, supports multiple languages. Other offices may only support one language and it may not be English. To check the nearest Consultation Corner for Foreign Workers, the supported language, and the location, click here.
登録支援機関 (Toroku Shien Kikan/TSK) or Registered Support Organization (RSO)
Many companies who employ a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) contract a TSK as a third party to provide support for them. They will help foreign employees find accommodation, open bank accounts, and assist them with paperwork. However, SSW can also consult them regarding work issues. If you have a problem in the workplace and the company can't help you, you should report it to your TSK.
Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT)
If you work in Japan as a technical intern and experience a violation from your workplace, you can contact the Organization for Technical Intern Training directly. OTIT offers Native Language Consultation that is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. They accept consultation regarding work and daily life in Japan, violation reports, and SOS. You can use this service by phone at 0120-250-147, online form, and by letter.
Here’s the address for sending a letter:
Assistance Division, Guidance and Assistance Department
Organization for Technical Intern Training
3F LOOP-X Building
3-9-15, Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
108-0022
Every worker in Japan deserves respect, fair treatment, and protection from exploitative employment practices. Remember that you have the power to demand fair treatment and ensure our rights are upheld. By taking proper action, you can protect yourself and prevent others from experiencing similar mistreatment.
