After living in Kyoto for six years and working in several very different Japanese companies — a small family business, a mid-sized office near Kawaramachi, and a global firm with its Japan HQ in Tokyo — I’ve learned that the probation period (試用期間 / shiyō kikan) is one of the most misunderstood parts of working in Japan.
Foreigners often assume probation is a minor formality.
In Japan, it isn’t.
It affects your job security, your visa stability, your future promotions, and even how seriously your coworkers treat you. This guide combines both personal experience and confirmed information from official Japanese sources.
Along the way, I’ll also link to related posts on my blog, so you can deepen your understanding of Japanese work culture. If you’re planning to work in Japan, this will save you a lot of confusion.
What Probation Actually Is in Japan
Probation in Japan is a trial employment period that takes place at the beginning of your contract. It exists so the company can evaluate:
- Your work performance
- Your communication ability
- Your cultural fit
- Your long-term potential
- Your reliability and teamwork
While Japan’s Labor Standards Act does not require companies to use probation, it allows them to — as long as the period is reasonable.
Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/
Many foreigners don’t realize how deeply Japanese companies value teamwork and internal harmony. Probation is their way of deciding whether you integrate well into the group.
For more on how this mindset shapes the workplace, check out:
The Truth About Japanese Work Culture: Overtime & Hierarchy
https://aliinjapan.com/the-truth-about-japanese-work-culture-overtime-hierarchy/
How Long Probation Usually Lasts
Standard Duration: 3 Months
Most Japanese companies choose a three-month trial. It aligns with quarterly review cycles and gives enough time to evaluate basic performance.
Extended Probation: 6 Months
In fields requiring specialized knowledge, Japanese language ability, or deeper training, probation often lasts six months. I personally experienced this in a Kyoto marketing position — and yes, it was long, but understandable.
This is especially common in:
- IT
- Education (ALT/eikaiwa)
- Hospitality & tourism
- Corporate roles
- Engineering or technical fields
Rare but Possible: 1 Year
Large corporations with strict evaluation systems sometimes set probation at up to one year. Anything longer than that is legally questionable.
If you’re job hunting, definitely read:
Japan’s Job Hunting Season (Shukatsu) Explained — 2025 Guide
https://aliinjapan.com/japans-job-hunting-season-shukatsu-explained-a-2025-guide/
Your Rights During Probation (Important!)
This part surprises most foreigners:
probation employees still have full legal protection.
According to Japanese labor law:
1. You Must Receive 30 Days’ Notice (or Pay)
Once you’ve been employed for at least 14 days, the company can’t fire you instantly. They must give:
- 30 days’ notice, or
- 30 days’ worth of average pay
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Labor Standards Act
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/
2. Full Access to Benefits
Probation employees are entitled to:
- Health insurance
- Pension
- Overtime pay
- Transport allowance
- Paid leave (accrues normally)
3. Company Needs Justifiable Reason to Terminate
Even during probation, companies must show “合理的理由” (reasonable cause).
It’s easier to dismiss during probation, but they still can’t do it without explanation.
For more about long-term stability, you might like:
Japan’s New Long-Term Residency Paths (2025)
https://aliinjapan.com/japans-new-long-term-residency-paths-2025/
What Japanese Companies Really Evaluate During Probation
After half a decade in Kyoto workplaces, these are the factors companies judge most:
1. Work Performance
Accuracy, independence, speed, willingness to learn — all matter. Not perfection, but progress.
2. Communication Style
This often matters more than skill. Japanese workplaces value:
- Calm tone
- Politeness
- Clear status updates
- Cooperative attitude
Direct confrontation is frowned upon. Even in English-speaking Japanese offices, subtlety is appreciated.
3. Cultural Fit
You don’t need to “become Japanese,” but you do need to blend well with the team. That includes:
- Punctuality
- Respect for hierarchy
- Following procedures
- Keeping shared spaces clean
You can learn more about cultural expectations here:
The Unwritten Rules of Living in Japan
https://aliinjapan.com/the-unwritten-rules-of-living-in-japan/
4. Long-Term Commitment
Because companies invest heavily in training and often sponsor visas, they look for people who want to stay.
If you tell your boss “I might leave soon” — you’re done.
Extra Challenges Foreigners Face During Probation
Visa Dependence
Your employer sponsors your legal status.
If they end probation early, your visa is at risk.
For reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan
https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html
Language Gaps
Even advanced speakers struggle with internal office Japanese.
Being Viewed as “Temporary”
Until you become seishain (正式社員), some companies hesitate to trust you with larger tasks.
To understand how foreigners can move upward, read:
How Foreigners Can Actually Get Promoted in Japan
https://aliinjapan.com/how-foreigners-can-actually-get-promoted-in-japan/
How to Pass Probation Smoothly
These are the habits that helped me and dozens of other foreign workers in Kyoto:
Ask for Feedback Early
Don’t wait until the final month. Ask during week 2 or 3:
“Is there anything I should focus on improving?”
It shows maturity and prevents misunderstandings.
Become Reliable
In Japan, reliability is valued even more than skill. Be consistent:
- Arrive slightly early
- Communicate delays
- Complete tasks ahead of deadlines
- Stay organized
Consistency > brilliance (at least at the beginning).
Avoid Defensiveness
If you receive feedback:
Bad response: “But that’s not how we do it in my country.”
Good response: “Thank you — I’ll adjust.”
Watch the Unspoken Rules
Every office has a hidden culture. Observe quietly and adapt naturally.
If you enjoy cultural insights, you’ll like:
Why Japan Loves Rules — And How Foreigners Can Adapt
https://aliinjapan.com/why-japan-loves-rules-and-how-foreigners-can-actually-adapt-without-going-crazy/
Warning Signs Probation Isn’t Going Well
If you notice these, take action:
- Your tasks are reduced
- Supervisor communication becomes distant
- No feedback
- Sudden HR meetings
- Being excluded from planning
Remember: Japanese workplaces avoid confrontation.
Silence = bad sign.
If this happens, politely ask for clear expectations. Some people save their job simply by asking early.
Final Thoughts From Kyoto
Probation in Japan is not a trap — it’s a test of compatibility, reliability, and communication.
After six years here, I can confidently say:
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be consistent, respectful, and open to learning.
Japan rewards people who adapt and show commitment. If you approach probation with the right mindset, you’ll not only pass — you’ll thrive.
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