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Dismissal is strictly restricted by Japanese law

The law does not permit employers to easily terminate an employee’s employment for reasons such as “lack of ability” or “illness or injury.”Without just cause, such a termination is illegal. You may be able to have the termination overturned through negotiations with the company or through court proceedings, so you should never give up.

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If you were  dismissed for one of these reasons,it may be an “unfair dismissal”

  • Lack of ability or poor performance

  • You refused the transfer

  • You were late or absent a couple of times

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If you're told you're being fired,what should you do?

  • Let them know you do not agree with the termination: 

    If you are considering having the termination rescinded, you must not give any response that even slightly implies you accept the termination. Since this could put you at a disadvantage if you later enter into a dispute with the company, it is important to clearly state: “I do not accept this termination, so I would like to continue working as before.”

  • Request a Notice of Termination and a Statement of Reasons for Termination:

    The law stipulates that employers have an obligation to provide a “Certificate of Reason for Dismissal” when requested by an employee. Since the reason for dismissal is a key point in negotiations with the employer, you should request this document from the company along with the “Notice of Dismissal,” which confirms the date of dismissal.

  • Consult a Lawyer:

    If you hire an attorney, you can entrust them with everything from gathering evidence to prove that your dismissal was unfair to actually handling negotiations and court proceedings. Not only will this reduce your own burden, but it will also make it easier to achieve the outcome you desire, such as reinstatement or a settlement payment.

Why Consult an Attorney for Wrongful Termination?

1. Reinstatement to Your Position May Be Possible

An experienced attorney can evaluate your dismissal comprehensively—analyzing the underlying reasons, timeline, and circumstances—to determine whether the termination was unlawful. If reasonable grounds exist to challenge the decision, your attorney will leverage deep legal knowledge and negotiation skills to contest the firing, pursue legal remedies, and fight for your reinstatement or a monetary settlement.
 

2. Higher Likelihood of Securing Financial Compensation

When faced with sudden termination, you may be entitled to claim unpaid wages or severance-based financial settlements. Navigating these demands independently often leads to flat refusals or undervalued settlement offers from employers. Partnering with an attorney ensures a strategic approach to negotiations, significantly increasing the likelihood of securing the full, fair compensation you deserve.
 

3. Relief from the Burden of Direct Negotiations and Legal Procedures

Engaging in disputes with an employer while coping with emotional distress takes a heavy toll. By retaining legal representation, you hand over all communications, administrative requirements, and legal procedures to your attorney. Eliminating direct contact with line managers or corporate HR removes a substantial burden, allowing you to focus on your personal well-being.
 

4. Expert Guidance Through Negotiations, Labor Tribunals, and Litigation

Navigating formal negotiations, labor tribunal proceedings, or court litigation can be daunting without legal expertise. An attorney with proven courtroom and dispute-resolution experience will build a solid, evidence-based case on your behalf. They will present rigorous legal arguments against your employer, working tirelessly to protect and restore your rights.

Why Consult an Attorney for Wrongful Termination?

1. Reinstatement to Your Position May Be Possible

An experienced attorney can evaluate your dismissal comprehensively—analyzing the underlying reasons, timeline, and circumstances—to determine whether the termination was unlawful. If reasonable grounds exist to challenge the decision, your attorney will leverage deep legal knowledge and negotiation skills to contest the firing, pursue legal remedies, and fight for your reinstatement or a monetary settlement.
 

2. Higher Likelihood of Securing Financial Compensation

When faced with sudden termination, you may be entitled to claim unpaid wages or severance-based financial settlements. Navigating these demands independently often leads to flat refusals or undervalued settlement offers from employers. Partnering with an attorney ensures a strategic approach to negotiations, significantly increasing the likelihood of securing the full, fair compensation you deserve.
 

3. Relief from the Burden of Direct Negotiations and Legal Procedures

Engaging in disputes with an employer while coping with emotional distress takes a heavy toll. By retaining legal representation, you hand over all communications, administrative requirements, and legal procedures to your attorney. Eliminating direct contact with line managers or corporate HR removes a substantial burden, allowing you to focus on your personal well-being.
 

4. Expert Guidance Through Negotiations, Labor Tribunals, and Litigation

Navigating formal negotiations, labor tribunal proceedings, or court litigation can be daunting without legal expertise. An attorney with proven courtroom and dispute-resolution experience will build a solid, evidence-based case on your behalf. They will present rigorous legal arguments against your employer, working tirelessly to protect and restore your rights.

Types of Financial Claims You May Be Entitled to Pursue

1. Unpaid Wages (Back Pay)
Once dismissed, your salary payments usually stop immediately. However, if the termination is declared unlawful and you are reinstated to your position, you are legally entitled to claim back pay—the full amount of salaries you would have earned during the period of dismissal. Your employer has a strict legal obligation to pay these back wages.

2. Financial Settlement
If you do not wish to return to the company, you may negotiate a financial settlement instead. A settlement is paid by an employer who acknowledges that the dismissal was unlawful but wishes to resolve the dispute without reinstating you. In exchange for relinquishing your right to return, you receive a monetary agreement to move forward.

3. Emotional Distress Compensation
In cases where an unlawful dismissal causes severe psychological distress, you may be eligible to claim compensation for emotional damages . However, courts award these damages selectively, usually reserving them for severe cases where the employer’s conduct was exceptionally malicious or harmful. Consequently, payout amounts tend to be modest.

4. Severance Pay (Retirement Allowance)
If your employer maintains a formal severance pay system and you satisfy the eligibility requirements, the company cannot withhold your severance benefits solely because you were terminated. 

Free Consultation & Zero Upfront Fees

We offer free legal consultations and charge no upfront fees (retainer fee) for wrongful termination cases. Our services operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning our legal fees are deducted directly from the unpaid wages or financial settlements recovered from your employer. If we do not achieve a successful outcome, you will not owe any legal fees, allowing you to move forward with complete peace of mind.

Fee Schedule

Consultation Fee

¥0

Retainer Fee

¥0

Success Fee

¥200,000 + 30% of Economic Benefit

Appearance Fee

¥30,000 / visit

(Court case only)

Fixed Costs

¥30,000

*All prices shown exclude tax.

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