AQ Partners Blog

Guide to negotiating mutual separation agreements in Japan. Covers structuring the taisyoku kanshou conversation, typical settlement packages, acceptable versus coercive practices, employment insurance classification, separation agreement documentation, and what to do if the employee declines.

Guide to fixed-term employment contracts in Japan. Covers the 5-year automatic conversion rule, yatoidome non-renewal doctrine, cooling period requirements, maximum contract terms, non-renewal notice obligations, and best practices for managing fixed-term employees.

Guide to severance pay and retirement allowances in Japan. Covers calculation methods, departure reason coefficients, favorable retirement income tax treatment, defined contribution and defined benefit plans, and typical settlement packages in mutual separation negotiations.

Comprehensive guide to employee termination in Japan for foreign employers. Covers the abusive dismissal doctrine, four requirements for economic redundancy, ordinary and disciplinary dismissal standards, mutual separation agreements, labor tribunal process, and comparison with at-will jurisdictions.

Guide to office setup options for foreign companies in Japan. Covers virtual office legality, serviced offices, coworking spaces, commercial lease terms including key money and security deposits, regional cost comparison, and impact on bank account approval and visa sponsorship.

Practical guide to Japanese business culture for foreign companies. Covers meishi exchange protocol, meeting etiquette, indirect communication styles, nemawashi consensus decision-making, relationship building through after-work socializing, gift-giving conventions, and common cultural missteps.