Your fixed-term job in Japan is nearing its end, and HR sends a 契約更新 notice. Start with three things: the response deadline, the dates of the proposed next contract, and any changed working conditions. A message asking for your 更新意向 (whether you want to continue) is not the same as a completed new contract. Read the terms before you answer or sign.
Japanese labels in an employment renewal notice
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 有期労働契約 | ゆうきろうどうけいやく | Fixed-term employment contract |
| 契約期間／満了日 | けいやくきかん／まんりょうび | Contract period / last day of the present term |
| 契約更新／更新の有無 | けいやくこうしん／こうしんのうむ | Contract renewal / whether renewal is possible |
| 更新基準 | こうしんきじゅん | Criteria used to decide on renewal |
| 更新上限 | こうしんじょうげん | Limit on total contract duration or number of renewals, if any |
| 更新意向／継続希望 | こうしんいこう／けいぞくきぼう | Your wish to renew / continue |
| 回答期限／提出期限 | かいとうきげん／ていしゅつきげん | Deadline to reply / submit |
| 労働条件通知書 | ろうどうじょうけんつうちしょ | Written notice of working conditions |
| 変更の範囲 | へんこうのはんい | Scope in which workplace or duties may change |
| 雇止め／更新しない | やといどめ／こうしんしない | Non-renewal by employer / will not renew |
| 無期転換申込権 | むきてんかんもうしこみけん | Right to request conversion to an indefinite-term contract when eligible |
Japan’s MHLW guidance on the 2024 changes to working-condition notices says fixed-term contract notices must state whether there is a renewal limit and its content. At relevant renewal points, the opportunity to apply for indefinite-term conversion and the conditions after conversion must also be stated. These labels can appear in a separate working-conditions notice rather than the brief email from HR.
Check the offer before replying
- Identify the current and proposed terms. Compare the present 満了日 with the new start and end dates. Look for changes in pay, hours, location, duties and days off. Our working-conditions notice guide explains those fields in detail.
- Find the renewal rule. Read 更新の有無, 更新基準 and 更新上限. “Renewal possible” is not a promise of renewal. If a limit is newly introduced or shortened, ask HR for the explanation and the updated terms. MHLW’s summary of the disclosure rules explains this requirement.
- Reply by the company’s stated deadline. If you want to continue, indicate that clearly, but ask for missing terms before signing. Save the notice, your response and the final contract or notice. If you are unsure whether the reply button itself constitutes agreement, ask HR what happens after submission.
- Check a non-renewal notice promptly. If the company says 更新しない or 雇止め, ask for the last day and reason in writing, and seek individual advice if the situation is disputed. The rules depend on the history and terms of your contracts; MHLW describes notice and reasons for non-renewal.
Short Japanese messages to HR
- 契約更新を希望しています。次回の契約期間と労働条件を確認できますか。
Keiyaku kōshin o kibō shite imasu. Jikai no keiyaku kikan to rōdō jōken o kakunin dekimasu ka.
I would like to renew. Could I check the next contract period and working conditions? - 更新上限の記載について、内容を説明していただけますか。
Kōshin jōgen no kisai ni tsuite, naiyō o setsumei shite itadakemasu ka.
Could you explain the stated renewal limit? - 回答期限までに確認したい点があります。少しお時間をいただけますか。
Kaitō kigen made ni kakunin shitai ten ga arimasu. Sukoshi ojikan o itadakemasu ka.
I have questions before the response deadline. Could I have some time to check? - 今回は契約を更新しないとのことですが、理由と最終勤務日を書面で確認できますか。
Konkai wa keiyaku o kōshin shinai to no koto desu ga, riyū to saishū kinmu-bi o shomen de kakunin dekimasu ka.
I understand the contract will not be renewed. Could I confirm the reason and final workday in writing?
Two points that need a closer look
Non-renewal notice. Some fixed-term workers must receive advance notice if the employer will not renew. The conditions and exceptions matter, so avoid assuming the same deadline applies to every contract. Check the MHLW explanation or consult a labour office about your own history.
Indefinite-term conversion. Repeated fixed-term contracts with the same employer can give an eligible worker the right to apply for an indefinite-term contract. This is an application process with specific conditions, not an automatic promotion to a regular employee position. The MHLW indefinite-term conversion site explains eligibility and timing. If the renewal notice shows 無期転換申込権, read the accompanying conditions before choosing a response.
