Maternity & parental leave
Planning time off and support schemes, with Japan-specific guidance.
Important: This content is educational and does not replace diagnosis or advice from a doctor, obstetric clinician or midwife.
What to know
In Japan, statutory prenatal leave can generally start 6 weeks before the due date on request (14 weeks for multiple pregnancy), and work is generally prohibited for 8 weeks after birth. Parental-leave benefits have separate eligibility rules; check MHLW and your employer.
Medical sources
See the source list and review date on Medical sources.