Chapter III Wages

①An employer must pay the full amount of wages in currency directly to the worker; provided, however, that an employer may pay other than in currency if so provided for by laws and regulations or collective agreement or if it does so for the wages prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare by a reliable method for the payment of wages that is prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; and it may pay wages from which a partial deduction has been made if so provided for by laws and regulations, or if it has a written agreement with the labor union that is organized by a majority of the workers at that workplace, if there is one, or with a person representing a majority of the workers at that workplace, if there is no such union.

②Wages must be paid at least once a month on a fixed date; provided, however, that this does not apply to wages paid in special circumstances, bonuses, and any other wages prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare equivalent to them (referred to as "special wages and other wages" in Article 89).

If a worker requests payment of wages to cover the expenses of childbirth, an illness or injury, or any other emergency prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the employer must pay wages for the work in which the worker has already been engaged even if it is before the normal date of payment.

In the event of an absence from work for reasons attributable to the employer, the employer must pay the worker an allowance equal to at least 60 percent of their average wage during that period of absence from work.

An employer must guarantee a fixed amount of wages proportionate to working hours for workers employed based on a piece rate or other such system under a service contract.

Minimum standards for wages are as prescribed in the Minimum Wage Act (Act No. 137 of 1959).