Companies are legally required to provide health checkups for their employees. There are different types of checkups, and companies must conduct them at the right time and with the correct procedures.
Companies Must Provide Health Checkups
The law states that employers must arrange health checkups for their workers. This applies not only to full-time employees but also to contract workers, part-timers, and temporary staff who meet certain working hours or contract conditions.
Types of Health Checkups
- Pre-Employment Checkup: Conducted before or soon after joining a company. Some companies may allow it before the official start date.
- Annual Checkup: Required at least once a year for all employees.
- Special Health Checkups: Required for those working in hazardous environments.
Checkup Items
A standard health checkup includes:
- Medical and work history review
- Check for any symptoms or health concerns
- Measurement of height, weight, vision, waist circumference, and hearing (1,000Hz & 4,000Hz)
- Chest X-ray and sputum test
- Blood pressure check
- Anemia test (Hb, RBC)
- Liver function test (GOT, GPT, γ-GPT)
- Blood lipid test (TG, HDL, LDL)
- Blood sugar test
- Urine test (sugar, protein)
- Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)
Health Checkup Costs
Under Japan’s labor laws, companies must cover the full cost of mandatory health checkups.
Although employers are not required to pay wages for the time spent on the checkup, it is generally recommended that they do.
Summary
In Japan, health checkups are not just a benefit—they’re a legal requirement. Companies must provide them annually, covering the full cost for employees. From basic measurements to blood tests and X-rays, these checkups play an important role in maintaining your health and catching issues early. Whether you are a full-time worker, contract staff, or part-timer, understanding your rights helps you stay healthy while working in Japan.
Taking care of your health is important — but so is communication.
Even if you stay healthy with annual checkups, working in Japan can be tough without strong Japanese skills. From medical forms to workplace conversations, language makes a big difference.
Comments