Hi! It’s Sensei.
“My friend got a bonus in the summer, but I didn’t…”
“I’ve entered my second year, but my salary hasn’t increased at all!”
I’ll be honest with you. It’s not because something is wrong with you.
That is just how the “rules” in Japan work.
I often get consultations about this, but first, I have to tell you the harsh reality.
In Japan, companies have no obligation to pay bonuses to trainees.
And pay raises (Shokyu / 昇給) are also often not promised.
Before you think “That’s unfair!”, let’s understand the correct rules first.
Then, in the second half of this article, I (Sensei) will teach you the “chances to raise your salary at your current company” and “how to change your future.”
Reality 1: Bonus (Shoyo / 賞与) is “Lucky if you have it”
First, I want you to look at your “Employment Contract (Koyo Joken-sho / 雇用条件書).”
This is the document you signed before entering Japan or when you joined the company.
有 (Yu / Yes)
There is a chance!
無 (Mu / No)
Unfortunately, it’s 0 yen.
Even if it says “Yes,” most companies will have this written:
“Depends on company performance (Gyoseki ni yoru / 業績による)”
This means “We will give it if the company is profitable, but if not, it’s 0 yen.”
Never take out a loan for an iPhone expecting a bonus!
Reality 2: Don’t expect a Pay Raise (Shokyu / 昇給)
“I worked hard for a year, so my salary should go up!” You might think so, but this also depends on the contract.
For Technical Intern Trainees (TITP), it’s not rare for the hourly wage to stay the same for all 3 years.
Around October every year, when the “Minimum Wage (Saitei Chingin / 最低賃金)” changes under Japanese law, the company MUST raise your salary. This is because it’s the law.
A “Trick” to Raise Your Salary at Your Current Company
Japanese presidents (Shacho) love “people who understand instructions the first time.”
What should you do? It’s “Japanese (Nihongo)”.
- Understand Japanese ➡ Understand instructions ➡ No mistakes.
- Result: Trust (Shinrai) from the president goes up, and you might receive special allowances (Teate)!
Change the Future: The Path to Specified Skilled Worker
Don’t be sad if there’s no bonus at your current company. If you study Japanese, your future will change dramatically.
✨ The Freedom of Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou)
Once you finish your traineeship and become a “Specified Skilled Worker,” these amazing things await!
- Can Change Jobs (Tenshoku): If you think the salary is low or there’s no bonus, you can move to a company with better conditions yourself.
- Better Treatment: As a professional employee, you’ll be given chances for bonuses and raises just like Japanese people.
Your study now is a “saving” for your future “freedom to choose.”
If you have time to complain, learn Japanese. That is the fastest shortcut!
Summary: Start by checking your payslip
Before worrying about a bonus, first check if your monthly salary is being paid correctly.
Knowing the meaning of “Take-home pay” is the first step to living smartly in Japan.
