McDonald's Japan makes big expansion to employee shifts: report

The fast-food chain giant reportedly says it has no plans to recalculate unpaid wages

Jul 19 (hcamag.com) - McDonald's Japan has greatly expanded the number employee shift types it has under the variable working hours system while facing a lawsuit on the matter, according to reports.

The shift types were hiked from four to nearly 200 in its employment regulations in April 2022, the Mainichi Shimbun reported last week.

The change affects roughly 2,000 workers from about 900 outlets nationwide that are using the system, according to the report.

McDonald's Japan implemented the boost while it was dealing with a wrongful dismissal lawsuit from a former employee on the company's performance improvement goals.

The company, however, denied that the case was the only reason for the expansion.

In October 2022, the Nagoya District Court ruled that McDonald's Japan's variable working hour system was invalid, the Mainichi Shimbun reported.

The system, which is stipulated on Japan's Labour Standards Act, allows employers to calculate total work hours either on a monthly or yearly basis. McDonald's Japan implemented the system on a monthly basis and introduced it to its employment regulations. ...continue reading

Japan to Tighten Visa Rules on Foreigners Behind on Health Insurance

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to introduce a new system starting in June 2027 that will, in principle, deny changes or renewals of residence status for foreign residents who fail to pay their national health insurance premiums despite repeated requests for payment.

New Typhoon is Forming, Okinawa Could Be Affected Next Week

As of November 4th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that a tropical depression near the Caroline Islands is expected to develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. The system is separate from Typhoon No. 25 (Haiyan) currently near the Philippines and is projected to move northwestward once it intensifies.

China Extends Visa-Free Entry for Japan

China’s Foreign Ministry announced that it will extend visa-free entry for Japan, France, and 43 other countries until the end of December 2026, as the government seeks to attract more overseas investment and tourists amid a prolonged economic slowdown.

Akita Woman Becomes 13th Bear Victim

Japan’s record-breaking bear crisis has entered a new and deadly phase, with authorities confirming that a 79-year-old woman missing in Akita Prefecture was found dead in the mountains, believed to be the 13th fatality from bear attacks this year.

Second Bird Flu Case of the Season, Massive Culling Underway

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Eniwa City, Hokkaido, prompting authorities to begin culling operations on Sunday afternoon.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Nutria Infestation Expands Across Western Japan, Farmers Ravaged

Farmers across western Japan are facing mounting losses from the growing population of nutria, large semi-aquatic rodents originally brought from South America. Once imported for their fur, the animals have become a major agricultural pest, chewing through crops and spreading rapidly into urban areas.

Second Bird Flu Case of the Season, Massive Culling Underway

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Eniwa City, Hokkaido, prompting authorities to begin culling operations on Sunday afternoon.

Tokyo Apartments Blow Past 100 Million Yen; What’s Driving the Spike

Condominium prices show little sign of cooling as even secondhand units in central Tokyo are routinely listed above 100 million yen, with a recent survey indicating the average price of new condominiums launched in the 23 wards in the first half of this fiscal year reached about 133.09 million yen and resale units have exceeded 100 million yen for five consecutive months, underscoring a market in which construction and labor costs have jumped, demand has spilled over into used stock, and buyers are being urged to scrutinize properties more carefully.

Nikkei Closes at Record High, Surpassing 52,000 Yen for the First Time

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at a record high of 52,411 yen on October 31st, up 1,085 yen from the previous day, marking the first time in history it has ended above the 52,000-yen level. This is the third consecutive day the index has reached a new all-time closing high.

Chinese Paper Companies Surge in Osaka Ahead of Visa Tightening

In a quiet neighborhood of Osaka stands a four-story building with around 40 rooms. Yet more than 100 companies are registered there, despite the absence of any visible workers.

UK Buyers Captivated by Yame Tea

Two tea buyers from London arrived in Fukuoka on October 28th to explore the unique appeal of Yame tea, one of Japan’s most celebrated green teas. The visit, organized by Fukuoka Prefecture as part of efforts to expand agricultural exports, aimed to introduce the rich aroma and depth of Yame tea to the United Kingdom, a nation long associated with black tea culture.

Japan Mobility Show Opens, Toyota Unveils Century Coupe

The Japan Mobility Show opened on October 29th, marking the start of Japan’s premier automotive exhibition, where foreign manufacturers are stepping up their entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

Nikkei Closes Above 50,000 for the First Time Ever

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at 50,512 yen on October 27th, surpassing the 50,000 mark for the first time in history and setting a new all-time high. The benchmark index rose 1,212 yen from the previous trading day, driven by strong gains across sectors.

< 2 3 4 5 >