Job Discussion Forums

mhard1 · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 54 Location: Japan

Hey guys. I wanted to know if any of you have had experience doing this. I am considering recontracting for another year and am contemplating asking for a raise. Is this a standard practice in Japan? How much have you asked for? Was your raise based on a certain percentage of the salary? How often do you ask for it?

Thanks for any help or opinions.
Idea

midnightpariah · Joined: 26 May 2007 Posts: 85

Does your contract state that you get a raise? Most contracts will state a completion bonus and a raise.

Also, what type of job do you have?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Most people that I know have never asked for a raise. I would hesitate to do so unless you are in very good straits with your employer and have done an excellent job above and beyond the call of duty. Remember that there is a recession on, too.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I would say that asking for a raise is not a standard practice in Japan in any industry. I personally wouldn't do it unless as above you have an exceptionally good relationship with your employer and they have mentioned many times how they couldn't do without you.

mhard1 · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 54 Location: Japan

alright thanks for the advice guys. I had the same general feeling which is why I was hesitant to ask for one in the first place. Your responses back up my original thought.

benshi · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 48

But do keep in mind that, if you have been here only a year, from the second year on your taxes and health insurance costs will take a big leap. Health coverage costs are based on your prior year's income in Japan, which in the first year was zero, so your payments were at their owest possible level. Also, in the first year people rarely get hit with local taxes, although they do pay National income tax. That will run you an additional 200000 yen or so for the year. So, you could tactfully mention to your employer that you will actually have less disposable income in the second year.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

benshi,
I wouldn't go down that road. First-year EFL teachers here have it easier than equivalent Japanese that way, so telling your boss that you want a raise just because you now have to pay taxes and health insurance just like the rest of society will be a cultural slap in the face.

Many Japanese live on 250K a month. They have learned how. Many live with their parents to reduce costs, and this is an accepted social norm.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

I actually think , corection, I KNOW!
a lot of families are living on much less than 25man a month. I have seen it on the TV news. Its not uncommon for a family to live on less than 20man with 3 or more mouth to feed. Some that were shown were on 17man (and not living with parents!)