Japan Upgrades Whistleblower Protection Act: What You Need to Know

Tokyo, June 2022 - Significant Changes to Japan’s Whistleblowers Protection Act Take Effect

The Japanese government has revamped its Whistleblowers Protection Act, aiming to strengthen safeguards for employees who speak out against corporate wrongdoing. The updated legislation is set to take effect from June 1st this year.

Key Amendments

• Protection Extended: Not only will current and former employees be protected from termination or other adverse treatment for reporting alleged misconduct, but those who have left their company will also be entitled to severance allowances without fear of reprisal.
• Addressing a Long-Standing Issue: The revised statute seeks to address the issue where whistleblowers who had already departed their organization were often denied their rightful benefits.

Impact on Employers and Employees

With the amendments set to take effect, it is essential for employers and employees alike to familiarize themselves with the updated provisions to ensure compliance.