In November 2024, the Freelance Protection Law was enacted to shield freelancers from unjust dealings in Japan. This legislation emerged amidst the rising freelance workforce, addressing significant societal issues arising from imbalanced power dynamics between clients and freelancers, including unpaid wages and unilateral contract changes.
The law outlines two fundamental obligations for businesses: ensuring proper transaction standards and creating a supportive work environment. Companies must explicitly disclose essential transaction details like work descriptions, payment amounts, and deadlines in written or electronic form. Additionally, penalties for failing to adhere to these rules are severe, including potential publication of violations and fines, raising awareness among enterprises of the imperative need for compliance.
Notably, several high-profile cases in 2025, including violations by major publishing houses and music schools, have spotlighted the seriousness of this legislation. Companies must now prioritize transparency in contracts and timely payments to establish a compliant, trustworthy relationship with their freelance partners, emphasizing a proactive strategy for sustainable collaboration.
👉 Pročitaj original: CIO Magazine
