Understanding Your Payslip in Japan (For Job Applicants)
This guide helps you understand your Japanese payslip, also called a “kyuyo meisai” (給与明細). Your payslip shows how your salary is paid and what money is taken out. It’s a very important paper!
What You Will See on Your Payslip
A Japanese payslip has three main parts:
Payment Amount (支給額 – Shikyuugaku):
- This shows all the money the company pays you before anything is taken out.
- It includes your Basic Salary (基本給 – Kihonkyuu) and any extra Allowances (手当 – Teate). Allowances can be for things like commuting, housing, or overtime work.
Deduction Amount (控除額 – Koujogaku):
- This shows all the money that is taken out of your salary automatically.
- This money goes towards taxes and insurance.
- Taxes (税金 – Zeikin):
- Income Tax (所得税 – Shotokuzei): A national tax based on how much you earn.
- Resident Tax (住民税 – Juuminzei): A local city/prefecture tax. The amount can change depending on where you live.
- Social Insurance (社会保険 – Shakai Hoken):
- Health Insurance (健康保険 – Kenkou Hoken): Helps pay for doctor visits and medical care.
- Welfare Pension (厚生年金 – Kousei Nenkin): Money for your retirement later.
- Employment Insurance (雇用保険 – Koyou Hoken): Provides support if you lose your job.
Net Pay (差引支給額 – Sashihiki Shikyuugaku):
- This is the final amount of money you get in your bank account or as cash.
- It’s your Payment Amount minus your Deduction Amount. This is your “take-home” pay.
Why Your Payslip is Important
- It helps you check if your salary is correct.
- It’s a record of your income for future applications (like for renting an apartment or applying for a visa).
- It shows you what taxes and insurance you are paying, which is important for living and working legally in Japan.