Should you work for a haken dispatch company in Japan?

Japan Today

08-05-2025

By Rachel Crane
There are many reasons why foreign workers in Japan choose to work for a haken gaisha (派遣会社, dispatch company). These companies make it easier to find a job in Japan, especially for those without fluent Japanese or a local network. It might even make your Japanese resume look better. Working as a haken rodosha (派遣労働者, dispatch worker) can also offer more flexibility and freedom to explore different industries — something that's harder to do in traditional full-time roles.
That said, dispatch work has its drawbacks. Employment can be unstable, with limited job security and few opportunities for advancement. Still, many foreigners — especially English teachers, IT professionals and office staff — find the system appealing.
So what rights and benefits can a haken worker expect in Japan? And how can you advocate for yourself while working under a haken contract?
What Is The Haken System?
Pros of Working at a Dispatch Company
The Dark Side of Haken
Legal Protections for Haken Workers
How to Make Haken Work for You
What to Do If You're Treated Unfairly
What Is The Haken System?
The haken system in Japan is similar to temp staffing in other countries. Haken workers are employed by a dispatch company but are assigned to work at separate client companies for limited periods. Here's how a haken contract compares to other common employment types in Japan:
Seishain (正社員, regular employee): Full-time, permanent staff hired directly by the company. Seishain enjoy the most stable working conditions and receive benefits like paid vacation, health insurance (kenko hoken), pension (kosei nenkin), and unemployment insurance (koyo hoken).
(正社員, regular employee): Full-time, permanent staff hired directly by the company. Seishain enjoy the most stable working conditions and receive benefits like paid vacation, health insurance (kenko hoken), pension (kosei nenkin), and unemployment insurance (koyo hoken). Keiyaku shain (契約社員, contract employee): Hired directly by a company for a fixed term. They usually receive paid leave and social insurance, but may not be fully covered by unemployment insurance.
(契約社員, contract employee): Hired directly by a company for a fixed term. They usually receive paid leave and social insurance, but may not be fully covered by unemployment insurance. Haken contracts are signed with the dispatch agency, not the client company. Workers typically take on short-term assignments across multiple workplaces. While conditions vary, most are eligible for social insurance (shakai hoken).
The haken system is governed by Japan's Worker Dispatch Law (**Rodosha Haken Ho, 労働者派遣法)**, which regulates the dispatch industry and protects workers.
Haken roles also create a dual employment structure — dispatch companies manage contracts and payroll, while client companies supervise day-to-day work. This can lead to confusion over who is responsible if problems arise, such as harassment or contract disputes.
Industries that rely on dispatch workers include IT, manufacturing, admin support and English teaching. Contracts usually last between one and twelve months, and foreigners with the right visa or skills are often recruited through this system.
Pros of Working at a Dispatch Company
Like any type of employment in Japan, haken work comes with trade-offs. Some advantages include flexibility, easier access to jobs and the freedom to explore other work. Here are some pros to working for a dispatch company:
Higher Hourly Wages
One of the biggest draws of haken work is that hourly pay is often higher than what full-time or contract employees earn, particularly in fields like IT, customer service, and English education.
Flexibility
Shorter employment contracts allow workers to change jobs more easily, take breaks between assignments, or try out different industries. This makes it easier to balance work with personal goals like travel, language study or creative projects.
Easier Access to Jobs
Landing a full-time role in Japan can be difficult, especially if you don't speak Japanese fluently or don't yet have relevant experience. Dispatch companies help connect workers to roles they might not be able to get through direct hiring.
Less Pressure Than Full-Time Roles
Full-time employment in Japan often involves overtime, company transfers, and strict social expectations. Dispatch workers are generally not subject to these pressures, which can make the work environment more manageable.
Visa and Language Support
Some dispatch companies sponsor work visas and provide English-speaking support. They may also act as go-betweens during contract negotiations or workplace conflicts, and some even offer career counseling to help you plan your next steps.
The Dark Side of Haken
Click here to read more.
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