What Does ‘Teiji’ Mean? The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Concept of Leaving Work on Time

Teiji (定時) refers to the officially designated working hours or the ‘fixed time’ for the start and end of a workday in Japan. While historically Japanese corporate culture was synonymous with long overtime hours, ‘Teiji’ has become a buzzword for modern efforts to improve work-life balance.

In a business context, you will often hear the term Teiji-taisha (定時退社), which specifically means leaving the office exactly when your shift ends. For years, staying late was considered a sign of dedication, but the tide is turning as companies modernize their HR policies.

Tanaka: Kyou wa shigoto ga owatta node, teiji de kaerimasu.
(Tanaka: I finished my work today, so I am leaving right on time.)

Understanding Teiji is vital for any foreigner working in Japan. It helps you set professional boundaries while respecting local office etiquette. Whether you are aiming for Teiji-taisha or managing a team that struggles to leave on time, recognizing this concept is key to navigating the modern Japanese office environment.

Pro-Tip: If you are working in Japan and wish to leave on time, it is often considered polite to state your status clearly at the start of the day or via your internal messaging system, such as ‘今日は定時で退社します’ (I will be leaving on time today) to ensure your colleagues are aware of your availability.

For more insights into professional habits and norms, check out our guide on Japan’s Professional Business Trip or learn about the importance of Japan’s Essential Business Seal.