The policy regarding nenkyu (paid leave) and byokyu (sick leave) is likely different than in your home country. Check your Terms and Conditions of your contract. When in doubt, explain your situation to your coordinator and ask them if it would count as byokyu. Byokyu must be granted by your vice principal/principal so if your coordinator is unsure, they will likely ask for you.

When Taking Nenkyu

…for traveling

  • Avoid key school events, be careful of the time period
    • use the school calendar scheduled (nenkangyouji)
  • Tell whoever makes your schedule far in advance so they don’t schedule team teaching.
  • Discuss with your coordinator/BOE before you purchase tickets
    • There is nothing PAs can do if your nenkyu is not approved
    • We cannot force schools to accept your request
    • Do not travel when we have mandatory events (SDC, etc.)
  • Inform your visiting school(s) if the dates affect them
  • If leaving the country, provide them with the Emergency Contact Details when Traveling form

…suddenly

  • You never need to tell your coworkers why you are taking nenkyu, however, if you need to reschedule classes because you (for example) have a fever, then I recommend telling your JTE why you need to reschedule their class. They might be more understanding if they know you aren’t blowing off your class on a whim.

When taking Byokyu

  • You will need a receipt or doctor’s note to prove the sick leave.
  • It is granted by your vice principal/principal. It is up to their discretion whether you can use byokyu or need to use nenkyu.
  • It does not look good for reappointment if you take a lot of sick days.
  • It cannot be taken in hourly units.

Nenkyu vs Byokyu

ReasonType of leave
Avoidable “sickness” (hangovers)nenkyu
Slight cold/Runny nosenenkyu
Fever nenkyu
Dental Visits(1)nenkyu
Influenza*nenkyu/byokyu
Doctor’s Order to Rest*byokyu
Hospitalization*byokyu

*requires a doctor’s note
(1) Dental Visits may be due to unavoidable sickness, however due to their availability during non-work hours they are often considered nenkyu.

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