Japan creates the Education and Training Leave Benefit (教育訓練休暇給付金) — pays an amount equivalent to unemployment benefit during unpaid training leave taken while employed
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
From 1 October 2025, a person insured under employment insurance who is still employed and takes unpaid leave of 30 or more consecutive days for education and training receives an 'Education and Training Leave Benefit' equivalent to unemployment benefit (the basic allowance).
Key facts
| Effective date | 1 October 2025 (Reiwa 7, 1 October) |
|---|---|
| Responsible ministry | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省) |
| Who it covers | People insured under employment insurance (general insured persons) |
| Payment requirements | Taking unpaid leave for education and training (30 or more consecutive days) + an insured period of 5 years or more (in principle, 12 months or more of insured period in the 2 years before the leave starts) |
| Amount | The same as the basic allowance (基本手当) paid on leaving a job |
| Benefit days | 90, 120 or 150 days depending on the insured period |
| National treasury share | 1/4 or 1/40 of the cost of the benefit (the same as for the basic allowance) |
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Under this system, when a person insured under employment insurance voluntarily takes unpaid leave to focus on education and training without leaving their job, they receive a benefit equivalent to unemployment benefit (the basic allowance) to cover living costs during the training and leave. The requirements are taking unpaid education and training leave of 30 or more consecutive days under work rules or similar, and having been insured for 5 years or more. The amount paid is the same as the basic allowance that would be paid on leaving a job, and the number of benefit days is 90, 120 or 150 depending on the insured period. It took effect on 1 October 2025.
Background — why this change
It was created under the 2024 amendment to the Employment Insurance Act, on the basis that, in order to further support workers' self-directed skills development, workers — including those who have left a job — need to be able to focus on education and training without worrying about living costs.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
Summaries reflect national-level programs. Municipal (city/ward/town) programs may differ — confirm with the official desk before applying.
FAQ
Does paid leave count?
No. This covers unpaid education and training leave (in principle 30 or more consecutive days).
How much do I get?
The same as the basic allowance (基本手当) paid on leaving a job, for 90, 120 or 150 benefit days depending on your insured period.