#Japan #Tokyo #Mechanic #CarWork #Upty

Major Improvements in Mechanic Working Conditions

In recent times, the image of mechanics working long hours without sufficient breaks is gradually becoming a thing of the past. A groundbreaking report from Apti, a Tokyo-based company running the automotive job site Carwork, indicates that Japanese auto mechanics are experiencing improved working conditions, including increased annual holidays.

Analysis of Job Advertisements

From July 1 to August 1, 2025, a comprehensive analysis of 8,397 mechanic job postings revealed that the overall average annual holidays offered to mechanics reached 106.4 days. Although this number is slightly below the national average across all professions, which sits at 112.1 days, it reflects a growing trend towards improved work-life balance within the industry.

In fact, comparisons with data from three years prior demonstrate a significant increase in the proportion of companies offering more than 110 annual holidays—rising from 22.1% to a remarkable 41.9%. This indicates a considerable success in reforming traditional working patterns in the vehicle maintenance sector, a move largely driven by major automotive dealers.

Factors Behind the Shift

Popular Job Characteristics

One standout finding from the analysis highlights that the average annual holidays for popular job positions—defined as those in the top 5% aspirants on the site—was 113.9 days. This outpaces the average for the service sector, which is recorded at 109.0 days. Hence, companies that provide competitive holiday offerings are seen as more attractive to job seekers.

Industry and Regional Trends

Dissecting the data by industry, it appears that dealerships offer more favorable working conditions, averaging 110.1 holidays compared to 104.1 days for non-dealer roads. Such a difference can be attributed to the adoption of standardized five-day workweeks and extended vacations. Interestingly, nearly 58% of companies that provide over 120 annual holidays are not dealerships. This illustrates that not just leading corporations, but a wider array of repair shops are implementing these reforms, thereby improving overall industry standards.

Examining regional trends reveals that areas such as Kanto, Chubu, and Kinki provide holidays exceeding national averages, while Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyushu fall slightly short. These discrepancies highlight the varying levels of commitment to labor reforms across Japan.

A Vision for the Future

The Japanese automotive industry's focus on enhancing the occupation and conditions for mechanics has shown signs of a positive trajectory. With the disparity in annual holidays being a fundamental employee right, companies that align with this need will likely prevail in attracting talent. The results of this survey bear witness to a robust trend towards reform, suggesting an optimistic outlook as more organizations embrace improved labor standards.

Carwork remains committed to ensuring job seekers find optimal working conditions, advocating for clear delineation of annual holidays in job listings. Moreover, they plan to enhance the support offered to companies focusing on recruitment competitiveness and improving labor environments.

About Carwork

Since its inception in 2017, Carwork has emerged as a vital platform addressing the labor shortage in the automotive sector while offering free services from job posting to hiring. As of July 2025, the platform boasts over 15,000 active listings, connecting employers with potential employees effortlessly.

For further questions, you may contact Apti:
Apt Company
CEO: Hideaki Ida
Headquarters: 1-5-5 Ebisu Minami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Website: https://carworkassist.com/

Contact: Akimoto
Phone: 03-6694-2095