Japanese resignation notice (退職届・退職願)

How it works

1. Choose 退職届 or 退職願. A 届 states a decision already agreed with your manager; a 願 asks for permission and can in principle be withdrawn.
2. Fill in the last day of employment and the day you are handing the paper in — they are usually different.
3. Fill in your department and name, the company, and the person it is addressed to, normally the president rather than your manager.
4. Print it, seal or sign it beside your name, and hand it over in a white envelope marked 退職届.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 退職届 and 退職願?

A 退職願 asks the company to accept your resignation and may be withdrawn before it is accepted. A 退職届 notifies a decision that has already been agreed. Custom is to talk to your manager first, then hand in one of the two.

Why does it say 一身上の都合 rather than the real reason?

Because that is the convention for leaving of your own accord: the paper records that it was your decision, not the circumstances behind it. Reasons are for the conversation, not the paper. If you were made redundant, the wording is different — ask your employer.

Does it have to be vertical and handwritten?

Vertical is traditional and what most companies expect; horizontal is accepted at many. Printed is normal now, but seal or sign it by hand beside your name.

Is this legal advice?

No. It prints the standard form. Notice periods, contract terms and anything unusual about your situation are matters for your contract, your employer or a labour adviser.