For the record, in Japan the minimum notice period (for both sides) is 2 weeks by law. However, no company will fire you under such a short notice unless you d

For the record, in Japan the minimum notice period (for both sides) is 2 weeks by law. However, no company will fire you under such a short notice unless you do something egregious like punching your boss. If you're leaving, most companies will expect at least a 1-month notice. Two months is common. Even if you're changing jobs that's not too long because the other company (if it's a Japanese company) will understand and actually expect it. On that 1~2 month period you're expected to hand over your tasks to a colleague. If you're leaving for a reason other than changing to another company (like Patrick), then it's not uncommon to give a longer notice. For instance, many women still leave their jobs after marrying, or after getting pregnant, or when their husbands get transferred etc. I've heard of key technical staff having a 3-month notice written out in their contract. Nine months is ridiculously long no matter what.