2026.08.31
Practical guidance on outsourcing agreements, key considerations for clients and freelancers, and contract reviews under Japan's Freelance Act
On 4 August 2026, Servcorp, in collaboration with the Fukuoka City Employment and Labor Consultation Center (FECC), hosted the seminar "Practical Outsourcing for Small Businesses – Key Considerations for Clients and Freelancers and Contract Reviews under the Freelance Act" at NMF Hakata Ekimae Building.
Designed for small business owners and freelancers, the seminar provided practical guidance on outsourcing agreements and key considerations for business transactions under Japan's Freelance Act.
Since the Freelance Act came into effect in November 2024, understanding appropriate contractual and transaction rules when engaging freelancers has become increasingly important. Clearly defining the scope of work, compensation, payment terms, and other conditions is particularly important for preventing disputes and ensuring appropriate business operations.
The seminar featured an attorney and a labor and social security attorney who serve as consultants at FECC. Drawing on their respective areas of expertise, they provided professional insights into the legal and labor-related considerations involved in outsourcing arrangements.
Satoshi Kuma, an attorney at Kuma Law Office, has extensive experience across a wide range of legal matters involving businesses, including corporate law, litigation, and international matters. Drawing on his experience in corporate legal practice, he shared practical insights into key points businesses should consider when outsourcing work.
Kaori Nomura, a labor and social security attorney at Nomura Labor and Social Security Attorney Office, provides consultations and seminars through FECC and various other business consultation services. Her work covers a broad range of areas, particularly in the healthcare and nursing care sectors, including labor consultations, workplace regulations, recruitment support, and workplace environment development.
Drawing on their respective areas of expertise, the speakers provided clear and practical guidance on important considerations for both businesses engaging freelancers and freelancers undertaking outsourced work.
The seminar began with an overview of the "Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions Involving Specified Entrusted Business Operators," commonly referred to as Japan's Freelance Act, which came into effect in November 2024.
The speakers provided a systematic and accessible explanation ranging from basic legal terminology and definitions to points participants could use to assess their own working arrangements. The session also covered fundamental considerations that both clients and freelancers should understand when entering into outsourcing arrangements.
Outsourcing arrangements can sometimes lead to disputes due to differences in expectations or interpretations of contractual terms.
The seminar addressed common areas of potential disagreement, including the scope of work, additional work, compensation and payment terms, and early termination. Participants gained a better understanding of the matters that both clients and freelancers should confirm in advance to help prevent disputes.
One of the seminar's most practical sessions involved reviewing a sample outsourcing agreement.
Using an actual sample document, the speakers explained the key points to check when reviewing written agreements for outsourced work in a clear and practical manner. The exercise gave participants an opportunity to consider how these principles could be applied to their own businesses and contractual arrangements.
In addition to the Freelance Act, the seminar addressed fundamental considerations regarding employment and labor-related risks associated with outsourcing arrangements.
For small business owners and freelancers, understanding labor-related considerations alongside the rules governing outsourcing arrangements provided an opportunity to support more appropriate business transactions and operations.
The small-group format created an environment where participants could engage closely with the speakers, resulting in an active exchange of questions and ideas.
During the Q&A session, participants raised specific questions regarding the requirement under the Freelance Act to establish payment deadlines and make payments within the prescribed period. One participant shared an example from an actual transaction with a client and sought clarification on what would constitute an appropriate payment deadline.
Participants responded positively to the seminar and also expressed interest in attending similar seminars in the future.
Following the seminar, individual consultation sessions were also offered, giving participants an opportunity to speak directly with the experts about their own circumstances.
The seminar also provided an opportunity for participants to learn more about the support available through FECC.
Many participants learned about FECC for the first time through this seminar. By introducing FECC's free consultation services, the event helped participants understand where they could seek professional support after the seminar if needed.
In addition to providing practical knowledge about the Freelance Act and outsourcing arrangements, the seminar offered participants access to practical professional advice. The event also contributed to stronger engagement with Servcorp clients and created opportunities for further collaboration between Servcorp and FECC.
At Servcorp, our support extends beyond providing workspace solutions. We help our clients grow their businesses by creating opportunities to gain practical business knowledge and connect with experienced professionals.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Fukuoka City Employment and Labor Consultation Center (FECC), attorney Satoshi Kuma, labor and social security attorney Kaori Nomura, and everyone who participated in the seminar.
Servcorp will continue to support our clients' business growth and help create new connections through events that provide practical information, professional expertise, and valuable business insights.
