Returning to Work in Japan After Using a “Kyuushoku-Daikou” (Leave Application Agency) Service: How to Handle the Awkwardness

If you are considering using a kyuushoku-daikou (leave application agency) service in Japan, you might have some worries:

• “What happens when I want to return to work after taking leave?”
• “Will it be too awkward to go back to the office once I’ve used an agency?”

Here is a guide to help you understand how the process works and how to navigate returning to work smoothly.

The Short Answer: You can return to work without issues. Just ask the agency to handle the return process from the start.

Some people worry that using a kyuushoku-daikou means they will never be able to return to their jobs. However, that is not true. Using an agency does not make it impossible to go back.

Professional agencies are well aware that many clients plan to return to work eventually. When you first contact the agency, simply ask: “Can you also assist me with the process when I am ready to return?”

Be sure to request support not just for taking leave, but also for your eventual return.

Can I really return to work smoothly after using a kyuushoku-daikou?

Yes, absolutely.

When returning to work after a leave, the process is generally the same whether you used an agency or not:

1. Express your intention to return to work.
2. Submit a medical certificate if required by your company.
3. Complete the company’s internal reinstatement procedures.

There is no difference in the administrative process of returning to work regardless of whether you used a kyuushoku-daikou.

Will my company find out I used a kyuushoku-daikou?

In most cases, yes, they will.

This is because a third party (the agency or a lawyer) contacts the company on your behalf instead of you making the call directly. Once the company receives communication from an external agent, they will realize you are handling your leave through a representative.

How do I handle the awkwardness when returning to work if they found out?

If someone at your workplace asks about it when you return, there is no need to make up elaborate excuses or panic.

You can simply explain:

“At the time, I wasn’t in a mental or physical state to contact the company directly, so I used the service to properly process my leave.”

Taking a formal leave of absence is a recognized legal right, so you do not need to excessively apologize for using the system itself.

However, rather than coming across as demanding (“It’s my right, so it’s fine”), framing it gently—such as “I used it as a necessary measure to take care of my health and return properly”—will help you build smoother relationships with your coworkers upon your return.

Conclusion:Check everything with the agency beforehand.

Most kyuushoku-daikou services are designed to support you all the way through your eventual return to work, so there is no need to panic.

If your company realizes you used an agency, you can simply explain that it was due to unavoidable circumstances (such as your health or personal situation).

Feel free to use these services with peace of mind if you ever need them!