The answer is: yes, you can.

In Japan, even after you have signed a job offer acceptance letter, it does not mean you are legally “locked in” forever.

Generally speaking, once you accept a job offer, an employment contract may be considered established. However, employees still have the right to terminate the employment relationship. In principle, if you inform the company at least two weeks before your start date, you can withdraw from the offer.

However, “you can withdraw” does not mean “you can withdraw carelessly.”

As someone who has worked as a headhunter, I have seen candidates change their minds after accepting an offer more than once.

For the candidate, it may simply mean:

“I found a better opportunity.”

But for the company and the recruiter, it can be a serious setback.

The company may have already started preparing for your onboarding, arranging internal procedures, adjusting team plans, or even stopping interviews with other candidates. The recruiter may also have already coordinated with both sides and moved the process forward based on your acceptance.

That is why offer withdrawal is not only a legal issue.
It is also a matter of professional trust.

If you have decided to withdraw from an accepted offer, avoid the following:

Ignoring emails
Not answering phone calls
Waiting until the very last minute
Giving a careless or vague explanation
Keeping the company waiting while you continue to hesitate

These actions can damage your professional credibility.

The better approach is simple:

Contact the company as soon as possible
Explain your decision clearly
Apologize sincerely
Call first if possible, then follow up by email
Keep your explanation polite and concise
Do not keep changing your mind

Many people worry:
“Will the company sue me for compensation?”

In most ordinary cases, it is not easy for a company to successfully claim damages simply because a candidate withdrew from an accepted offer.

However, if the way you withdraw is extremely dishonest, or if the company suffers special damages because of your behavior, there may still be some risk.

So my advice is:

You may withdraw from an accepted job offer, but do not burn the bridge while doing so.

Choosing your career path is your right.
But protecting your professional credibility is also your responsibility.

Before accepting an offer, think carefully.
After accepting it, if you truly need to withdraw, do it quickly, clearly, and respectfully.

This is not about being afraid of the company.

It is about protecting your own reputation in the Japanese job market.

Tokyo Asabana｜東京朝花
Founder: Serena He
Nationally Certified Career Consultant / MBA
Education & Career Strategy Consultant for International Residents in Japan
hello@tokyoasabana.com