Does the person with Specific Skill No. 1 count towards the total 5-year period while on temporary return to their home country?

The total period of Specific Skill No. 1 is calculated from the date of landing permission for certification applications and from the date of change permission for change applications. Even when traveling abroad with re-entry permission, it is included in the total period of stay. As for the employment contract period, there is no specific provision under the Immigration Control Act. According to the Immigration Control Act, a contract for 20 years is not a problem. However, in reality, the Immigration Control Act allows residence under Specific Skill No. 1 for a maximum of 5 years. On the other hand, under the Labor Standards Act, the maximum period for fixed-term employment contracts is generally set at 3 years (Article 14 of the Labor Standards Act). Therefore, when creating an employment contract, it is common to adopt a period of 3 years.