This article provides an overview of the Japanese Seafarers’ Act and its recent reforms in response to the work-style reform aimed at making maritime labour more attractive. The reform was motivated by an ongoing shortage of seafarers in Japan’s maritime industry. In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) discussed work-style reforms for seafarers to improve the workplace on board. First, it provides an introduction to the Japanese Seafarers’ Act for foreign researchers and readers interested in maritime labour law, aiming to clarify the recent amendments to the Act and other regulations aimed at improving the occupational environment on board. Second, in response to the shortage of seafarers in Japan, the recent reform of laws regarding seafarers aims to make working conditions more attractive. Moreover, the purpose of the recent Coastal Shipping Business Act reform was to strengthen the negotiating power of shipowners with cargo owners (shippers) or coastal shipping operators in order to improve seafarers’ working conditions.