Overwork in Japan: The Silent Killer Pushing Employees to the Brink

Japan is renowned for its demanding work culture, characterized by long hours and intense pressure from superiors. This deeply ingrained cultural norm has had significant consequences for employees' physical and mental well-being, leading to a serious societal issue that continues to demand attention.

The Cost of Overwork: Karoshi and Mental Strain

The strain of overwork can be fatal, as evidenced by the phenomenon of "karoshi," or death by overwork. A report citing data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reveals that 54 Japanese workers died from work-related brain and heart issues in 2022. While this number represents a significant decline from 160 deaths two decades ago, claims related to workplace mental stress have surged from 341 to 2,683 in the same period.

The Human Cost: Real-Life Stories of Overwork

Tragic cases illustrate the severity of this issue. In 2017, a 31-year-old political reporter from NHK passed away from heart failure after working over 159 hours of overtime in a single month. Five years later, a 26-year-old doctor in Kobe died by suicide after working over 200 hours of overtime in a month.

The Pressure to Stay: A Cultural Taboo

Standard work hours in Japan typically range from 9 AM to 9 PM, with many employees leaving the office around 11 PM. A worker, who requested anonymity and used the name Watanabe, described how work pressure led to health issues like leg tremors and digestive problems. He expressed his desire to resign but highlighted the cultural taboo associated with leaving a company, particularly in a nation where long-term employment is common. In extreme cases, some employers have resorted to tearing up resignation letters and forcing employees to remain in their jobs.

A New Solution: Resignation Assistance

To address this challenge, consultancy firms specializing in resignation assistance have emerged. Shiori Kawamata, operations manager at Momuri, stated that the company received over 11,000 inquiries from clients in the past year. Momuri, meaning "I can't take it anymore" in Japanese, was founded in 2022 and is located in Minato, one of Tokyo's busiest business districts.

For a fee of 22,000 yen (approximately $160 USD), Momuri assists clients with resignation procedures, negotiation with employers, and provides legal counsel if disputes arise.

What is the cause of "karoshi"?

The strain of overwork can be fatal, as evidenced by the phenomenon of "karoshi," or death by overwork.

What are the health consequences of Japan's demanding work culture?

The strain of overwork can lead to physical and mental health issues, such as leg tremors, digestive problems, and even heart failure.

What are the typical work hours in Japan?

Standard work hours in Japan typically range from 9 AM to 9 PM, with many employees leaving the office around 11 PM.

What are the cultural taboos associated with leaving a company in Japan?

Leaving a company, particularly in a nation where long-term employment is common, can be seen as a taboo.

What is the name of the company that assists employees with resignation procedures?

Momuri, meaning "I can't take it anymore" in Japanese, is a company that assists employees with resignation procedures, negotiation with employers, and provides legal counsel if disputes arise.

A System in Need of Change

The rise of resignation assistance companies highlights the severity of overwork in Japan and the need for significant systemic change. While the number of 'karoshi' deaths has declined, the increasing prevalence of mental stress-related claims underscores the urgent need to address this issue. The Japanese government and employers must prioritize employee well-being by promoting healthier work-life balance and creating a more supportive environment where workers feel empowered to prioritize their health and well-being.