Japan's Overwork Crisis: A Nation Battling 'Karoshi' and the Taboo of Resignation

Japan's reputation for a demanding work culture, characterized by long hours and intense pressure, is well-known. This ingrained cultural norm has dire consequences for the well-being of Japanese workers, both physically and mentally. The strain of overwork can even be fatal, a grim reality highlighted by the phenomenon of "karoshi," or death by overwork.

The Rise of 'Karoshi' and Workplace Stress

A recent 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 figure marks a significant decrease from 160 deaths two decades ago, it's crucial to note the alarming surge in claims related to workplace mental stress, which have skyrocketed from 341 to 2,683 during the same period. This trend underscores the growing pressure Japanese workers face in the modern workplace.

The severity of the issue is tragically illustrated by real-life cases. 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, in 2022, a 26-year-old doctor in Kobe took his own life after working over 200 hours of overtime in a month. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the human cost of Japan's relentless work culture.

Standard work hours in Japan typically extend from 9 AM to 9 PM, with many employees leaving the office around 11 PM. This grueling schedule, coupled with the pressure to conform to expectations, takes a heavy toll on workers. One individual, who requested anonymity and used the pseudonym Watanabe, shared his harrowing experience with the detrimental effects of work pressure. He described suffering from leg tremors and digestive issues, a direct consequence of the excessive workload. Despite his struggles, Watanabe expressed his reluctance to resign, acknowledging the strong cultural taboo associated with leaving a company, particularly in a nation where long-term employment is deeply entrenched.

Resignation Assistance: A New Trend Amidst a Cultural Taboo

The fear of social stigma and the pressure to conform to societal expectations can trap workers in jobs that jeopardize their well-being. In extreme instances, some employers have gone as far as tearing up resignation letters, effectively forcing employees to remain in their positions against their wishes. To combat this, a new trend has emerged – consultancy firms specializing in resignation assistance. One such firm, Momuri, was founded in 2022 and operates in Minato, a bustling business district in Tokyo. Momuri, whose name translates to "I can't take it anymore" in Japanese, has witnessed a surge in demand for its services. Shiori Kawamata, operations manager at Momuri, revealed that the company received over 11,000 inquiries from clients seeking help with resignation procedures in the past year.

For a fee of 22,000 yen (approximately $160 USD), Momuri provides comprehensive support to clients navigating the often-complex and culturally sensitive process of resigning from their jobs. The company assists with resignation procedures, negotiates with employers, and provides legal counsel in the event of disputes. This emerging trend reflects the growing need for support systems to address the unique challenges faced by workers navigating Japan's deeply ingrained work culture.