Why Japan’s Workaholics May Not Embrace a Four-Day Workweek
Japan has been promoting the adoption of a four-day workweek, but its deep-rooted work culture poses significant challenges to this initiative. The government has been pushing for a “work style reform” campaign, aiming to promote flexible work schedules and limit overtime hours. Despite these efforts, only 8% of companies in Japan allow employees to take three or more days off per week, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.
Cultural and social pressures play a major role in Japan’s work ethic. Tim Craig, a professor and expert on Japanese culture, explained that many Japanese see work as a positive aspect of life and feel social pressure to work longer hours. Colleagues who leave early may face judgment, and others may be forced to pick up the slack, making early departures socially awkward. This sense of loyalty and community within the workplace fosters longer, though not necessarily efficient, working hours.
The impact of Japan’s work culture on health has been widely documented, with the health ministry reporting an increase in cases of karoshi—death from overwork. In 2022, 2,968 people died from overwork-related suicide, up from 1,935 in 2021. Reports also highlighted that 10.1% of men and 4.2% of women work over 60 hours a week, with the phenomenon not being exclusive to Japan.
Despite the slow progress, some companies like Microsoft Japan and Panasonic have introduced a four-day workweek. However, adoption remains low, with only about 150 of Panasonic’s 63,000 eligible employees opting in. Experts, such as Hiroshi Ono from Hitotsubashi University, believe the change will take time, as Japanese workers and traditional companies are not accustomed to flexible work arrangements.
SMBC, a major brokerage firm, introduced the four-day workweek in 2020 but limited its availability to employees aged 40 and above, primarily for family care or career development. The option is also restricted to those in their fourth year of employment, reflecting the cautious approach many companies are taking toward the initiative.
While adoption rates remain slim, the government’s efforts to push work-life balance are making headway. Companies are now more aware of the health risks associated with overwork, and policies limiting excessive overtime have been more strictly enforced. Though slow, the shift toward flexible work schedules could eventually bring about broader change in Japan’s work culture.
