Japan’s traditional work culture, long defined by long hours and immense pressure, is undergoing a significant change. A new generation of workers is opting for shorter work hours, aiming to improve their well-being and reduce the tragic phenomenon of ‘karoshi’—deaths caused by overwork.
A report by the South China Morning Post highlights a noticeable decrease in Japan’s annual working hours. In 2000, the average worker put in 1,839 hours per year. By 2022, this number had dropped by 11.6%, reaching 1,626 hours. This change is being driven by younger workers, especially men in their 20s. In 2000, these workers averaged 46.4 hours per week, but by 2022, they worked only 38.1 hours.
This shift aligns Japan’s work culture more closely with European countries, where shorter working hours have long been the norm. Younger Japanese workers are increasingly valuing work-life balance over the long hours their parents once prioritized for job security and economic growth.
Makoto Watanabe, a communications professor, describes this new approach as “wise.” He notes that today’s youth recognize the exploitation of working long hours without substantial personal benefit. Unlike the 1970s and 1980s, when working more hours meant higher earnings, today’s young workers are less willing to accept harsh conditions for minimal reward.
A labour shortage in Japan has further fueled this shift. Companies, eager to attract talent, are offering unprecedented opportunities to young workers, even before they graduate. As a result, younger employees are experiencing both higher wages and an improved quality of life. According to Takashi Sakamoto, an analyst at the Recruit Works Institute, wages for workers in their 20s have risen by 25% since 2000, despite working fewer hours.
However, this generational shift is not without tension. Older workers, who built their careers on long hours, often clash with the younger generation, who prioritize stability over ambition.
Despite these challenges, the cultural shift could bring a positive change. Japan has long struggled with the devastating effects of overwork. In 2022, nearly 3,000 people died from overwork-related suicides, and many more suffered from health issues linked to excessive labor. As younger workers push for a better work-life balance, this trend may help reduce the human cost of overwork in Japan.
