In a significant shift towards modernizing work practices, Japan is pushing for a four-day workweek to address both a critical labour shortage and improve work-life balance. This initiative comes as Japan grapples with the severe problem of “karoshi,” or death from overwork, which reportedly claims at least 50 lives annually.
Government Efforts and Campaigns
The Japanese government initially signalled support for a shorter workweek in 2021, following endorsements from lawmakers. However, the transition has been gradual, with the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare reporting that only about 8 percent of companies currently offer three or more days off each week. Meanwhile, 7 percent of firms provide only the legally mandated single day off.
To encourage adoption of a shorter workweek, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the government has launched a “work style reform” campaign. This initiative promotes shorter hours, flexible work arrangements, and limits on overtime while ensuring paid annual leave. Additionally, the ministry offers free consulting, financial grants, and a growing collection of success stories to motivate more companies to adopt these practices.
A statement from the ministry’s ‘hatarakikata kaikaku’ campaign, which translates to “innovating how we work,” emphasizes creating a work environment where employees can choose from various work styles based on their circumstances. The goal is to foster a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution, ultimately improving workers’ outlook for the future.
Cultural Resistance and Challenges
Despite these efforts, progress has been slow. The department overseeing support services for businesses reports that only three companies have sought advice on making changes and available subsidies. Panasonic Holdings Corp., for example, has seen limited uptake of the four-day workweek, with only 150 out of 63,000 eligible employees opting for the new arrangement.
Japan’s work culture, characterized by long hours and intense dedication, presents significant hurdles. The societal pressure to conform and sacrifice for one’s company remains strong, with many employees synchronizing their vacations to avoid appearing neglectful. Long hours are still prevalent, despite 85 percent of employers reporting that they offer two days off each week, and legal restrictions on overtime. However, “service overtime”—unpaid and unreported extra hours—remains widespread.
A recent government white paper on ‘karoshi’ reported at least 54 fatalities annually due to overwork, typically resulting from heart attacks or strokes. The deep-rooted work ethic in Japan, which often equates long hours with loyalty and dedication, complicates efforts to implement more flexible work arrangements.
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Emerging Trends and Shifting Attitudes
Recent trends indicate a gradual shift in attitudes towards work culture. Several major companies, including Fast Retailing Co. (owner of Uniqlo), pharmaceutical firm Shionogi & Co., and electronics giants Ricoh Co. and Hitachi, have begun offering four-day workweeks in recent years. Even the finance sector, known for its demanding schedules, is seeing changes with firms like SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. and Mizuho Financial Group introducing more flexible work options.
Akiko Yokohama, an employee at Spelldata, a small Tokyo-based tech firm, is among the few who have embraced the four-day workweek. Taking Wednesdays off, along with weekends, allows her time for personal appointments and reduces stress. Her husband, a real estate broker, also benefits from a midweek day off, enabling the couple to enjoy family outings during less crowded weekdays.
Kanako Ogino, president of Tokyo-based NS Group, which operates karaoke venues and hotels, believes that flexible hours are crucial for attracting talent, especially in female-dominated industries. Her company offers 30 different scheduling patterns, including four-day workweeks and extended breaks between work periods. Ogino stresses the importance of accommodating individual needs, a concept often at odds with Japan’s traditionally collectivist culture.
Japan’s push for a four-day workweek represents a significant step towards modernizing its work culture and addressing a critical labour shortage. While cultural resistance and the deep-rooted work ethic pose challenges, emerging trends and shifting attitudes suggest a gradual but meaningful transition towards more flexible work arrangements. As Japan continues to navigate these changes, balancing traditional values with modern needs will be key to creating a sustainable and healthier work environment.
