1. Introduction
The debate about the amount of hours that Japanese people work has been going on for decades. It is widely accepted that Japan is a country where people work long hours and often have to put in overtime in order to meet their job requirements. This article will explore the history and context of working hours in Japan, as well as the reasons why people work so many hours, the negative effects of such long working hours, and what policies are being implemented to reduce working hours in Japan.
2. Historical Context of Japanese Work Hours
The culture of long working hours in Japan dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912) when the country was rapidly modernizing and industrializing. The government implemented a system called “shokuba no kyūji” (勤労給時) which was designed to encourage workers to put in long hours and be loyal to their employers. This system, combined with a strong sense of duty among Japanese workers, has resulted in an entrenched culture of long working hours that persists even today.
3. The Typical Japanese Work Schedule
In Japan, it is not uncommon for people to work six days a week with shifts lasting from 8am-8pm or even longer. This type of schedule is referred to as “man-yo shigoto” (万葉仕事) which literally translates as “ten thousand leaves” because it implies that one never finishes their work tasks. On average, most full time employees will put in an additional 10-15 hours per week on top of their regular 40 hour work week.
4. Reasons for Long Working Hours in Japan
There are several reasons why people in Japan tend to work such long hours including:
– Pressure from employers: Many companies expect their employees to put in extra time at work and view it as a sign of loyalty and commitment.
– Low wages: Low wages mean that people need to put in more time at work if they want to make ends meet financially.
– Lack of alternative leisure activities: With few recreational activities available outside of work, many people turn to overtime as a way to pass the time or fill up their free time slots during evenings or weekends.
– Cultural norms: In Japan there is an expectation that one should always be striving towards something or working hard which leads many people towards putting in extra effort at their jobs instead of taking leisurely breaks or vacations like other countries do more regularly.
– Fear of unemployment: With job security being low due to economic instability, many Japanese workers feel like they need to prove themselves by putting in extra effort at their jobs just so they can keep them secure for another year or two until they can find another job elsewhere if needed be.
5 Negative Effects of Long Working Hours in Japan
While there are some benefits associated with working long hours such as increased productivity and financial stability, there are also some serious drawbacks associated with this practice including:
– Health issues: People who are constantly overworking themselves often suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress related illnesses and physical exhaustion due lack of restful sleep and exercise routines due overwork schedules.
– Family life problems: Long working hours can lead spouses into conflicts due lack of quality family time together leading into divorce cases.Children may suffer from lack parental guidance due parents’ busy schedules.
– Social isolation : When workers spend too much time at the office,they may become isolated from friends,family members,and other social activities leading into feelings loneliness.
6 Government Policies To Reduce Working Hours In Japan
In response to these negative effects,the government has taken steps towards reducing working hour culture by introducing legislation such as “Kurumin Law” which limits overtime per month up 20hours.Other initiatives include “Premium Friday” where companies allow employees leave early on Fridays so they can enjoy leisure activities outside office.The government has also funded programs encouraging companies offer flexible scheduling options for employees.
7 Private Sector Initiatives To Reduce Working Hours In Japan
Private sector initiatives have also been developed within companies such as “Work Style Reform” program which encourages companies reduce overtime by allowing employees take off days during weekends,or offering telecommuting options so workers can achieve better balance between personal life and professional life.This initiative has been successful reducing average weekly overtime approximately 8% since 2016.
8 Conclusion
While it is true that Japanese workers do tend to work longer than those from other countries around the world,there are various initiatives both public sector initiatives private sector initiatives aiming reduce this phenomenon.These policies have already seen some success reducing average weekly overtime but more needs done order completely eradicate this problem within society.
9 References And Further Reading
Tokoyama C R (2019). Do Japanese Work Long Hours? Retrieved From https://wwwJapaninsiderscom/japanese-work-long-hours/
Why do Japanese work longer hours?
In Japan the Japanese-style employment system with long working hours is attributed to labor and industrialization. Some argue that the cause of overtime is not a result of individual companies labor management but is deeply rooted in Japanese industrial society.
How many hours do Japanese work a day?
8 hours
Overtime Work in Japan The basic working hours are 7 or 8 hours from 9 am to 5 pm or 6 pm, for 5 (or 6) days per week. However, many workers stay in the office until much later, for example until to .
Is overworking common in Japan?
Garoshi is a major social problem in Japan. Mental illness and disorders leading to death have occurred throughout the world. In 2021 a WHO/ILO article estimated that over 100000 people will die each year as a result of long working hours.
Is it cheaper to live in America or Japan?
In the US, the average price per square foot to buy a residence in the city center is around $335, whereas in Japan a comparable figure is $760. This is an approximate 57 percent increase. However, on the whole, house prices are generally lower in Japan than the US, especially since the Covid pandemic.
Is working in Japan stressful?
Japans work culture is known for being exhausting and unhealthy but things are changing. Japans work culture is evolving and employees are encouraged to take vacations with reduced working hours. As a Japanese employee all you need is a good company to build your amazing life.
Which is the hardest working country?
Mexico
What Country Has the Hardest Workers? Mexico has the worlds hardest workers, clocking in at 2,127.8 hours per year on average. That means that the average Mexican worker works for 40.9 hours a week, about 5.7 percent more than the average worker in the United States.