This article examines the average working hours in Japan, reasons for long working hours, the impact of long working hours on health and well-being, government initiatives to reduce working hours, and challenges in reducing working hours. The average weekly FTE working hours for employees aged 15-64 in Japan is 42.4 hours per week which is slightly lower than the OECD average of 43.0 hours per week. Reasons for long working hours include longer business meetings, company culture, job insecurity and low wages. Longer working hours can have a negative impact on an employee's health and well-being due to increased stress levels, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. Government initiatives to reduce overall workloads include introducing statutory holidays and limiting overtime pay. Challenges faced in enforcing these regulations include lack of enforcement by authorities and resistance from some sectors such as small businesses.