That fear of being ostracized at work is being blamed for a rise in stress-related illness, premature death and suicide. According to official data, about 200 people die every year from heart attacks, strokes and other karoshi events brought on by punishing work schedules. The prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is not known for taking long vacations. Yet even he has spoken out against the unreasonable demands companies place on their employees as they struggle to stay afloat in a more complex globalized market. Japan’s working culture, Abe said recently, “falsely beatifies long hours”.
What is one reason for the increase in stress-related illnesses in Japan?
Fear that one might be viewed negatively by colleagues Witnessing early death and suicide by colleagues The labor policies of the prime minister Fear for the well-being of family members