Karoshi, or “death from overwork,” is one of the most striking symbols of Japan’s labor culture.
It represents not just the physical toll of long working hours, but also the cultural expectation that loyalty and endurance at work are virtues. This article explores the roots of Karoshi, its recognition in Japanese law, and how it is viewed globally.
Definition and Historical Background of Karoshi
Karoshi refers to sudden death caused by long working hours or severe workplace stress, leading to heart disease, brain disease, or suicide. The term first attracted attention in Japan in the 1970s, and by the 1980s it was widely covered as a social issue.
Behind it lies Japan’s unique culture of loyalty to the company and the belief that working long hours is a virtue. Since the era of rapid economic growth, productivity and results were prioritized over workers’ health, embedding Karoshi into Japanese society.
The key point is that Karoshi is not just a personal health issue, but a problem deeply connected to the overall labor structure and culture.
Legal Position of Karoshi in Japan
The Japanese government officially recognized Karoshi as a social issue and enacted the Act on Promotion of Preventive Measures against Karoshi in 2014. Under this law, every November is designated as “Karoshi Awareness Month,” during which public campaigns are conducted.
Furthermore, Japan has established the “Karoshi Line” for workers’ compensation. If overtime exceeds 80 hours in a single month, the likelihood of Karoshi is considered high. This benchmark is considered excessive even by global standards.
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Overtime in one month | Over 80 hours |
| Average overtime over 2–6 months | Over 80 hours |
| Weekly working hours | Over 60 hours |
| Major risks | Stroke, heart attack, suicide from overwork |
Main Causes of Karoshi
Karoshi is caused by multiple overlapping factors, not limited to specific industries or job titles.
| Cause | Details |
|---|---|
| Long working hours | Chronic late-night work and weekend shifts |
| Mental stress | Power harassment, excessive quotas, fear of poor evaluation |
| Unhealthy lifestyle | Sleep deprivation, irregular meals |
| Workplace culture | Atmosphere that discourages taking leave |
Each factor alone can harm health, but when combined, they significantly increase the risk of sudden death or suicide.
Karoshi and Japanese Work Culture
Japanese work culture is distinctive compared to other countries. The persistence of long working hours stems from cultural values such as:
| Cultural Background | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on loyalty | Dedication to the company is highly valued |
| Collective mindset | The group takes priority over the individual |
| Difficulty taking leave | Avoiding burdening colleagues is prioritized |
| Obedience to superiors | “You cannot leave before your boss” is an unwritten rule |
In Europe, labor contracts strictly regulate working hours. For example, France and Germany have laws restricting after-hours emails. In Japan, however, there remains a wide gap between regulations and actual practices.
Case Studies and Social Impact
One widely reported case involved a young employee at a major advertising firm who died due to overwork. This tragedy prompted the government to implement the “Work Style Reform,” strengthening overtime regulations.
However, the risk of Karoshi remains particularly high in small and medium-sized businesses and the service industry, where overwork continues to be common. Non-regular employees and young workers are especially vulnerable, highlighting that Karoshi is not limited to certain job types but is a broad societal risk.
International Attention
Although Karoshi is a uniquely Japanese word, it has become globally recognized. In Western media, it is used as a symbol of Japan’s labor environment.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) recognizes Karoshi as a serious labor problem and urges countries to reinforce labor hour regulations. Recently, South Korea and China have reported similar issues, making Karoshi a common challenge across Asia.
| Country | Average Annual Working Hours | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 1,600–1,700 | Unpaid overtime not fully reflected in statistics |
| South Korea | ~1,900 | Government introduced a 52-hour workweek |
| Germany | ~1,350 | High paid leave usage, legally guaranteed holidays |
| USA | ~1,770 | Results-oriented but flexible work styles spreading |
Changes Needed in Society
Preventing Karoshi requires more than just shorter working hours; it demands a fundamental shift in how work is perceived. Companies must prioritize employee health as part of their responsibility, not just productivity.
Flexible systems such as remote work and flextime are becoming more common, enabling people to manage their pace of work. The belief that “working too much is a virtue” must be re-examined if Karoshi is to be eliminated.
Moreover, AI and automation technologies are expected to reduce excessive workloads, offering opportunities for a healthier balance between work and life.
Conclusion
Karoshi is a serious issue born from Japan’s unique labor culture and values, and it should be understood as a societal problem rather than just an individual one. While laws and regulations have improved, awareness and practice at the workplace level remain insufficient.
For foreigners seeking to understand Japan’s labor environment, Karoshi is a key concept. It not only reveals the challenges Japan faces but also serves as a mirror reflecting broader global labor issues. Moving forward, it will be a challenge not only for Japan but for the entire world.
