Why Japan Wants Its Citizens to Prioritize Self-Care

Japan is known for its strong work ethic, so much so that the language even has a term for working oneself to death.

Now, the country is facing a labor shortage and is trying to address it by encouraging more people and businesses to embrace a four-day workweek. Despite the government’s support since 2021, only around 8% of companies offer three or more days off per week, and just 7% give workers the legally required one day off.

Promoting a Healthier Work-Life Balance:

To encourage more businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, to adopt shorter workweeks, the Japanese government launched a “work style reform” campaign.

This campaign promotes flexible working hours, limits on overtime, and paid annual leave. The labor ministry has even started offering free consulting, financial grants, and a collection of success stories to motivate companies.

The goal is to allow workers to choose how they work based on their needs, creating a healthier cycle of growth and well-being. The “hatarakikata kaikaku” campaign, which means “innovating how we work,” aims to help every worker have a brighter future.

However, only three companies have sought advice on making these changes so far, showing the challenges the initiative faces.

Adoption and Cultural Shift:

For instance, of the 63,000 employees eligible for a four-day workweek at Panasonic Holdings Corp., only 150 have opted for it. This slow adoption reflects Japan’s deep-rooted work culture, which has long valued hard work and sacrifice.

Traditionally, Japanese workers have taken vacations together during specific times of the year to avoid appearing neglectful.

Despite laws limiting overtime and giving two days off a week, “service overtime”—working extra hours without pay—is still common. A recent government report on “karoshi,” or death from overwork, revealed that Japan experiences at least 54 such deaths annually, often due to heart attacks.

The Importance of Flexibility in Japan:

Work is a significant part of life in Japan, deeply tied to personal identity and social relationships. Changing this mindset is essential to maintain a viable workforce, especially with Japan’s declining birth rate. Currently, the working-age population is expected to drop by 40% by 2065.

Proponents of the three-day weekend believe it offers much-needed flexibility for parents, caregivers, and retirees. For example, Akiko Yokohama, who works at a small Tokyo tech company, enjoys taking Wednesdays off in addition to the weekend. This extra day allows her to handle personal tasks, see a doctor, or simply rest, reducing stress and improving her overall well-being.

Signs of Change:

More companies are slowly adopting the four-day workweek. Fast Retailing Co., Shionogi & Co., and electronics giants Ricoh Co. and Hitachi have all begun offering this option.

Even in the finance industry, known for its demanding hours, some companies are embracing shorter workweeks.

However, some critics argue that those on four-day schedules often end up working just as hard for less pay. Yet, change is happening. A recent Gallup survey ranked Japan among the countries with the least engaged workers—only 6% of Japanese employees feel passionate about their work, compared to a global average of 23%.

Flexible Work as a Necessity:

Kanako Ogino, president of NS Group, believes offering flexible hours is essential for filling jobs in industries dominated by women, like hospitality.

Her company provides 30 different work schedules, including a four-day workweek and longer breaks between shifts.

To ensure employees feel valued, Ogino asks her 4,000 workers twice a year how they prefer to work. In a culture where individual needs are often overlooked for the collective good, Ogino’s approach is refreshing. “The old view was that the more hours you work, the better,” she says. “But there’s no joy in living like that.”

Conclusion – Is Japan’s Idea of Self-Care Being Successful?

Japan’s gradual shift towards a shorter workweek and more flexible working conditions represents more than just an economic adjustment; it’s a cultural evolution.

The government’s focus on self-care is a response to the undeniable truth that a nation’s strength is rooted in the well-being of its people. By prioritizing self-care, Japan is not only addressing labor shortages but also recognizing the critical role that health, happiness, and balance play in creating a sustainable future.

Embracing this change can lead to a society where individuals are not just surviving, but thriving—where work is no longer a burden but a meaningful part of a well-rounded life. As Japan continues to innovate in how its citizens work, it sets a powerful example for the rest of the world: that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for a healthier, more prosperous society.

We wish her well!