Japan, known for its rigid careers and life-long employment system, is witnessing an increasing interest in short-term full-time employment. Workers are reaping the benefits of this work style, which offers more flexibility and less burnout, overturning the traditional long-hours culture. The news discusses the merits of this employment type drawing experiences from various industries.
Japanese society upholds the values of dedication and diligence in work. However, the lifelong employment system often leads to overwork, causing a societal issue known as "karoshi", or death from overwork. The shift toward short-term full-time employment is seen as a way to alleviate this problem while embracing a more balanced lifestyle.
In contrast to Japan, Western countries like the US and EU have more varied employment systems, including part-time, contractual, and gig work, which offer flexibility and worker control over their time. However, they face their own sets of issues such as job insecurity and lack of benefits. Japan's move towards short-term full-time employment seeks to strike a balance between these extremes.