The relatively recent phenomenon of "no-overtime" culture, now budding in Japan, is the focus of this report. For years, an infamous culture of strenuous working hours prevailed, but now, an increasing number of companies are promoting a healthy work-life balance by limiting overtime. This shift has been triggered due to increasing concerns about employee health, societal pressure, and recent legislative amendments.

Excessive overtime, known as 'Karoshi', has been a grave societal issue in Japan. It has led to several reported cases of death due to overwork, causing a public outcry. A combination of societal pressure and enforcements by the government, including new labor laws such as "Work Style Reform Law," have pushed companies to rethink traditional work habits.

In the US and EU, labour laws have traditionally been more stringent, with strict regulations on maximum weekly working hours and overtime. There is a wide acceptance of work-life balance that's encouraged by societal norms. In contrast, Japan's transition towards a no-overtime culture signifies a significant leap from their well-established working traditions.