A growing wave of resistance is forming in Japanese society against the return to the office as pandemic conditions improve. The Japanese media is calling it a quiet and underground expansion in workplace rebellion. Although the government and many businesses are urging a return to pre-pandemic office routines, a significant number of employees prefer the flexibility of remote work and challenge the necessity of physical office presence.

Japan's society is traditionally conservative, favoring established working norms such as lengthy office hours and weekend work. During the pandemic, however, many employees have experienced the advantages of remote work, leading to a clash between traditional and progressive values. Given Japan's consensus-based decision-making culture, this pushback represents a significant shift in societal attitudes towards work-life balance.

In the US or EU, flexible working arrangements, including remote work, have become more accepted due to work-life balance considerations and technological advancements. Unlike Japan, rebellion against return to office is less silent and more openly negotiated or accepted. However, just like Japan, there is a varying degree of resistance or acceptance among different companies and industries.