The recent national census in Japan has cast light on an alarming issue - census workers are facing escalating mental health concerns due to stress and overwork. The work overload during the census period has begun wearing down the mental resilience of numbers of census takers, raising concerns about the well-being of these workers. Authorities and social health advocates are now urging for immediate actions to alleviate the conditions and protect these vital public servants.

Overwork-related stress is a large issue in Japanese society with a concept of “Karoshi” (death due to overwork) gaining international attention. Japan's work culture often involves long hours, which combined with increasing societal pressures, can contribute to mental health issues. The plight of census workers represents a broader concern about work-related stressors affecting individuals across various occupations in Japan.

In the US or EU, work-related stress is a known issue and several laws have been enacted to protect worker rights and health. Companies are also promoting wellness programs and mental health support for their employees. The concept of 'work-life balance' is much more prevalent and often prioritized.