In a significant court judgement, the High Court of Japan has declared depression a "public disaster-related duty". The case involved a worker who developed depression and ended up committing suicide following dispatch to disaster recovery operations in the aftermath of a national calamity. This recognition signifies a progressive shift, allowing for more protective policies and harmful work environment considerations.

Mental health issues often carry a social stigma in Japan, with workers frequently expected to aggressively persevere, sometimes leading to harm. Though improving, it's also a culture where suicide related to work stress isn't rare. Recognizing depression in such context shows a shift in understanding and appreciating the importance of mental health in overall societal welfare.

In the U.S and EU, mental health awareness and acceptance are significantly further advanced. Job-related stress, anxiety, and depression as serious health issues are generally acknowledged. Workers are entitled to accommodations to mitigate risks of mental health impairments. This judgement in Japan can be seen as a step towards these standards.