A recent Japanese news story highlights a mother's lament about persisting with full-time employment. The news brings into focus the issue of work-life balance in Japan and its impact on family relationships, especially between parents and children. The mother's regret sheds light on the potentially negative effects of the country's demanding work culture.

This news story speaks to the highly demanding and stressful work culture prevalent in Japan known as "karoshi" or death from overwork. Many in Japan struggle to balance work and personal life, often resulting in strained familial relationships. This story indicates a societal shift in perception, as more people question the notion of sacrificing personal relationships for professional success.

Unlike Japan, countries in the EU and the US usually have well-defined work hours and strong labor protections in place. Hence the struggle with work-life balance is comparatively less engrained. The US, however, does also struggle with a 'workaholic' perception, although it doesn't match the intensity seen in Japan.