A poignant report sweeps through Japan, surrounding a heartrending case of karoshi (death from overwork), which involves a schoolteacher who reportedly put in an excess of 125 hours of overtime each month, leading to a fatal consequence. His wife, left behind, became an advocate for better workplace policies, labor law revision, and societal change. This unfortunate incident has reignited debates about Japan's infamous work culture and the extreme pressure that often leads to tragic outcomes.

In Japan, instances of karoshi often incite widespread concern, rekindling discussions about the rigorous work culture that is deeply embedded in Japanese society. The Japanese highly value work dedication and have a social expectation of long working hours, often leading to adverse health impacts and, in drastic cases, death. The death of a teacher is especially shocking as it reveals that even educational institutions are not immune to this issue.

Though long working hours are not solely a Japanese phenomenon, the concept of karoshi is unique to Japan. In contrast, many US and EU countries are actively trying to find a balance between work and personal life, emphasizing the importance of mental health. While overtime is not rare, the extremities leading to serious health problems or death, as in this case, are less often seen.