Japan's courier services are facing a shortage in delivery personnel and grappling with the issues of long working hours, a problem amplified by the current pandemic. As e-commerce rapidly grows, both local and national courier services struggle to meet demand with current workload rules and workforce count. This workforce deficit coupled with long working hours is seen as a challenge that requires swift action.

In Japan, labor rights are a major concern. The issue of 'karoshi', or death by overwork, is a strong social and political issue, with companies under intense scrutiny to ensure they are not violating labor laws. The diverse population, especially the elderly and people in remote areas, heavily rely on courier services, making this crisis of delivery staff shortage and overwork a significant social issue.

In contrast, the US and EU have different unionization levels and labor protections. In the US, there's generally a more laissez-faire approach, without many restrictions on working hours. The EU, however, has strict laws regulating working hours but also faces difficulties with staffing in the gig economy, including courier services. But neither region's working conditions have incited an issue comparable to Japan's 'karoshi'.