In the face of a decade of increasingly severe karōshi (death from overwork) incidents, the Japanese government is considering loosening certain regulations. The move, which is seen as imperative to bridging major mental health obstacles in the work culture, is expected to launch a series of socio-economic reforms. Critics argue that it will put undue stress on workers while supporters believe that it can pave the way for vital systemic changes.

Japanese work culture is infamous for its high pressures and long hours, often leading to health issues and, unfortunately, cases of suicide due to work-related stress. Karōshi is a grim reality of Japanese society, and debates over modifying work conditions, labor regulations, and dealing with mental health have been intense and prominent in public discourse.

Compared to countries in the EU or the US, Japanese work culture is significantly more demanding, with people often required or expected to work longer hours and take fewer vacations. Mental health topics are also less stigmatized in the West. This change in regulation could bring Japan closer to Western labor policies.