Concerns have been drummed up regarding Japan's intensely demanding work culture as reflected in the year's popular local news slang, "Work Five Times Harder". This slogan characterizes the excessive workload and ultimate toll on health and personal life it imposes on many Japanese employees. Calls for workplace reform are growing louder as public frustration mounts concerning lack of work-life balance.

In Japan, a culture of overworking without complaint is deeply rooted, often leading to 'karoshi', or death from overwork. However, public sentiment is shifting as more people prioritize work-life balance. Legal and societal reforms aim to regulate excessive work hours and create an environment that promotes a healthier balance.

In the US and EU, stringent labor laws exist to safeguard employees from exploitive work conditions. Overwork is not as culturally accepted and there is an expectation for employers to ensure a good work-life balance. However, this doesn't mean that overwork doesn't exist in these areas, but it's not as institutionalized as in Japan.