The recent 'Happy New Year, Happy Retirement' phenomenon is causing a stir in Japan's business sector. Many employees, exerting newfound power in a tight labor market, are choosing to leave their positions for a variety of reasons, like better work-life balance or better opportunities. Companies, particularly smaller ones, are feeling the brunt with increasing turnovers, causing them to anxiously strategize for their future plans.

Work life in Japan is notorious for its long hours and high commitment levels, with an embedded sense of loyalty to the company. However, with an aging population and labour shortage, employees are gaining more power to demand certain changes or choose to quit. This shift is pushing companies to reconsider their practices and policies for employee retention.

In the U.S. or EU, more flexible employment and various choices have always been common. Workers often switch jobs for better opportunities, and businesses factor in employee turnover within their strategy and budget. This is quite a marked contrast from Japan's traditionally low job mobility or expected loyalty.