In a surprising turn of trend, Japanese companies operating in the black are still pursuing layoffs, a strategy termed "Black Ink Restructuring". Despite solid profitability, these firms are downsizing their workforce, citing the need for strategic restructuring and cost-efficiency. This precedes a disconcerting future for job security in the nation's well-performing industries.

In a country where lifetime employment had been the norm, this kind of corporate restructuring, especially amidst profitability, is a significant cultural shift. A concern is how this impacts worker loyalty and corporate trust as many employees are left anxious and unsettled. A balanced approach considering both employee welfare and business efficiency is called for by various Japanese stakeholder groups.

Unlike Japan, layoffs in profitable times are not uncommon in the US or EU, where the emphasis is typically on competitive pressure, efficiency, and future strategic planning. However, these situations often result in legal tussles over severance packages and workers' rights, sparking heated debates about corporate responsibility vs profitability.