Japanese mango farmers have reportedly logged extreme overtime work hours, approaching around 200 hours, during the mango shipment season. This fact emerged through an emotional press conference held by the farmers. They highlighted the intensive labor conditions necessary for meeting the high demand for Japan's renowned high-quality mangos, especially during peak harvest time.

Overworking or "Karoshi" is a prevalent issue in Japan, often linked to not just corporate sectors but also in agriculture where seasonal demands spike workload. This story touches on the cultural expectations of commitment and painstaking quality control, particularly in fruit farming – a field where Japan is recognized for its premium products.

Whereas in the US or EU, the enforcement of labor laws might prevent such extreme overtimes, Japan has been criticized for relatively lax laws against overworking. Portrait farmers' struggles highlight the need for enforcing stricter labor regulations, as seen in Western countries.