In a bid to nurture a healthier work-life balance, an emerging trend among Japanese companies sees them allowing employees to watch World Cup matches during work hours. Some businesses are less stringent about work hours to accommodate the watch times for matches, while others offer special break rooms equipped with television sets. These progressive measures are designed to boost morale and foster camaraderie among employees, as enthusiastically cheering for their favored teams can serve as a bonding experience.

This news resonates with Japanese societal values of harmony and community, offering a fresh perspective on the conventional work culture that typically emphasizes long hours and strict adherence to work schedules. The move also reflects Japan's growing interest and participation in global sporting events like the World Cup.

In comparison, the practice of allowing employees to enjoy major events during work hours can also be seen in the U.S and EU, particularly during events of national significance or widely popular sports events. However, it is more common for American companies to celebrate events with themed events and parties rather than explicitly facilitating viewing during working hours.