Death from overwork in Japan and the roots of the cultural values that lead to it

The work environments under some Japanese companies are notoriously stressful, demanding so much from their employees that they have resulted in karōshi, or “death from overwork.” While that result is an extreme, I argue that the values of hard work and group loyalty that are susceptible to exploitation from burakku kaisha (exploitative companies) are fostered in Japanese public education. This study aims to draw a connection between the Japanese school and work cultures, using activities conducted in both environments and the hours associated with them as mediums for comparison. Thorough research has indicated that the current laws and practices implemented are not as conducive to protecting employees as they could be. Primary sources regarding both environments and their dangers have also been reviewed in order to establish the state of emergency that karōshi and factors leading to it present. Said research includes an intensive review of both cultural norms in Japanese middle and high schools, as well as their respective systems of education and order. Interviews were conducted with twelve Japanese individuals aged between 19 and 55 in order to demonstrate a pattern of participation in the aforementioned activities and how much time they spent on them. The interviews did, in fact, demonstrate a pattern that indicated little change in school environments, leaving room for improvement in the school and work cultures alike.

 

Keywords: karōshi, bukatsu, juku, morals, exams