Japan's historic work culture has been characterized by long hours and self-sacrifice, contributing to a phenomenon known as karoshi, or work-related deaths.
Recent data indicates a significant 11.6% reduction in average annual work hours, from 1,839 hours in 2000 to 1,626 in 2022.
Younger workers, particularly men in their 20s, have notably decreased their working hours, averaging 38.1 hours per week in 2023.
This cultural shift prioritizes work-life balance over harsh work conditions, reflecting a generational change in attitudes towards labor.
Despite working less, wages for younger employees have risen by 25% since 2000, while fewer companies require unpaid overtime.
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