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Why does Japan work so hard? | CNBC Explains

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Japan has some of the longest working hours in the world.

Uptin Saiidi travels to Tokyo to understand its corporate culture and see explore how the government is trying to make a change.

What efforts have been made to address the issue of ‘karoshi’ in Japan?

Japan has long been recognized for its incredible work ethic and determination to succeed. From its economy to its traditional culture, the country has always put in immense effort to achieve success. The question arises – why does Japan work so hard?

One of the major factors behind Japan’s intense focus on hard work can be traced back to its unique cultural background. In Japan, it is considered to be a core value to make the most of every opportunity to achieve success. The concept of ‘kanbaru’, which is often translated as “perseverance,” is deeply ingrained in the psyche of the Japanese people, starting from a young age. This mindset has filtered down through generations and is instilled in Japanese children from their early education. The Japanese are taught to believe that with enough hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything they desire.

Another reason for Japan’s almost fanatical devotion to hard work is its economic situation. With its economy heavily focused on exporting high-quality goods and services, competition for jobs and growth is high. This intense competition has resulted in a very strong work ethic among the Japanese, with people constantly striving to outdo each other to achieve success. But it’s not just competition from other countries that drives Japan’s people to put in more work – there is also a strong sense of working together as a community to achieve economic prosperity for the nation as a whole.

In addition to its culture and economy, the uniquely Japanese concept of ‘karoshi’ – meaning “death from overwork” – has sparked much debate about Japan’s working culture. Karoshi is a serious issue that has gained international attention and led to many reforms, including limiting work hours and ending the practice of unpaid overtime. However, despite these efforts, many Japanese people remain dedicated to their work, sometimes working 12-14 hours a day, 6 days a week. Some may see this as a dedication to their company, while others view it as a lack of work-life balance.

Overall, it’s clear that Japan’s dedication to hard work is deeply rooted in its cultural values and economic situation. While there are certainly downsides to this intense focus on work, it has also led to many advancements in technology, business, and personal growth for the Japanese people. Ultimately, the answer to why Japan works so hard can be found in their desire to achieve success, both for themselves and for their nation.