Compensation claims for overwork-related deaths, stress hit record high 6,212 in FY2025

Why This Matters

The record-high number of compensation claims for overwork-related deaths and stress highlights the pressing need for Japan's labor laws to better address the country's notorious work culture, where long working hours and excessive pressure are common. This trend underscores the human cost of Japan's economic competitiveness, where workers are often pushed to the limit in pursuit of productivity. The surge in claims also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing measures to prevent work-related illnesses and fatalities.