Tokyo, Japan , The Japanese government has intensified its campaign against karoshi,death caused by overwork,by placing 42 companies under special supervision and ordering them to implement stricter labor protections in the upcoming fiscal year. The move underscores renewed official concern over excessive working hours, workplace stress, and their devastating impact on employee health.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that the targeted firms were identified following labor inspections that revealed repeated violations of overtime regulations, inadequate rest periods, or failures to address employee health risks. These companies will now be required to adopt comprehensive corrective measures, including reducing excessive working hours, improving workplace monitoring, and strengthening mental health support systems.
Karoshi (death from overwork.) has long been a sensitive issue in Japan, where demanding work cultures and expectations of extreme dedication have contributed to fatal heart attacks, strokes, and suicides linked to job-related stress. Despite years of public awareness campaigns and legal reforms, cases of work-related deaths and serious health disorders continue to surface.
According to government data, hundreds of cases of karoshi and work-related mental health claims are officially recognized each year, though experts warn that many incidents go unreported due to social stigma and fear of retaliation. Labor advocates argue that the problem is deeply rooted in corporate practices that prioritize productivity over worker well-being.
Under the new directive, the 42 companies must submit detailed improvement plans outlining how they will comply with labor laws. Measures include enforcing legal overtime limits, ensuring mandatory rest days, improving time-tracking systems, and appointing workplace health officers responsible for identifying early signs of overwork.
Government officials stated that companies failing to demonstrate progress could face public disclosure, administrative penalties, or further inspections. Authorities also emphasized that the initiative is preventive rather than punitive, aiming to encourage long-term cultural change within organizations.
“We are determined to protect workers’ lives and health,” a labor ministry official said. “Compliance with labor standards is not optional, and companies must take responsibility for creating sustainable work environments.”
The latest action aligns with Japan’s broader efforts to reform workplace norms, including the introduction of legal caps on overtime, promotion of flexible work arrangements, and encouragement of paid leave usage. However, implementation has been uneven, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, advertising, and information technology.
Employee unions welcomed the announcement but urged the government to expand oversight beyond the 42 firms. “This is a positive step, but it should be only the beginning,” said a union representative. “Overwork remains widespread, and stronger enforcement is essential.”
As Japan faces an aging population and labor shortages, experts argue that improving working conditions is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. Reducing burnout and workplace deaths, they say, could help retain workers, boost productivity, and improve quality of life.
The government has pledged to continue inspections nationwide and expand education campaigns aimed at both employers and employees. Whether these measures will bring lasting change remains to be seen, but officials say the message is clear: overwork-related deaths will no longer be tolerated as a cost of doing business.
