Japan: Death by Work (2018) | ARTE.tv Documentary

Summary

The transcript discusses the severe issue of overwork and karoshi (death by overwork) in Japan, highlighting personal stories and the impact on families. It mentions the case of a doctor who committed suicide due to excessive work hours and the struggle of a graphic designer and a salesman working long hours. The video addresses the broader societal problem of karoshi and the introduction of laws to prevent it, such as the Working Time Management Act in Japan. It also touches on the lack of influence of labor unions and the prevalence of power harassment and mobbing in the workplace. The speaker calls for a change in societal attitudes towards work and life balance, sharing their personal experience with panic disorder as a result of overwork. The summary emphasizes the need for legal and cultural shifts to protect workers' health and well-being.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Work Overload in Japan**: The transcript discusses the issue of long working hours and overwork in Japan, which has led to health problems and even suicides among workers.
• 🏥 **Medical Professional's Suicide**: The case of a doctor, who became the head of a pediatric department and committed suicide due to excessive work, is highlighted to illustrate the severity of the issue.
• 🤝 **Shared Experiences**: Individuals from various professions, including a printer company salesperson and a graphic designer, share their experiences of excessive overtime, sometimes reaching 80 hours a month.
• 🌐 **Global Burnout Rate**: The script mentions that the burnout rate is a serious concern worldwide, not just in Japan, and there's a need for better work-life balance.
• 📉 **Economic Impact on Health**: The transcript points out a correlation between economic pressures and the health of employees, suggesting that the drive for profit can lead to a decline in well-being.
• 🇯🇵 **Japanese Work Ethic**: The concept of 'karōshi' (death by overwork) is discussed, along with the cultural expectation in Japan for workers to demonstrate extreme commitment to their jobs.
• 🧘‍♂️ **Mental Health Consequences**: The impact of overwork on mental health is emphasized, with stories of panic disorder and other stress-related illnesses resulting from extreme work conditions.
• 🤝 **Community Support**: The formation of support groups and movements to address the issue of overwork and to advocate for legal changes to protect workers is mentioned.
• ⏰ **Legislative Efforts**: The transcript outlines efforts to create laws that prevent 'karōshi', including the introduction of regulations to limit working hours and the recognition of karōshi as a form of occupational injury.
• 👶 **Work-Life Balance for Parents**: The challenges faced by working parents, especially mothers, in balancing career and family responsibilities are discussed, with examples of companies offering flexible working hours.
• 📈 **Productivity vs. Working Hours**: Contrary to the belief that shorter working hours lead to decreased productivity, the transcript shares examples of companies that have reduced hours without adverse effects on business performance.

Q & A

What was the cause of the husband's suicide in 1999?

The husband, who was working at a hospital and was about to become the head of the pediatric department, committed suicide due to long working hours and excessive labor.

What is the average monthly overtime for the person working in a printing company's sales department?

The average monthly overtime is about 50 hours, but it can reach up to 70 or 80 hours at times.

What is the typical monthly overtime for a graphic designer in Japan?

The typical monthly overtime for a graphic designer is around 80 hours or more.

What is the issue with the BURNOUT rate worldwide according to the script?

The BURNOUT rate is increasingly worse, and it is considered a serious problem that leads to heart diseases, illnesses, or suicide among workers.

What was the situation of the journalist from the NHK who worked for 31 years?

The journalist worked long hours without rest and eventually died from karoshi, which is death by overwork. Initially, such deaths were not recognized as work-related accidents.

What is the significance of the law passed in Japan to prevent karoshi?

The law, which was passed in 2014, is an effort to address the national concern of extreme work hours and overwork. It is a preventive measure without penalty provisions, aimed at reducing the number of karoshi cases.

What are the three main points that the speaker wants to address regarding the labor situation in Japan?

The three main points are the need for a revision of the labor time management system, the inclusion of suicide prevention measures, and the expansion of the criteria for recognizing overwork injuries.

What is the current legal limit for working hours per month in Japan?

The current legal limit is 45 hours per month, with a cap of 360 hours per year, although there are discussions to make these regulations stricter.

What is the main issue faced by the engineer who was subjected to power harassment?

The engineer faced power harassment from a specific superior, which led to the development of panic disorder and an inability to continue working, ultimately resulting in the loss of his job.

What is the current situation regarding the influence of labor unions in Japan?

The influence of labor unions in Japan is currently lacking, and there is a need for them to play a more significant role in improving working conditions and preventing karoshi.

What is the main goal of the movement that the speaker is part of?

The main goal of the movement is to raise awareness about the issues of overwork and karoshi, and to push for legal and social changes that will improve working conditions and protect workers' rights.

What is the significance of the cosmetic company mentioned in the script?

The cosmetic company is significant because it was established with the aim of providing good working conditions and allowing employees to leave work early while still maintaining good business performance, which challenges the common notion that long working hours are necessary for success.