Japan Relaxes Overtime Work Rules to Stimulate Economy

Matichon•International•19d ago

Reader Briefing

Japan has relaxed overtime work regulations effective September 1 to stimulate economic growth despite concerns over work-related death.

•Japan relaxed overtime work regulations starting September 1.
•The move follows a growth strategy implemented in July by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
•The Japan Labor Standards Inspection Office will no longer pressure businesses to adhere to a 45-hour monthly overtime ceiling.
•Critics argue this is a regression toward a deep-rooted culture of overworking.

•Japan relaxed overtime work regulations effective September 1 to stimulate economic growth.
•Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi implemented a growth strategy in July calling for the revision of current working hour regulations.
•Some business sectors requested more flexible working patterns due to worsening labor shortages.
•Approximately 40% of businesses in Japan operate under specific agreements between employers and employees allowing up to 100 overtime hours per month according to the Ministry of Labour.
•Authorities previously recommended a 45-hour monthly overtime limit to reduce the risk of Karoshi, or death from overworking.
•The Japan Labor Standards Inspection Office will stop pressuring businesses to follow the 45-hour monthly overtime ceiling.
•A May survey by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that pressure from regulations limited the operations of about 20% of small and medium-sized enterprises.
•The relaxation of rules particularly affects sectors facing labor shortages, including construction, transport, and service businesses.

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Japan(ญี่ปุ่น)ℹ️

The country that relaxed its overtime work regulations to stimulate economic growth.

Sanae Takaichi(ซานาเอะ ทาคาอิจิ)ℹ️

The Prime Minister of Japan who implemented a growth strategy in July.

Ministry of Labour(กระทรวงแรงงาน)ℹ️

The government body that provided data on the percentage of businesses using specific overtime agreements.

Japan Labor Standards Inspection Office(สำนักงานตรวจสอบมาตรฐานแรงงานของญี่ปุ่น)

The office that will no longer pressure businesses to comply with the 45-hour overtime ceiling.

Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry(หอการค้าและอุตสาหกรรมแห่งญี่ปุ่น)

The organization that conducted a survey in May regarding the impact of regulations on small and medium-sized enterprises.