Long days and little time off are par for the course in the Japanese workplace, which typically prizes presenteeism and unfailing devotion to the organisation. Putting in unpaid overtime is usually a must, and according to a study by Tokyo-based HR company Staff Service, only two in 10 employees take paid annual leave.
The extra-high expectations can lead to severe health consequences, with karoshi, literally “death by overwork”, a recognised problem in Japan. Efforts to curb the country's addiction to work are under way, with a four-day week among the proposals. However, as CNBC has noted, changing Japan's deeply ingrained work culture won't be easy.