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Japan Discusses Reduction of Working Hours, But Prime Minister Causes Controversy by Working Early Morning. Understand the Debate.
Reduction of Working Hours Takes Center Stage in Japan Debate, But PM Surprises with Meeting at 3AM
The Japan has reignited the debate over reducing working hours after new indications from authorities advocating for deep changes in labor legislation, precisely to address the productivity crisis and high levels of professional burnout.
The movement gained momentum this year, as the government began to officially discuss models for a four-day workweek, which could transform the quality of life for workers.
However, the discussion occurs in direct contrast to the stance of the new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, who called her team for a meeting at 3 AM in Tokyo earlier this month.
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The meeting did not occur for an emergency reason, but merely for the leader to prepare for commitments in parliament. Thus, the episode exposed the clash between the discourse of modernizing labor legislation and work practices still deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Labor Legislation Under Pressure: Why Japan Discusses the Four-Day Workweek
Japan is facing accelerated population aging, a historic decline in birth rates, and high levels of burnout. Therefore, authorities argue that reducing working hours is not just an improvement but an economic necessity.
The proposal aims to combat “karoshi” — a term meaning death from overwork. Thus, government experts argue that easing labor legislation could reduce pressure on workers while simultaneously encouraging economic growth. Many economists claim that without alleviating the work pace, the country may face even more difficulties attracting labor.
Prime Minister Contradicts Trend and Maintains Routine That Worries Experts
On the other hand, the prime minister’s behavior challenges her own proposals under discussion. Sanae Takaichi admitted to sleeping only two hours a night, sometimes four, and that she works at an intense pace by personal choice. According to The New York Times, Takaichi said after the controversial meeting: “Starting so early ‘caused disruptions’ for the team,” but defended the decision as necessary to respond to legislators’ questions.
Upon taking office, she declared:
“I want to eliminate the term ‘work-life balance’ for myself. I will work, work, work, work, and work.”
The leader also acknowledged that the routine adversely affects her health, stating to lawmakers that sleeping so little is “probably ‘bad’ for her skin.”
Reduction of Working Hours Could Improve Quality of Life and Boost Birth Rates
Meanwhile, official data reveal the urgency for change. Between January and June this year, Japan recorded 339,000 births, about 10,000 fewer than the previous year, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. The decline puts consumption sectors on alert and intensifies the debate over policies that favor families.
Proponents of the four-day workweek argue that a shorter workload would give parents more time to raise children and manage household responsibilities. The IMF highlights that half of Japanese women who decided to have fewer children cite the increased domestic burden as a reason.
Additionally, tests conducted by the organization 4 Day Week Global in six countries showed significant results: men spent 22% more time with their children and 23% more time on household tasks. According to Peter Miscovich, an executive at JLL, the effects include “less stress, less burnout, better rest, better sleep, lower cost for the employee, and greater focus on work.”
Technology and Artificial Intelligence Accelerate the Debate on the Future of Work
As the government discusses changes to labor legislation, technology companies add new arguments to the debate. With the advancement of artificial intelligence, experts claim that reduced workweeks may become a reality sooner than expected.
In February, during an interview on Jimmy Fallon’s show, Bill Gates raised the question:
“What will jobs look like? Should we be working just two or three days a week?”
Thus, Japan finds itself divided between the tradition of extreme workloads and the urgent need for modernization to ensure demographic and economic sustainability.
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