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4 Day Work Week in Japan

The Japanese government released their annual economic policy in 2021 which recommended that companies let staff work 4 days per week, instead of the usual 5.

AsiaGovernment 4 day week recommendation
31.5
Avg Hrs/Week
10
Vacation Days

Overview

4 Day Work Week in Japan

Japan does not officially have a 4 day work week, but a 2021 government report encouraged companies to consider offering a shorter workweek. This recommendation is part of a broader initiative to tackle labor shortages, declining birthrate and improve the well-being of workers.

Background

Historically, Japan has been known for its intense work culture, where long hours and the expectation to sacrifice for one's company are deeply embedded in society. This culture has also led to significant issues, such as "karoshi" — death from overwork. The country reports an average of 54 such fatalities a year, including heart attacks.

Another key factor driving Japan toward adopting a four-day workweek is its declining birth rate. Japan faces a shrinking working-age population, making it crucial to retain existing workers.

The birth rate has dropped to 1.26 births per woman in 2022, well below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to sustain the population. As a result, the working-age population is projected to shrink by 40% by 2065, decreasing from 74 million to around 45 million.

In response, the Japanese government has been advocating for reforms to encourage a healthier approach to work.

The Government's Role

In 2021, Japan officially endorsed the idea of a four-day workweek as part of its economic policy to improve worker well-being. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare introduced the "hatarakikata kaikaku" or “innovating how we work” campaign, which seeks to:

  • Encourage small and medium-sized companies to reduce working hours.
  • Limit overtime.
  • Offer flexible working arrangements.
  • Guarantee paid annual leave.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has started offering free consulting, grants, and a growing library of success stories to motivate businesses. Despite these efforts, only around 8% of companies have adopted a three-day-off policy per week.

Companies Leading the Way

Some major companies have already started experimenting with the four-day workweek, although adoption remains limited:

  1. Fast Retailing Co.: Recently introduced a four-day workweek for some employees.

  2. Panasonic: Despite offering the 4-day workweek option to 63,000 employees, only a small fraction (150 employees) have opted in.

  3. Spelldata: A small Tokyo-based technology company offering a flexible schedule.

  4. Shionogi & Co.: A pharmaceutical company implementing flexible work options.

  5. Ricoh Co. and Hitachi: Electronics companies that have introduced a four-day workweek.

  6. SMBC Nikko Securities Inc.: A brokerage firm allowing four-day workweeks since 2020.

  7. Mizuho Financial Group: Offers a three-day schedule option for its employees.

Challenges to Adoption

Despite the potential benefits, there are several obstacles to the widespread implementation of a four-day workweek in Japan:

  • Cultural barriers: Many workers fear that a shorter week may be seen as a lack of commitment to their company or result in lower pay.

  • Workload concerns: Some employees worry that they will be expected to do the same amount of work in fewer days, leading to increased pressure.

  • Corporate mindset: Japan’s work culture has long prioritized long hours as a measure of dedication, making it difficult to shift to a new mindset.

For Japan to fully embrace the four-day workweek, a major cultural shift is necessary. The COVID-19 pandemic has already opened doors to flexible work arrangements.

However, deeply rooted traditions such as service overtime (unpaid work) and the pressure to conform to corporate norms remain significant hurdles.

Work Culture in Japan

Working Hours in Japan

Although the legal recommendation for working hours in Japan is 40 hours per week, historically, many Japanese employers have required their employees to work as much as 80 hours of overtime per month. This has led to the Japanese term “karoshi”, which translates to “death by overwork”.

Working hours in Japan per year

In recent years, working hours in Japan have gradually decreased, from 2,097 hours annually in 1986 to 1,644 hours in 2019.

In Japan, regular office hours are between 10 and 6, although many employees may work earlier or later hours.

Vacation Policy in Japan

There are several types of holiday leave in Japan. The first, called “legal holiday”, requires workers in Japan to receive at least one day off per week, or 4 days off per month.

Employees also have annual leave. Employees are entitled to 10 days per year, and receive an additional day per year that they have worked with the company, up to a maximum of 20 days.

Although Japan has 16 public holidays per year, there is no legal requirement for employers to compensate employees if they are required to work on a public holiday. Most employers do allow their workers to rest on major holidays.

Part Time Working in Japan

As of 2020, 38% of Japan’s total workforce worked part time, a number that has increased from 24% in 2000. 53% of Japan’s female workforce works part time, compared to only 25% of the male workforce in Japan.

While younger workers in Japan are most likely to hold full-time positions, older workers are more likely to work part time or seasonal jobs.

Remote Working in Japan

During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Japan experienced a rise in remote workers. While the percentage of companies that offered remote work opportunities was only 20% in 2019, the number reached 51.9% in 2021.

Since then, many companies have stopped implementing remote work, with 70% of Japanese companies no longer offering remote work as an option for employees.

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