Karōshi (Karōshi, 過労死) — is a Japanese term that literally translates to "death from overwork" or "death from excessive working hours." It refers to the phenomenon where workers, often young and healthy, suddenly die or suffer serious health problems (such as a stroke or heart attack) due to extreme stress and excessively long working hours.
The Essence of the Phenomenon
The phenomenon of karōshi emerged in Japan in the second half of the 20th century when the country was experiencing a period of rapid economic growth. It reflects a culture in which loyalty to the company and hard work are valued more than personal health.
Factors Contributing to Karōshi
The phenomenon of karōshi is associated with Japanese corporate culture. The main factors contributing to karōshi are excessive working hours, known as Zangyō. Often, workers are informally obligated to work significantly more than 60–80 hours a week to demonstrate their dedication. This pressure is intensified by the concept of "ganbaru" (頑張る), which means "to make every effort" or "not to give up," turning hard work into a relentless social obligation. The lack of adequate rest and constant emotional pressure lead to complete physical and mental exhaustion.
Karōshi typically manifests as sudden medical catastrophes caused by chronic stress and overwork that affect the cardiovascular system. The most common causes of death are heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, there is a term Karojisatsu (Karojisatsu), which means "suicide due to overwork." This refers to cases where workers commit suicide due to mental disorders, particularly depression caused by excessive workloads.
Recognition and Combat
The Japanese government recognizes karōshi as an occupational disease and compensates families if it is proven that the death was caused by excessive working hours. For official recognition, documentary evidence is usually required that the worker worked over 80–100 overtime hours in the month preceding the incident. Despite legislative initiatives to reduce working hours, karōshi remains a deeply rooted problem.
The term karōshi originates from Japan, but the phenomenon of extreme overwork is not limited to this country. The global "hustle culture" (hustle culture) and constant connectivity through technology lead to similar problems worldwide. Karōshi calls for a rethinking of work ethics and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life.
