When we talk about Japan we usually think of beautiful nature views, cute and energetic animations, BUT do you know there are something dark underneath. In 2026, the issue of Karoshi (death from overwork) remains a critical social topic in Japan. While the government has introduced sweeping reforms, the challenge of balancing a deep-rooted work ethic with mental and physical health continues.
Karoshi（過労死)
Karoshi is a situation where someone dies from working too hard, and it usually happens to people who work overtime too much.
Illnesses like headache (dizziness), irregular heart rate, stroke, and sometimes sudden death might happen if you’re tired from working too much. In addition to the above illnesses, people suffering from Karoshi often suffer from mental disorders, causing some to commit suicide (Karojisatsu).
The word “Karoshi” is now included in major English dictionaries and is used in various countries across the world to describe this tragic phenomenon.
Symptoms
Sudden death is the last stage of Karoshi. Early stage symptoms are often headaches (dizziness) and nausea. At this stage, the body is already giving signs that it can no longer handle the load, but many people ignore these signs. They tend to work even harder and eventually the body gives out.
The symptoms of Karoshi are as follows:
- Irregular heart rate: People suffering from Karoshi usually feel drained and have irregular heart rates. Sometimes they also find it difficult to breathe.
- Stroke: Symptoms include severe headaches (dizziness), hearing loss, fatigue, and vertigo.
- Mental disorders and suicide: Working too much can lead to psychological breakdowns. In 2024 and 2025, Japan saw a record high in recognized mental health compensation cases, often triggered by “power harassment” (abuse from superiors).
- Accidents caused by lack of sleep: Sufferers often lack sleep, which can lead to falling asleep while driving or drowning after falling asleep in a hot bath.
Just like a car, our bodies need maintenance, and Karoshi is a condition where the body breaks apart from overwork without proper care.
Why Japanese people work too hard?
Many wonder why Japanese workers choose to stay in bad work environments. Those at risk of Karoshi often have a strong sense of responsibility and a desire not to bother (meiwaku) others, leading them to bottle up emotions and avoid sharing tasks. A shrinking workforce means fewer employees are often carrying a heavier workload, which adds to this pressure.
So, when does overtime become dangerous?
Japanese employees overwork almost every day, but the government has set a “Karoshi Line” to prevent death. Usually, people who have 80 to 100 hours of overtime per month are considered at high risk.
Why 80 to 100 hours?
Humans generally need 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Those who work more than 80 hours of overtime per month usually sleep less than 5 hours a day, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, strokes, and sudden death.
The revolution of working condition in Japan
Karoshi has become one of the most serious problems in Japan. To combat this, the Japanese government enacted the Work Style Reform Act.
In 2024, a major milestone was reached as strict overtime caps were finally applied to previously exempt industries:
- Truck drivers and doctors now have legal limits on their annual overtime (960 hours).
- Construction workers are now subject to the same strict caps as general office workers (720 hours).
In 2026, more companies are adopting four-day workweeks, hybrid work, and “sabbatical reskilling” programs. Being diligent is a good thing, but we must remember that overdoing it can be lethal. Make sure to prioritize both your physical and mental health to avoid Karoshi! Work-life Balance is so important!
