Japan is encouraging companies to adopt a four-day workweek as part of its broader labor reform efforts. This initiative aims to address the country’s labor shortage and improve work-life balance. Since the government endorsed the idea in 2021, only a small percentage of companies—about 8%—have implemented the change, with only a few employees opting for the reduced schedule.
The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has launched a “work style reform” campaign offering free consulting and grants to promote shorter hours, overtime limits, and paid leave. Despite these efforts, only a few businesses have sought advice on making such changes.
Japanese firms like Panasonic and Fast Retailing have introduced four-day workweeks, but the adoption rate remains low. Critics argue that employees on reduced schedules often end up working just as hard for less pay.
Japan’s work culture, known for long hours and high conformity, faces challenges adapting to new work styles. However, proponents believe that a shorter workweek could help retain workers and address the declining birth rate, which is expected to reduce the working-age population significantly by 2065.
