By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Japan’s catchphrase of the year is “work, work, work, work, and work,” a statement made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shortly before taking office, which has garnered significant attention and criticism. Takaichi’s remarks sparked debate due to Japan’s existing work culture, including its long working hours and the issue of “karoshi” or death from overwork. Despite the controversy, Takaichi defended her comment, clarifying her intent was to demonstrate her dedication as a leader. While receiving the award, Takaichi used a famous line from the manga “Attack on Titan” at an economic forum in Saudi Arabia as a way to encourage investment in Japan’s economy.
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Japan PM’s pledge to ‘work, work, work, work, and work’ wins catchphrase of year, a phrase that’s quickly become infamous, and for all the wrong reasons. It perfectly encapsulates the anxieties many feel about the country’s work culture. It’s a sentiment loaded with the weight of expectation and a fear of burnout, and honestly, it’s hard not to cringe a little when you hear it. The fact that this won “catchphrase of the year” speaks volumes about the current mood and the deep-seated issues that are bubbling beneath the surface in Japanese society.
The core of the problem, as many see it, is the glorification of overwork, a culture where long hours are equated with dedication and commitment. This isn’t just about putting in the time; it’s about being seen to put in the time, even if those hours are spent doing, well, not much. It’s a system where “staying late doing fuck all” is a common reality, as one commenter so aptly put it. And, let’s be real, a system like that is unsustainable. It’s no surprise that the birth rate is plummeting, and a rapidly aging population is becoming a significant concern. People just don’t have time to build families when they’re working themselves into the ground.
One can’t help but feel a sense of dread when hearing the promise. As someone said, you can picture the eulogies already, filled with tales of the deceased’s relentless work ethic. This isn’t a celebration of life; it’s a lament for a life sacrificed at the altar of the corporation. The situation is so dire that the thought of Japan not surviving in its current state, or perhaps even needing Rihanna to come in and save them, doesn’t seem like an overstatement to some.
Of course, the critique goes much deeper than just long hours. Many point to the ingrained conservatism and the resistance to change as significant contributing factors. Japan’s cultural focus on tradition makes it challenging to implement necessary reforms, and this is reflected in the PM’s stance. The focus on “work gives me dignity” mentality is mentioned, and it is a societal problem. This unwillingness to adapt is even evident in the way Japan handles tourism. Why aren’t businesses capitalizing on the influx of visitors, making it easy for tourists to navigate, and embracing new technologies? It’s baffling, and yet, it’s also deeply rooted in the cultural resistance to change.
The proposed solution isn’t just about working harder; it’s about changing the way people work. Suggestions include raising productivity, establishing hard limits on working hours, enforcing vacations, and dismantling the stigma that is associated with work-life balance. It’s about creating a society where people can have families and still have time to enjoy their lives.
But the real fear is that these problems will only get worse. The PM’s policies, as some perceive them, seem to be doubling down on the very things that are driving people away from starting families and leading healthy lives. It’s a vicious cycle, where the more the government pushes for more work, the more likely the people of Japan will want to rebel. The people’s exhaustion is very clear, and some may even want to leave the country.
One thing that comes to mind is that Japan needs to change. Japan is at a critical juncture, and the choices it makes now will shape its future. The catchphrase “work, work, work, work, and work” is a wake-up call, a symptom of a deeper malaise. The fact that it’s gained such traction is a sign of both the problem and the opportunity to rethink the country’s work ethic and societal norms.