Following an audit conducted in September, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced Tuesday that 4,189 businesses violated labor laws, including forcing extended work hours on employees and failing to pay overtime wages, and it ordered them to redress the situation.
The firms represent 82 percent of 5,111 companies selected for the oversight action, based on tips and employment data, against so-called black companies known for abusive employment practices, especially against young workers, the ministry said.
"Even though it was not just targeting (businesses abusing) young people, many young employees are found toiling under duress," a ministry official said of its investigation.