This year's recruits went to work at their new jobs for the first time Monday, the start of fiscal 2019 and the beginning of stricter overtime restrictions.
"I would like (this ministry) to lead Japan's social security and working style," Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Takumi Nemoto said in an address to 180 new recruits. "Do not feel small and please believe that you're supporting the country through your role here."
The ministry, which has come under fire for releasing faulty job data for over a decade, played a major role in drafting a labor reform law setting a legal cap on long working hours that came into force Monday.