General Nov 3, 2019
Doing good is taking its toll on social entrepreneurs
by Belinda Goldsmith
As more people get involved in social entrepreneurships abroad, the number of people reporting overwork, financial troubles and burnout is rising
World Dec 17, 2018
Burnout and stress lead more companies to try a four-day work week
Work four days a week, but get paid for five? It sounds too good to be true, but companies around the world that have cut their work week have found that it leads to higher productivity, more motivated staff and less burnout. "It is much healthier ...
Commentary / Japan Jul 10, 2018
Shareholder meetings: What's your version?
by Yoko Ishikura
Regardless of our employment status, it is imperative for us to constantly think how we can increase our value.
Business / Economy May 31, 2018
Gender inequality in the workplace could cost $160 trillion in lost earnings globally, a World Bank study showed Wednesday, as pressure to address the pay gap grows. That represents the difference between the combined lifetime income of everyone of working age in the world today ...
National Mar 29, 2018
Marriage quest finds some Japanese men looking to share household duties with female partners
by Magdalena Osumi
Tokyoite Kiyoshi is 38 years old and is still waiting for luck in love. But when he finds his future life partner, he says he will be willing to handle family duties in the belief that men's and women's roles at home are equal. "I ...
Editorials Mar 6, 2018
A new government policy that enourages companies to allow employees to have side jobs raises several important issues.
National / Politics Jan 21, 2018
Constitutional revision, casinos and labor reform top Japan's agenda as Diet prepares to open
by Tomohiro Osaki
After months of turmoil over a snap election, opposition realignment and stalled legislative progress, this year's regular Diet session was scheduled to kick off Monday. The five-month-long process will see the nation's lawmakers discuss a slew of important bills in detail for the first time ...
National May 14, 2017
Can Japan, land of lifetime employment, handle the rise of freelancers?
by Shusuke Murai
For public relations specialist Mari Hirata, the perks that drew her into the world of freelancing were the flexible working hours and the opportunity to work for various companies. When she started freelancing in 2011, Hirata had just given birth. But now that her kids ...
Language | BILINGUAL Apr 17, 2017
Clock ticks for women in Japan seeking love at work
by Kaori Shoji
As much as I hate to spoil the "haru no yoki" (springtime cheer) thing, I have some bad news about Japanese love relationships.
National / Social Issues Dec 27, 2016
Modern Japanese men dogged by stoic salaryman stereotype
by Mizuho Aoki
During the Showa Era (1926-1989), men were the mainstay of families, working for 40 or so years until retirement to better the lives of their wives and children. They were expected to be tough, stoic and competitive. Such masculine norms may sound increasingly outdated today, ...
National / Social Issues Nov 17, 2016
Half of Japan's firms are rethinking work hours with a view to paring overtime: poll
Just over half of Japanese firms are reviewing rules on working hours with many looking to cut down on overtime, a Reuters poll shows, in a sign that the government has gained traction in its campaign for more employee-friendly labor practices. The survey results also ...