The Changing World of Work

With historical record levels of employment, Japan is now facing a growing shortage of labour. A greater investment in automation, relaxing immigration restrictions and increased female participation are all seen as important measures, but there is no clear solution. Here, we explore how these changes are also shaping new attitudes to work – as a slow shift of power weighs in favour of a shrinking pool of workers. The “salaryman” workaholic ideal is looking increasingly dated to those entering the market and ‘Generation Reiwa’ is unwilling to accept it any longer.