#Karoshi

Japan has officially recognized an unprecedented number of overwork-related deaths and health disorders in fiscal year 2024, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. The ministry reported 1,304 government-recognized cases of so-called “karoshi” (death from overwork), representing a year-on-year increase of 196 cases. This surge sets a new record for work-related deaths and health issues in Japan—most of them involving strokes, heart conditions, depression, and other mental disorders, with the majority of the cases categorized as mental health disorders (nippon.com). Notably, this marks the first time Japan has reached over 1,000 officially recognized work-related mental health disorder cases in a single year—a stark warning for both policymakers and employers.

A devastating mental health crisis has engulfed Japan’s workforce, with official government data revealing the highest number of recognized overwork deaths and disorders ever recorded in the nation’s history. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has confirmed 1,304 cases of “karoshi”—literally meaning death from overwork—during fiscal year 2024, marking a shocking 196-case increase from the previous year. This unprecedented surge represents far more than statistical concern; it signals a fundamental breakdown in workplace safety that has transformed Japan’s corporate culture into a lethal environment for millions of workers.

A dire mental health crisis in Japan’s workforce has reached a historic peak, with official data showing more recognized cases of overwork-related death and disorders than ever before. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare confirmed 1,304 karoshi cases in fiscal year 2024, a rise of 196 from the previous year. This is not merely a statistic; it signals a fundamental strain in workplace safety and a culture that has, at times, valued productivity over personal wellbeing.