JPN Paradox 09 | Overtime and the Reality of Work Style Reform in Japan

If overtime is still incentivized, can we really expect to reduce working hours?

Photo by Andrew Leu

Previously, I shared some thoughts on work-life balance.

This time, I want to explore overtime.

In recent years, the Japanese government has introduced what is known as “work style reform,” an initiative aimed at addressing long working hours and enabling more flexible ways of working.

There is no doubt the intention is meaningful.

And yet, in practice, I sometimes wonder, is this truly a “reform”?

Or is it simply more rules for employers and employees to follow?

Take the regulation of overtime hours.

Setting limits is, of course, a logical step toward preventing overwork.

But it also raises a question.

If employees are financially incentivized to work overtime, what motivates them to stop at 5pm?

As long as the system rewards longer hours, behavior will naturally align with it.

In other words, while we aim to reduce overtime, the underlying structure still assumes and, in some ways, encourages it.

And perhaps, this is the paradox.

Instead of compensation models that rely on overtime, what if companies offered higher base salaries without overtime pay?

At the same time, what if we cultivated a culture where efficiency, where getting work done within working hours, is recognized as a strength?

Leaving work on time should not be seen as a lack of commitment, but as a reflection of focus, organization, and effectiveness.

Rules alone cannot drive transformation. Culture and mindset must shift as well.

So beneath the language of “reform,”

I want to ask: What are we truly trying to change, the number of working hours on paper, or the quality of people’s lives?

Or something else entirely?

What has been your experience?

***JPN Paradox series is not an indictment of Japan. It’s an invitation to explore perspectives, to reflect on what may seem paradoxical across different cultural and social contexts. By making these tensions visible, we hope to spark dialogue and deepen understanding. We’d love to hear your perspective.***