Japan's Labor Crisis: Overtime or Overwork?
BUSINESS
1/25/2026
WARM-UP
Answer briefly. No overthinking.
Do you work overtime?
Is overworking common in your country?
Should governments control working hours?
VOCABULARY
ESSENTIAL (A1–B1)
stagnant – having little or no growth or change
Example: The economy remained stagnant last year.
bankrupt – legally unable to pay debts
Example: Several businesses went bankrupt during the crisis.
revitalize – to make something active or strong again
Example: New policies could revitalize the economy.
regulation – an official rule made by authorities
Example: Labor regulations protect workers.
excessive – more than is acceptable
Example: Excessive overtime harms health.
DEVELOPED (B2–C2)
compromise – accept lower standards than desired
Example: The company refuses to compromise on safety.
labor shortage – lack of enough workers
Example: The labor shortage affects many industries.
deregulation – removal of rules or controls
Example: Deregulation could change employment conditions.
work-life balance – balance between work and personal life
Example: Flexible schedules improve work-life balance.
worker protection – laws that keep workers safe
Example: Worker protection is a government duty.
READING
INTRODUCTION
This article explores Japan’s labor shortage and the debate about relaxing overtime regulations to support economic growth.
ARTICLE (ALL LEVELS)
Japan is facing a serious labor shortage and a stagnant economy. Because of this, the government is considering changing labor laws that limit overtime work.
Many companies believe allowing more overtime could help solve staff shortages and revitalize the economy.
However, Japan has a long history of overwork, including cases of karoshi, or death from overwork.
DEVELOPED ARTICLE (B1–C2)
Although overtime limits were introduced in 2019, overwork remains a major problem. Thousands of karoshi cases are still reported.
While business leaders support deregulation, unions argue that relaxing regulations could compromise worker health and safety.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
A1–A2
Why is Japan considering changing labor laws?
What problem does Japan have with workers?
What does karoshi mean?
B1–B2
Why do companies want more overtime?
What happened after overtime limits were introduced?
Why do unions oppose deregulation?
C1–C2
Why might deregulation fail to solve labor shortages?
How could increased overtime affect society?
What alternatives could protect both workers and the economy?
SPEAKING
A1–A2 — FOUNDATION
Language Support:
“I think ___.”
“I agree / I don’t agree.”
“It is good/bad because ___.”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Do you work overtime?
Is overtime common where you live?
Do you like long working hours?
Should overtime be limited?
Is rest important?
Do people feel stressed at work?
Should companies protect workers?
Is free time important to you?
Would you work more for extra pay?
Do you relax after work?
Are weekends important?
Should the government help workers?
Are long hours healthy?
Would you change jobs for better hours?
Do you prefer fixed or flexible hours?
B1–B2 — EXPANSION
Language Support:
“In my opinion…”
“One advantage is…”
“However, a drawback is…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Why do people accept excessive overtime?
Does overtime increase productivity?
Should companies hire more staff instead?
How does overwork affect families?
Is deregulation ever positive?
Should unions have more influence?
How can burnout be prevented?
Does technology increase workload?
Should wages rise instead of hours?
Is work culture changing?
Are younger workers different?
Should karoshi be treated as a crime?
Do flexible schedules improve morale?
Who should control working hours?
What reform would you prioritize?
C1–C2 — DEPTH & REFLECTION
Language Support:
“This raises questions about…”
“From an ethical perspective…”
“One long-term implication is…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Does overtime culture reflect economic failure?
Should health outweigh economic growth?
Are labor shortages structural or temporary?
Is karoshi mainly cultural or political?
Can capitalism function without long hours?
How should productivity be measured?
Can AI reduce labor shortages?
Is deregulation ideological or practical?
How can societies redefine success?
Should corporations be liable for burnout?
How does overwork affect democracy?
Can work-life balance coexist with competitiveness?
What does humane labor policy look like?
Should four-day workweeks be mandatory?
Will traditional work models survive?
