Number of work-related mental health cases hits record high in Japan
Japan's health ministry says the number of people who were ruled eligible for compensation as a result of work-related mental health issues reached an all-time high last year.
The ministry's survey shows that 1,055 cases developed depression and other mental illnesses due to extreme stress for the fiscal year that ended in March 2025. The figure was up by 172 from the previous year.
The count also exceeded 1,000 for the first time, and marked a record high for the sixth straight year.
The latest figure also includes 88 cases of suicide and attempted suicide, up by nine from the year before.
The top reason given for the work-related mental health issues was power harassment by bosses and others, with 224 cases. This was followed by an inability to adapt to changes in the content or volume of work, with 119 cases. Harassment by customers and clients was cited by 108 people, while 105 people mentioned sexual harassment.
The survey also found that there were 241 cases of workers' compensation given for cerebral hemorrhage, cardiac infraction and other serious illnesses caused by excessive workloads. This figure increased by 25 from the previous year. Of the total, 67 people died, an increase of nine.
Ministry officials say a growing number of people appear to be under heavy stress due to relationships in the workplace and changing working conditions. They say they will continue making efforts to prevent overwork and workplace harassment.
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