In the world’s third-largest economy, Japan, a country often praised for its work ethic and productivity, there’s a darker side to the culture that’s rarely discussed. The pressure on employees to stay loyal to their companies and work long hours has reached such extremes that some people are now hiring companies to help them quit their jobs. This phenomenon reflects the deep-rooted challenges in Japan’s workplace culture and the toll it takes on workers’ mental and physical health.
The Weight of Japan’s Work Culture
Japan has long been known for its intense work culture, where loyalty to one’s employer is often considered paramount. This devotion can have tragic consequences, as evidenced by the term karoshi, or “death from overwork,” which has been a concern since the 1980s. In 2023 alone, nearly 3,000 suicides in Japan were directly linked to workplace stress, according to official figures. The relentless nature of this culture, which demands total commitment from workers, continues to be a serious problem.
Although Japan is not one of the countries with the highest number of annual work hours, according to the OECD, the long days and frequent overtime are still a reality for many. A 2015 survey found that 20% of workers in their 30s and 40s worked between 49 and 59 hours a week, with 15% pushing well beyond 60 hours. These statistics illustrate the overwhelming workload, often compounded by unpaid overtime.
The Struggle to Quit a Job
In such an environment, resigning from a job can be seen as almost impossible for many workers. The cultural emphasis on company loyalty makes quitting not just uncomfortable but sometimes perceived as a betrayal. To make matters worse, some employers go to extreme lengths to make the resignation process even harder. Reports have emerged of companies refusing to accept resignation letters, tearing them up, or pressuring employees to stay. In the most extreme cases, workers have been forced to kneel before their superiors, begging for permission to leave their jobs.
Resignation Agencies: An Unlikely Solution
In response to this issue, some companies have emerged offering a service that helps workers quit their jobs on their behalf. One such company, Momuri, founded in 2022, charges 22,000 yen (about 140 euros) to handle all aspects of a resignation. This includes notifying the employer, negotiating terms, and dealing with any associated complications.
The success of companies like Momuri highlights a growing demand for this type of service. In just two years, Momuri has handled over 11,000 consultations, becoming a leader in the field. It’s not the only one—more than 100 similar agencies have cropped up, with names that reflect the nature of their work, like Yamerun desu (“Let’s quit”), Saraba (“Goodbye”), and Nomuri. Prices for these services vary, generally ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 yen, depending on the complexity of the case.
There are seasonal spikes in demand, particularly after Golden Week—a series of holidays in late April. This period is tied to a phenomenon known as gogatsubyō, or “May sickness,” a type of post-holiday depression experienced by many Japanese workers. After enjoying a break, many workers feel the crushing weight of their daily jobs and seek a way out.
The Growing Trend Among Younger Generations
A significant driver behind the rise of resignation agencies is the changing attitude of younger generations. Many are no longer willing to accept unsatisfactory working conditions, and they seek better opportunities where their well-being and work-life balance are prioritized. For these workers, these agencies provide a way to regain control over their careers without the humiliation or conflict that can come with a direct resignation.
The growth of these resignation services raises questions about the state of Japan’s work culture. While these agencies are clearly fulfilling a need, they also shine a light on a system that has placed productivity above everything else—often at the expense of individuals’ health and happiness.
Reforming Japan’s Work Culture
In recent years, the Japanese government has introduced reforms aimed at limiting overtime hours and encouraging a better work-life balance. However, these measures have been insufficient in making significant changes to a deeply entrenched work culture. The rise of resignation agencies serves as a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done to create a healthier, more balanced environment for workers in Japan.
The fact that companies now exist to help workers quit their jobs is a sign of how challenging the situation has become. It reflects not only the immense pressure on employees but also a growing awareness among younger generations that mental health and personal happiness must come before the demands of their employers. For Japan, the challenge now lies in finding a way to balance productivity with the well-being of its workers—something that will require both cultural and systemic change.
