Karoshi: Death and Japanese Government
Malia Pinal English 116
Professor Chad Kelly
December 16, 2012
A worldwide Lesson: Karoshi “Death from Overwork”: The Consequences of Putting Wealth before Health
Abstract: The main objective of this essay is to define and analyze the negative aspects of the Japanese’s Economical drive. Most specifically, it will describe a phenomenon that is occurring in Japan called “Karoshi” or “death from over-work”, where thousands of Japanese citizens are dying due to stress from the harsh working conditions they endure. This essay will prove that the prioritizing of economic prosperity over individual well-being is damaging to society. In order to achieve this, I will disclose detailed information on the connection between excessive amounts of work and stress related death, as well as the social and political implications of this. If the reader accepts these consequences as truths, this phenomenon will serve as an eye-opening lesson.
From afar, the Japanese cultural emphasis on academic success, work ethics and economic prosperity, appears to be worth aspiring to. After all, Japan is the third largest national economy in the world, has achieved high technological advancement and is often considered to be one of the world 's most groundbreaking countries. Unfortunately, Japan’s success has come at a high price. Along with a booming economy, Japan’s intense work ethic has brought a serious and growing phenomenon that has proven to be detrimental in Japanese society. Thousands of young Japanese workers have died due to high levels of work related stress. This occurrence has become so prevalent that there is a specific word to describe it: “Karoshi”. Karoshi is a preventable tragedy and with continued awareness it can serve as a worldwide lesson. In order to prevent the number of work-related deaths of increasing and possibly spreading to other parts of the world, drastic changes must be made in Japanese society and lifestyle. Karoshi or
Professor Chad Kelly
December 16, 2012
A worldwide Lesson: Karoshi “Death from Overwork”: The Consequences of Putting Wealth before Health
Abstract: The main objective of this essay is to define and analyze the negative aspects of the Japanese’s Economical drive. Most specifically, it will describe a phenomenon that is occurring in Japan called “Karoshi” or “death from over-work”, where thousands of Japanese citizens are dying due to stress from the harsh working conditions they endure. This essay will prove that the prioritizing of economic prosperity over individual well-being is damaging to society. In order to achieve this, I will disclose detailed information on the connection between excessive amounts of work and stress related death, as well as the social and political implications of this. If the reader accepts these consequences as truths, this phenomenon will serve as an eye-opening lesson.
From afar, the Japanese cultural emphasis on academic success, work ethics and economic prosperity, appears to be worth aspiring to. After all, Japan is the third largest national economy in the world, has achieved high technological advancement and is often considered to be one of the world 's most groundbreaking countries. Unfortunately, Japan’s success has come at a high price. Along with a booming economy, Japan’s intense work ethic has brought a serious and growing phenomenon that has proven to be detrimental in Japanese society. Thousands of young Japanese workers have died due to high levels of work related stress. This occurrence has become so prevalent that there is a specific word to describe it: “Karoshi”. Karoshi is a preventable tragedy and with continued awareness it can serve as a worldwide lesson. In order to prevent the number of work-related deaths of increasing and possibly spreading to other parts of the world, drastic changes must be made in Japanese society and lifestyle. Karoshi or
Bibliography: * Impoco J. “Dying to work” U.S. News and World Report 110.10 (1991): 24. * Brown, Raymond * “Karoshi—Overwork—Taking Its Toll On Women In Japan.” Women’s International Network News 18.1 (1992):61. * Drinkwater, Jane. “Japan: Death From Overwork.” Lancet 340.8819 (1992): 598]. * “Exploring Okinawans ' Recipes for Longer Lives." The Okinawa Centenarian Study: News: New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012. * Geiger, Debbie "The Okinawa Centenarian Study: News: Newsday." The Okinawa Centenarian Study: News: Newsday [ 1 ]. Impoco J. “Dying to work” U.S. News and World Report 110.10 (1991): 24. [ 2 ]. Brown, Raymond. “Karoshi—A Fatal Export from Japan.” Contemporary Review 263.1533 (1993): 197. [ 4 ]. “Karoshi—Overwork—Taking Its Toll On Women In Japan.” Women’s International Network News 18.1 (1992):61. [ 5 ]. Drinkwater, Jane. “Japan: Death From Overwork.” Lancet 340.8819 (1992): 598]. [ 6 ]. "Exploring Okinawans ' Recipes for Longer Lives." The Okinawa Centenarian Study: News: New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2012.