Japan sees rise in work-related mental illness, with power harassment as a leading cause

Japan has seen a record surge in work-related mental health cases, with 1,055 incidents officially recognized in fiscal 2024—an increase of 172 from the previous year and the first time the figure has crossed the 1,000 mark, according to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Power harassment, which is defined as abuse of authority by superiors,  was the most frequently cited cause, accounting for 224 cases. Significant changes in job duties and workload were the next leading cause, with 119 cases. Harassment and abuse from customers, a category newly eligible for compensation since fiscal 2023, accounted for 108 cases.

The ministry also confirmed a separate uptick in brain and heart disease cases attributed to work conditions, which rose by 25 to a total of 241 cases. About 30% of these involved professional drivers, pointing to ongoing concerns about long hours, stress, and the physical toll of transport work.

In the same vein, the number of workers applying for compensation for mental health disorders also reached a record 3,780—an increase of 205 from the prior year. Of those recognized cases, 88 involved suicide or suicide attempts, up nine year-on-year.

The consistent rise in stress-related health problems at work has prompted renewed calls from labor advocates for systemic intervention. Suggested measures include stricter enforcement of anti-harassment policies, mental health training for supervisors, and protections for frontline staff facing difficult or aggressive customers.

Officials have not yet announced new policy changes in response to the latest figures, but the trend highlights the ongoing challenges in adapting Japan’s workplaces to evolving mental health needs.