The workload at all schools has been increasing, and everyone has no leeway. The volume of work needs to be adjusted.

The whole :work ethic " in Japan needs to be adjusted . . . The commitment to quality and to ensure a 'job well done' is exemplary . . .but the wear and tear on the the Japanese workers, physically and psychologically is unconsciounable........................Actually it is hIGH TIME the Ministry of Labour pass legisltaion - similar to other democratic capilistic market economies, like Canada, Britain, Germany, that govern working hours, over-time pay , holidays, discrimination and sexual harassment in the work place . . .among other things .

Not surprised. Most of the teachers I have known in Japan over the years work insane hours and then go in on weekends and holidays. They have no time for a life of their own. I feel bad for their kids. Something has to change.

Couldn't agree with Semperfi's opening comment more, but would add that the "work ethic" needs adjusting insofar as currently, there don't seem to be any ethics at all. Bosses routinely flout what little employment law exists, and very, very rarely is a case taken to, and then acted upon by the labour standards bureau.

That said, the Japanese only have themselves to blame for this situation. Everyone is complicit in it; bosses for perpetuating and taking advantage of the situation, and employees lacking a backbone and just capitulating to it.

I've said it before, but it's amazing how a society supposedly governed by a group mentality seemingly just cannot get it together to improve their working lives...