Citizens to start weekends early in Japan

World News Rudolph Rodriquez
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Japan is known for how hard its citizens work. Deaths caused by overworking were also linked to the state.

Now, the country wants to make companies let their workers finish earlier on the last Friday of the month.

This decision is probably caused by “karoshi”, death provoked by working too much.

The campaign is called “Premium Friday” and is supposed to ease the excessive work hours.

The government and companies have thought about this action, that is going to start from February 24.

It is not known how many companies will participate in this action, but one of the biggest company in Japan, Keidanren spoke to 1,300 of its partners to encourage this move.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry didn’t make clear whether its officials are in or not. Hiroshige Seko, minister, declared that he has already given his secretary orders to not put any appointments after 3 PM on February 24 and the following “Premium Fridays”.

This move is not known for sure in which way it’s going to change Japan’s work practices but seems a good idea for the tired citizens.

According to the chief economist of Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, private consumption might rise to $1.6 billion on Premium Fridays if most workers will participate. He also fears that some workers won’t be able to leave early or will make up for that time on other days.

The private consumption is about 60% of the economy and this movement could boost it considerably.

Japanese workers are very dedicated to what they do. It is said that they use only half of the annual paid leave. To make workers take more time off, Japan has 16 free days allocated to holidays.