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The problem is cultural. It's not something you fix by stupid regulations. The fact that people feel obligated to stay long hours because their boss is in the office, and the whole concept of "we are all in this together so we should all suffer together" is a key driver. It's not unique to Japan at all by the way, Korea and some other Asian countries have the same problem, and this is rooted in a long tradition of Confucianism. Japan is the not the West.

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> The fact that people feel obligated to stay long hours because their boss is in the office, and the whole concept of "we are all in this together so we should all suffer together" is a key driver.

You see this culture in the US military also, and not just when deployed where it is warranted, at home when there is no reason for it.

"One team one fight"

Yes it’s partially cultural, but it also depends on the company. I work for a company in Tokyo (about 35 - 40 people, 90%+ Japanese). We work 7.5 hour days, go home on time, and can work remotely. (If you speak Japanese and like Python, we’re hiring!)

While the majority of large companies have this old style thinking, I think it will continue to change as the younger people get into positions to effect change.

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