Japan is one of the best place and destination in Asia for tourism and for work. It is due to his unparalleled and unique culture, advancement in technology and the heavy manufacturing industries. Japan’s economy relies mainly on the manufacturing sector, electro-mechanical technology, car productions and retail trade industries.

During the field mission of IYCW-ASPAC to YCW-Japan, one of the best learning experiences is the deep sharing of their cultural heritage and work values. Although the language and beliefs may vary from other countries in Asia and to the rest of the World, the working conditions of many young people in Japan is not far from conditions and situations of young people in other countries especially in the social and economic aspect of life.

The culture of work

Young people in Japan highly value their work and their tasks.  They pour their energy and knowledge to their work as part of their responsibility and commitment to the business and as service to the people in Japan in general. But because of this, it has become common problem among the young workers to work more than eight hours a day.

Many Japanese employers required their employee to work long hours (more often to do over time every day), thus workers find it difficult to have holidays, rest and vacations. One of the visible reasons is the lacking of work force (aging population) that most of the companies are under staff such as in factories, hospitals, banks, restaurants and others. Many young workers work for long hours because they felt it is needed in the workplace to the cost of sacrificing their mental and physical health.

According to the study published by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Development Bank of Japan Group’ s Value Management Institute, and others, “to meet the supply and demand, Japan needed 4.19 million foreign workers by 2030 and 6.74 million in 2040, to achieve the GDP target.”

High inflation that affects everyone

Low income in Japan affects the purchasing power of young people. The depreciation (weak) of yen has become a tricky political issue in the country which have direct impact in pushing up the cost of living for many households. The declining of Yen was said to be driven mostly by widening US-Japanese interest rate differentials.

The soaring commodity cost, fueled by Russia’s invasion in Ukraine have pushed Japan’s consumer to suffer more from high inflations. The continued increase in inflation has a major impact on everyone due to Japan's high consumption tax of 10 percent plus their Personal Income Tax. Most of the young people are concerned about this situation because they have almost nothing to save from their wages, even though their income increase, their taxes will also soar.

These situations are considered to be one of the reasons why many young people experiences mental health problems and pressure from the society. The problem of loneliness and isolation, which has also been linked to suicides among young people, has grown increasingly serious amid the spread of the corona virus in Japan. Social isolation becomes alarming issue especially to the young people. Common reasons cited for social isolation were pregnancy, job loss, illness, retirement and having poor interpersonal relationships.

These conditions are interrelated and thus, concrete measures are needed on how to remove young people from this type of condition. The role that young people have to play is big such as continuous evaluation, education process and awareness among young people towards changing their situation.

Young people lives matter

Dealing with mental health problem is not easy for young people. This is a serious matter that harm an individual emotionally and mentally. Thus, YCW Japan encourages young workers to be organized and participate in the community of young people to combat this type of problem. Many of the members uses their skills in art and music that they can express freely release their thoughts, feelings, frustrations, disappointment, sadness, pressure and others.

“I am Matthew and I live in Sapporo, Japan with my mother. At the moment, I am not working, but I am taking technical skills and training program in a farm in Sapporo. I have a developmental problem and it is difficult for me to socialize with other people. I have hard time expressing myself. I am afraid to mix with other people especially in crowded places and I have to stay away from people to avoid panic attack. I join JOC Japan because I wanted to share and express my worries and hardships with fellow youth and to deepen my understanding in our situations.”

YCW-Japan encouraging young workers to get out of their comfort zone and to mingle with other young people, to socialize and make friends. The methodology of YCW helps them to reflect on their personal and collective situation. The Review of Life and Workers Action (ROLWA) strengthens their connection with other young people with the support of adults YCW, collaborators and Chaplains.

Currently, YCW Japan is conducting various studies related to mental health problem to deepen their understanding on the issue. They actively exchanging their experiences with other YCW national movements in Asia and other continents to see the link with others. This greatly contributes to the development of their analysis and strengthening their action.

Mental health issue is an issue of young workers

The International Plan of Action of IYCW 2023-2026 identified mental health issue as one of the important issues to be address by the movement. The movement should facilitate a social and a professional conversation where we find a proper place and support for young workers experiencing mental health issue. Mental health problem is like any other medical illness, that should be given of importance and not to be neglected.