Cultural perspectives on work: How Malaysia and Japan compare

THE line between ambition and burnout often blurs, particularly in countries where work culture dominates daily life. From long office hours to constant hustle, the pressures of overworking are a shared challenge for many. Yet, the reasons behind this phenomenon vary greatly depending on a nation’s historical context and societal values.

Malaysia and Japan, though geographically distant, share a common struggle with overworking cultures, albeit shaped by distinct historical and societal forces.

Japan’s intense work ethic traces back to the post-war economic rebuilding era, where the drive for productivity became deeply ingrained.

In contrast, Malaysia's overwork culture is fueled by a blend of economic aspirations, rapid urbanisation, and the pressures of societal comparisons. Though Malaysia’s struggle may not be as severe as Japan’s, the challenge of achieving a healthy work-life balance remains a significant issue.

While Malaysia and Japan share a common struggle with overworking culture, the reasons behind it differ. Photo: Edited via Canva

A 2023 study ranked Malaysia as the worst Asian country for work-life balance, with employees working an average of 40.8 hours a week and only 16 days of annual leave. Japan, known for its intense work culture, saw an increase in overtime in 2022, with workers clocking in an average of 22.2 hours of overtime per month.

Yet, as more Malaysians work from home, studies show they save considerable time, averaging an hour and 20 minutes of commuting weekly, a stark contrast to Japan’s daily commute time of 23 minutes for women and 38 minutes for men.

Psychiatrist and Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) President Professor Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj shared that Malaysia’s work culture shares certain similarities with Japan’s in terms of overworking, but the motivations and societal perceptions underlying this phenomenon differ significantly.

“Both nations are known for long working hours, with employees often staying late to meet expectations or demonstrate commitment. In both cultures, there is societal pressure to prioritise work over personal life, with overworking sometimes viewed as a sign of loyalty and dedication.

“In Japan, this culture stems from the post-World War II reconstruction era, when workers labored intensively to rebuild the economy.

“Over time, this evolved into concepts such as ‘karoshi’ (death by overwork) and ‘gaman’ (endurance), where extreme dedication to work became a societal norm and even a ritualistic practice.

“Overworking in Japan is deeply tied to loyalty to one’s company and enduring societal expectations, making it a longstanding cultural phenomenon,” he said.

Meanwhile in Malaysia, the drivers of overworking are more rooted in economic aspirations, rapid urbanisation and societal comparisons.

Andrew mentioned that overworking is often associated with personal ambition, where individuals link long hours to higher earning potential, career advancement and societal approval.

“Strong family structures also influence this culture, as many Malaysians work long hours to support extended families or achieve societal milestones, such as owning property.

“While Japan has begun addressing its overworking crisis through laws aimed at curbing excessive work hours, enforcement remains a challenge.

“In contrast, Malaysia is still in the early stages of tackling work-life balance issues, with fewer legislative or corporate initiatives designed to address the culture of overwork,” he highlighted.