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What is Karoshi, the dangerous overwork epidemic?

November 12, 2026 · 5 min

Show notes

The subject we’re talking about today is most associated with Japan, but is also relevant in many other parts of the world. The Japanese word “Karoshi” means "death by overwork". In a broad sense, it refers to workers who die suddenly from a bodily failure like a stroke or heart attack due to extreme stress and long working hours. 

Let’s look into the causes and consequences of a phenomenon that affects millions of workers in Japan and beyond. Overworking in Japan actually became very common during the post WW2 economic boom, when the country rapidly rose to the status of the world's second-largest economy, after the United States.

Is "Karoshi" a recent issue? what can be done to prevent Karoshi? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

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A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 10/6/2024

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