Browsing by Subject "Labor"

Japan today faces a series of issues ranging from unsatisfactory working conditions to labor shortages across all sectors, culminating in a labor crisis. To overcome this crisis, the Japanese government led by the Liberal Democratic Party has begun to implement reforms bundled under the “Work Style Related Reform Laws”. In addition, businesses have introduced wage increases after 30 years of stagnation. Several extensive research has been conducted over the years on specific issues such as low unemployment rate or low birth rate. However, none have examined the overall labor issue in terms of crisis. Applying the institutionalist and comparative political economy approaches, this thesis aims to evaluate the potentiality of Japan in overcoming the labor crisis.Using previous research, government data and reports, the thesis examines various aspects related to working life and then compares Japan to Finland, another country where the trend is following a similar path to Japan, exploring the overall labor situation in both countries. Central objective of the thesis is to answer if it is possible for Japan to overcome the labor crisis and what needs to be done to achieve societal transformation. The labor crisis is at a critical point in Japan today, but the foundation for societal transformation exists as all stakeholders; the government, businesses, and the people are in agreement for the need for change. What is more, small actions are starting to be taken and once transformative reforms are enacted, Japan may be able to overcome the labor crisis.