Japan reported a record number of workers’ compensation approvals for mental health disorders in fiscal 2025, according to data from the health ministry released on October 9, 2026. This marks the seventh consecutive year of increasing figures, as noted in the latest white paper addressing measures to combat karōshi, or death from overwork.
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The report stems from legislation enacted in 2014 aimed at preventing deaths, suicides, and illnesses associated with excessive workloads and work-related psychological stress. In fiscal 2025, a total of 4,958 workers filed claims related to mental disorders, an increase of 1,178 claims compared to the previous year and more than triple the number from a decade ago. Of these claims, 1,082 were approved for compensation, which is an increase of 26 from the prior fiscal year. Notably, 76 of the approved cases involved suicide or attempted suicide.