Lesson on working to death - karoshi

[Neil53]

I would like to hear a lesson or discussion on the issue of working to death in Japan (karoshi). This is more of a cultural topic than a Japanese lesson. The phrase "shikata ga nai" might also be discussed in addition to the shoganai phrase already introducted as they relate to the Japanese way of thinking.

Onegaishimasu.

[Belton]

I believe the term you mean is karoshi (I'm forever getting a syllable wrong and changing the meaning as well!)

過労死 [かろうし] (n) (col) death from overwork, karoshi

The last time I was in Japan, an English language club had this as a topic for conversation. The Japanese attitudes to work were interesting. They couldn't quite believe my European slacker ways and amount of paid holidays. !

It was also in Japanese news this week, with the government compensating the widow of a worker (of Toyota I think) for his death by karoshi. Unfortunately I can no longer find the story. Yesterdays news now...

A bit morbid perhaps but it would be a quirky way for jPod to give a lesson around the phrases and behaviour you need at a Japanese funeral. Something I hope never to need but I can think of a least one time I was lost for suitable words at a friends bereavement.

[markystar]

Good ideas, both of them!!

[Neil53]

Belton - thanks for the correction. I thought this topic would fit in well with the positive nature of JapanesePod101 lessons and perhaps provide an opportunity for the staff to potentially address any internal problems concerning this issue.

[markystar]

address any internal problems concerning this issue.

do you work for toyota?
過労死しないでください！　

[Belton]

JapanesePod's combination of Internet startup and Japanese work ethic makes me surprised any of you see the light of day or your families!

But I don't get the sense of Peter-san or anybody as slavedriver. The troops seemed fairly happy to me and not in danger of karoshi yet.

[markystar]

you pretty much nailed it, Beltonさん. but it really is a labor of love. we're very lucky to have such passionate and creative people here! (altho it's just a handful)

[Jason]

you pretty much nailed it, Beltonさん. but it really is a labor of love. we're very lucky to have such passionate and creative people here! (altho it's just a handful)

Yep!