Statement by Yoshimitsu Kobayashi, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai
On Enactment of Work Style Reform Law

June 29, 2018

Yoshimitsu Kobayashi
Chairman, Keizai Doyukai

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1. Japan's Diet has passed the work style reform bill into law today. The new law aims at restricting long working hours by introducing an overtime limit and penalizing employers who breach the limit. It is also characterized by the establishment of the Sophisticated Professional System, placing high-level professional jobs outside the working hour restrictions. We welcome the first step for a reform toward more focus on workers' health and Japan's productivity enhancement.
2. Amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the way, a new working style for greater creativity is vital for Japanese corporations to gain more competitive strength to win through on the global scene. We request the government to implement full-fledged reviews on labor legislation and further reform measures, looking to an environment where each one can work anytime and anywhere with a more diverse and flexible working style.
3. The private sector, in this regard, must take initiatives in realizing the work style reform. In addition, restrictions of overtime, which is particularly necessary for national government officers, and promotion of creative working style are the challenges that remain. All stakeholders in Japan must rigorously address these challenges as one to enhance productivity.

Japanese version