"Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers Suffer from Chronic Overwork and Emotional Abuse"

A recent government survey has found alarming rates of overwork, emotional abuse, and harassment among workers in Japan's arts and entertainment sector. The findings have shed light on the plight of sector workers, particularly freelancers who often find themselves in a weak bargaining position.

According to data released by the Labor Ministry, 35.2 percent of workers in the arts and entertainment sector put in more than 60 hours of work per week, compared to just 5.5 percent of the overall workforce. This stark disparity highlights the uniquely demanding nature of the industry, where workers are often expected to push themselves beyond standard working hours.

The survey also revealed widespread reports of emotional abuse, with 42 percent of staff members experiencing harassment, including being verbally abused or yelled at by colleagues or employers. Furthermore, 22.3 percent reported being physically abused.

In addition, the report found that 30.5 percent of workers showed signs of depression or anxiety disorders, which is significantly higher than the national average. The survey also noted that a staggering 51 percent of freelance workers did not receive clear compensation details before accepting a job, and 36.1 percent were subjected to unrealistic deadlines.

The government's latest move aims to address these issues through the passage of new legislation governing freelance work. Starting November this year, companies hiring freelancers will be required to clearly state the terms of employment at the time of contract signing and implement measures against power harassment.

This development comes as a significant step towards mitigating the growing problem of overwork-related deaths in Japan. A decade after the implementation of regulations aimed at preventing such tragedies, the data paints an even bleaker picture of mental health toll on workers. With 883 records of work-related mental disorders reported last fiscal year, officials say heightened awareness has fueled a surge in claims.

The statistics underscore the urgent need for policymakers to recognize and address systemic issues within Japan's arts and entertainment sector. With the government's latest measures, the sector takes another critical step towards recognizing the value and rights of freelancers, and toward creating a healthier work environment.