The Grueling Reality

Yuki Watanabe, a 24-year-old employee in Japan’s telecom and e-payment sectors, used to endure 12-hour workdays, with leaving the office by 11 p.m. considered early. The intense demands led to health issues, including shaky legs and stomach problems, but the rigid work culture made it difficult for Watanabe to resign.

Struggles with Resignation

In Japan’s hierarchical work culture, asking to leave on time or take time off can be challenging, and resigning is often viewed as a sign of disrespect. Some employers go to extreme lengths to keep employees from quitting, including ripping up resignation letters or harassing workers. Watanabe, who used a pseudonym to protect future job prospects, feared her resignation would be denied.

The Rise of Resignation Agencies

To overcome this obstacle, Watanabe turned to Momuri, a resignation agency that assists employees in leaving their jobs without facing their intimidating bosses. For a fee, these agencies handle the resignation process, negotiate with employers, and even provide legal referrals if necessary. Momuri, which launched in 2022, has seen a surge in demand, with up to 11,000 inquiries in the past year.

Harrowing Workplace Stories

Momuri’s operations manager, Shiori Kawamata, shared stories of clients facing extreme resistance when trying to resign. Some have had their resignation letters torn up multiple times, while others have been harassed at their homes. One worker was even dragged to a temple and told they were cursed. The agency primarily assists employees from small to medium-sized businesses, with those in the food, healthcare, and welfare industries being the most vulnerable.

Overwork Culture and Its Consequences

Japan’s overwork culture, known for its punishing hours and high-pressure environments, has long been a problem. The phenomenon of “karoshi,” or “death by overwork,” has claimed lives for decades. While government efforts have led to a decline in fatalities, the number of claims related to mental stress at work has risen dramatically.

Changing Attitudes Among Younger Workers

The emergence of resignation agencies is partly due to changing attitudes among younger workers, who are less willing to tolerate toxic work environments. With a labor shortage driven by an aging population and declining birth rates, young workers have more leverage in the job market. However, they often prefer to avoid confrontation, opting for a third party to handle their resignations.

The Future of Resignation Agencies

While experts like Hiroshi Ono from Hitotsubashi University suggest that open discussions with employers are preferable, resignation agencies like Momuri remain in demand. Kawamata expressed hope that such services would eventually become unnecessary but acknowledged that as long as workplace horror stories continue, the need for resignation agencies will persist. For now, Momuri even offers a 50% discount for clients who need help resigning a second time.