A vow by prominent Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi to “work, work, work, work, and work” has been crowned the nation's 2025 catchphrase of the year, a decision that has drawn both applause for her dedication and sharp criticism in a country grappling with a crisis of death from overwork.

The award throws a harsh spotlight on the intense pressures within Japanese society and resonates deeply within Kenya, where a burgeoning 'hustle culture' is forcing a national conversation about work-life balance, employee well-being, and the true price of productivity.

A Promise That Divided a Nation

The controversial remarks were made by Takaichi, a leading figure in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as she assumed a significant leadership role. “I will have everyone work like a horse,” she declared, adding that she would personally abandon the concept of a work-life balance. The statement quickly became a symbol of a relentless work ethic, but it also provoked alarm.

Lawyers representing victims of *karoshi*—a Japanese term for death from overwork—described her comments as unhelpful in a nation where thousands of stress-related deaths and suicides are reported annually. In 2022, Japan saw 2,968 suicides linked to overwork, a significant increase from the previous year. Attending the award ceremony, Takaichi clarified her remarks, stating, “I had no intention of encouraging people to overwork or suggesting that working long hours is a virtue.”

The Kenyan Parallel: Hustle vs. Health

While Japan's situation is extreme, the debate it has ignited is familiar in Kenya. The nation's digital economy and fast-paced urban life have glorified long hours, leading to rising cases of stress and burnout. This comes even as Kenyan labour laws provide clear protections for workers.

Under the Employment Act, the standard work week is capped, with clear rules for overtime compensation. Key provisions include:

• A typical work week should not exceed 52 hours across six days.
• Overtime on weekdays must be paid at 1.5 times the normal hourly rate.
• Work on public holidays and rest days must be compensated at twice the normal rate.

Despite these regulations, a 2021 study noted that many Kenyan employees report a poor work-life balance, with some formal sectors only slowly beginning to adopt supportive policies. The conversation in Japan serves as a powerful reminder of the potential human cost when the line between ambition and exploitation blurs.

As Japan confronts the meaning behind its 'word of the year,' the underlying question for Kenya is not whether to work hard, but how to build a prosperous nation without sacrificing the health and well-being of its people.