Hours Cut For Government Anti-Overwork Team

The Government committee charged with tackling the culture of overwork in Japanese corporations has cut the number of hours it spends on the task, citing stress and exhaustion.

Whereas it previously sat for eight hours each week to discuss its investigative findings and draft legislation, it will now meet for only one hour weekly, and the amount of time spent on investigation and research will be reduced in proportion.

Committee members hard at work yesterday

Explaining the reasons for the change, committee member Shigo Tokirai told In Other News, "We just don't want to do this. These long hours keep us from seeing our friends and families, and pursuing our interests. Sometimes we don't get to the pub until six thirty, and we're occasionally so tired we have to leave the hostess bar before ten."

The committee now anticipates completing the first draft of their legislation by summer 2023, though by then a number of the members will have retired and joined the boards of Japanese corporations.

Mandatory Red Noses For Foreigners In Japan

From Monday next week, all foreign residents and visitors in Japan are to be required to wear big bright red noses. Failure to wear the noses will incur an on-the-spot fine, or one week in prison.

A foreigner yesterday

The government explained the new regulation at a press conference yesterday. Insularity Ministry spokesman Akano Hana said, "We feel this is an important step for Japanese cultural unity. Both foreigners and Japanese people alike need to remember that foreigners are curiosities, and big clown noses will make sure everyone knows. Do you see what I did there?"

Perhaps surprisingly, some Japanese citizens are opposed. Saitama retiree Sabetsu Oyaji, 76, told In Other News "I don't like it. With my eyesight, I might mistake a foreigner for the Japanese flag. I wouldn't want to bow to a foreigner by mistake."

Another foreigner

However, at least one expatriate welcomes the news. Kansas native Crazy O'Zany, 26, co-presenter of TV show "Happy English Fun Time", told us, "This is great news for me! I have a bright red nose anyway, from the amount of bourbon I drink to forget the existential cancer gnawing at my soul every waking moment, so it'll, what was the question?"

The noses cost JPY500 each, and are available for purchase at airports and immigration offices across Japan. Since Japan has four seasons, the design and shade will change every three months.