Work and Leisure in Japan.

The article discusses the work hours and pay of Japanese workers. Sony Corp. chairman Akio Morita has argued that labor's share in Japan is too low and working hours are too long. Japan's Prime Minister has also called for shortened working hours, making Japan known internationally for its living standards. The author believes that a great deal can be learned about the social, political and economic currents in Japanese society today by understanding the working hour reduction debate and its underlying premises. The author seeks to dispose of misconceptions held by Japan about eastern countries and vice versa. He proposes an alternative way to understand the long hours worked by Japanese employees.