TOKYO, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The number of mental illness cases recognized as work-related in Japan rose by 172 from the previous year to 1,055 in fiscal 2024, exceeding 1,000 for the first time and marking a record high for the sixth straight year, government data showed.
Harassment by superiors was cited as the leading cause. Of the total, physical and verbal harassment by superiors accounted for 224 cases, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said Wednesday.
Significant changes in job duties and workloads totaled 119 cases of mental disorders, while abuse by customers, including physical and verbal violence against workers, stood at 108.
Harassment by customers was added to the list of incidents eligible for workers' compensation due to mental stress starting in fiscal 2023.
Meanwhile, 88 cases involved suicides or suicide attempts, up nine from the previous year.
The number of applications filed for workers' compensation due to mental illness hit a record high of 3,780 in the fiscal year that ended in March, up 205 from the previous year, according to the ministry. ■
