In recent months, the resignation agency known as "Moore" has seen a staggering surge in requests from new employees, particularly recent graduates, highlighting alarming labor conditions in some Japanese workplaces. According to reports, approximately 20,000 people utilized the resignation agency last year, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.
As of January 2025, the agency recorded over 2,000 requests per month, setting a new record. On April 1, the first day of the new fiscal year, 134 individuals sought assistance from Moore, including five new graduates. The requests continued to escalate, with eight new requests on April 2 and an astounding 20 requests on April 3, reflecting a troubling pattern among new employees entering the workforce.
Shinji Tanimoto, the 36-year-old representative director of Albatroz Co., Ltd., which operates Moore, expressed his astonishment at the daily influx of requests. He noted, "The amount of shocking information regarding labor conditions we are receiving from new employees is overwhelming." This sentiment was echoed by the agency's official X account, which reported on April 3 that 20 requests for resignation came from new graduates on that single day.
The reasons behind these resignations are troubling. Reports indicate that new employees are facing extremely harsh working conditions. For instance, many graduates cited over 10 hours of training without breaks, being urged to consume meals quickly, and even prohibitions on drinking water outside of meal times. Some were instructed not to contact family or friends, while others faced bizarre demands such as being told to switch their dominant hand from left to right.
Moreover, several graduates reported being ordered to perform cleaning duties outside of their working hours and having to recall and write down the contents of lengthy lectures in detail. The agency's reports also highlighted that elevators were prohibited in some buildings, forcing employees to climb stairs to the eighth floor.
Specific cases illustrate the severity of the situation. One female administrative employee reported that during her induction ceremony, the company president confronted her publicly, shouting, "Are you looking down on me?" Another male healthcare worker recounted feeling intimidated during a five-hour pre-employment training session, where the instructor's threatening words left him feeling insecure about his abilities.
Additionally, one male educator described experiencing severe nausea and depression at the thought of starting his new job, stating that he felt he could not work under such conditions. A female employee in the food service industry expressed disappointment, saying the reality of the job did not match her expectations, leaving her feeling unfulfilled.
These accounts raise serious questions about the treatment of new employees in Japan, particularly in a country known for its strong work ethic and commitment to corporate loyalty. The swift rise in resignations among new graduates has prompted discussions about the need for better labor standards and protections for employees, especially those just entering the workforce.
As the new fiscal year begins, the trend of utilizing resignation agencies like Moore is becoming increasingly common. The agency's rapid growth indicates a significant shift in how new employees are navigating their careers, often opting to leave rather than endure what they perceive as intolerable working conditions.
The issue has garnered attention from various sectors, with calls for reform and improved labor practices echoing across social media and news outlets. Advocates argue that the experiences of these new graduates should serve as a wake-up call for employers to reassess their workplace environments and policies.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for companies to foster a supportive and healthy work environment that encourages employee well-being. The alarming rise in resignation requests from new graduates indicates a pressing need for change, and companies must take proactive steps to address these concerns.
As more individuals seek the assistance of resignation agencies like Moore, the conversation surrounding labor rights and employee treatment in Japan continues to evolve. The hope is that these discussions will lead to meaningful changes in workplace culture, ensuring that new employees are treated with respect and dignity.
Ultimately, the experiences of these recent graduates highlight a critical juncture in the Japanese labor market, where the balance between corporate expectations and employee welfare must be carefully navigated. The rise of resignation agencies may signal a shift in how employees advocate for their rights, paving the way for a more equitable work environment for future generations.
