Japan’s health ministry says 883 people were ruled eligible for compensation for developing work-related mental health issues in 2023.
The ministry says the figure is up 173 from the previous year and the highest since record-keeping began in 1983.
The data covers workers who developed depression and other mental illnesses due to extreme stress at work or other factors.
The ministry says 79 people committed or attempted suicide due to overwork, up 12 from the year before.
Among those recognized for developing work-related mental illnesses, 157 people said they were harassed by bosses and others. This was followed by 111 people who said they had witnessed or experienced traumatizing accidents or disasters. Sexual harassment was cited by 103 people, while 52 people mentioned harassment by customers.
By age group, 239 were in their 40s, followed by 206 in their 20s.
Ministry officials say more people have become aware that mental health issues can be certified as work-related, resulting in a rise in the number of recognized cases.
They say they will continue making efforts to prevent overwork and workplace harassment.