Nearly two thirds of respondents to a survey in Japan value free time more than their jobs. The figure is a record high.
The non-profit Japan Productivity Center conducted the annual poll on about 3,300 people.
About 34 percent of the respondents say they find purpose in leisure, rather than their job. Nearly 32 percent say they try to wrap up their work in good time, to have fun elsewhere.
Only about 12 percent place more value on work than leisure.
Comparable data started in 2009, and the latest results point to a growing awareness about work-life balance.
Nagata Ryo, an official involved in the poll, says the coronavirus pandemic and rise in remote working probably saw people reassess how they want to live.
He also points out that Japanese people may be realizing that they want to enjoy their private lives more, instead of focusing only on working.
The survey also asked people how they spend their free time. Almost half say they travel in Japan. That’s now been the top answer for two straight years.