Japanese authorities’ inspection of musical theater group The Takarazuka Revue has begun checking compliance with labor standards, NHK television channel reported Nov. 23, citing an informed source.
The inspection was prompted by the death of a 25-year-old woman who joined the singing and dance group 6 years ago. In September she was found dead in the city of Takarazuka.
According to the television channel, on November 22, the labor standards inspectorate visited the creative team and spoke with the artists.
According to relatives of the deceased, in September the volume of overtime exceeded 277 hours. They are sure that he committed suicide due to long work hours and harassment from senior colleagues.
An investigative report released by the musical theater said there was no evidence of harassment or intimidation. However, at the same time, it is said that she may have suffered severe mental stress due to excessively long work hours.
Now the labor standards inspectorate will check the existing health protection measures. It will also try to identify the existence of possible violations of labor laws. In turn, the musical theater in its statement to NHK promised to cooperate with the investigation to the extent possible.
Let us remember that in Japan the “karoshi” phenomenon is enshrined at the legislative level, that is, death due to overwork in the workplace. The government has long tried to combat overwork and requires employers to prevent employees from working long hours outside of work hours.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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