#Japan #Tokyo #Golden Week #For-It #Workplace Balance

Young Adults and Their Approach to Golden Week

As Golden Week (GW) approaches, many individuals are contemplating how to maximize their time off. A recent survey conducted by For-It Co., Ltd., the company behind the affiliate marketing platform "afb," sampled 500 men and women aged 20 to 69 from across Japan to assess their plans regarding paid leave during this popular holiday period.

Background of the Survey

Golden Week is a significant cultural event in Japan, known for its long breaks that usually span several days. While some years may intermingle weekdays with weekends, many people often take additional paid leave to extend their time off. Amid growing initiatives towards work style reform and a heightened awareness of taking vacations, the survey sought to ascertain how individuals actually planned to utilize their time during this year's GW.

Survey Summary

• - Target Participants: Individuals aged 20-69
• - Sample Size: 500 respondents
• - Residence: Nationwide coverage
• - Methodology: Online survey
• - Survey Date: April 18, 2025

One key question posed to participants was: "Do you typically take paid leave during GW to create a long holiday?" The response options included:
1. I always take paid leave for a long holiday
2. I take leave depending on the calendar
3. It depends on my schedule
4. I usually do not take any leave (only follow the official holidays)
5. I have work every day during GW
6. I am not working

According to the results, the answer with the highest percentage was that 29.6% of respondents do not take paid leave, preferring to stick to the regular holiday schedule. In contrast, only 9.0% reported that they consistently take paid leave, indicating a significant disparity.

Gender Differences in Taking Paid Leave

When broken down by gender, the survey suggested that men are more likely to take paid leave than women. Data from the Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training indicated that as of March 2025, the manufacturing industry employed more men, while the healthcare and welfare sectors had a majority of female workers. Thus, it seems that the ease of taking paid leave could vary significantly between industries.

Work-Life Balance Among Younger Generations

Looking at the results by age group, over 70% of those employed are aged between 20 to 50. Among this demographic, individuals in their 20s and 30s are more inclined to consistently take paid leave for long holidays compared to those aged 40 and above. This trend underscores a growing emphasis on work-life balance among younger workers, who seem to prioritize mental and emotional rejuvenation through extended holidays. In contrast, the older generation may be more accustomed to traditional work cultures that emphasize commitment to the organization, thus leading to a more cautious approach towards taking paid leave.

Interestingly, a prior survey gauging plans for GW indicated that more than 70% of individuals aged 40 and above opted to spend the holiday at home, suggesting they felt less need to extend their time off into a longer break. This generational divide hints at the shifting societal expectations regarding work-life dynamics.

Family Influence on Leave-Taking Decisions

Additionally, the presence of children appears to have a significant influence on decisions regarding paid leave. Findings showed that parents were more likely to take time off, possibly to manage family trips or to care for children when schools and daycare centers were closed. The necessity to align vacations with a child's schedule often leads parents to seek longer periods of leave during GW, indicated by their inclination to utilize flexible holiday arrangements.

For the upcoming GW, it is possible for workers to enjoy up to 11 continuous days off if they utilize their paid leave effectively. However, recent trends show that factors such as economic concerns (e.g., depreciation of the yen, rising prices), poor calendar alignment, and a desire to avoid crowds are causing many to be more selective about taking time off, often opting for staggered holidays instead.

Looking ahead, the trends in how individuals spend their GW and utilize paid leave will likely evolve in response to broader social changes, economic factors, and the diversification of work methods.

About 'afb'

For-It Co., Ltd. operates the performance marketing service known as 'afb', an affiliate platform that has consistently ranked highest in partner satisfaction for twelve consecutive years. With nearly 20 years of extensive operational experience, the platform boasts around 16,000 promotions and approximately 1.15 million partner sites, aiming to optimize advertising effectiveness through data-driven marketing strategies.

For further inquiries, please visit the official website of 'afb' here.