Long hours, social isolation, and stress put incredible pressure on Japanese men. Born into the role of breadwinner and expected to put company before family, Japanese men are often burned out by the time they reach their thirties. Support groups are working toward change, providing these men with an opportunity to vent their frustrations and share ideas with others like them.
See "Break for Breadwinners Japanese Men Seek Shelter Through Support Groups, Sabbaticals", Catherine Makino, San Francisco Chronicle, May 28, 2001