Solo assignments have been a regular duty for white collar workers since at least Japan's recovery from wartime devastation, becoming a crucial step in career progression despite their unpopularity among many workers. Solo workers at companies where teleworking has become a norm for all employees are also going home. Researchers at Ritsumeikan University, using census data and government surveys, estimate there may be as many as 1 million solo workers. On average, solo workers get an allowance of 47,000 yen ($432) a month to cover housing costs and a trips homes, according to the labour ministry. Japan's government has largely ignored solo workers in recent labour reforms that focus instead on curbing excessive overtime following several deaths from overwork, known as "karoshi".

Source: The Edge Markets May 19, 2021 22:52 UTC