Difference in Mortality Rates by Occupation in Japanese Male Workers Aged 25 to 64 Years from 1980 to 2015

This study examines the trends in mortality among Japanese working men, across various occupational categories, from 1980 to 2015. A Poisson model of trend, occupational category, and step variable was analysed for eight occupational categories separately, by cause, to explore the trends in mortality. This study found a sharp increase in mortality in the late 1990s, especially among professionals and managers. The overall trends in cancer, ischemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and suicide mortality decreased across almost all occupational categories from 1980 to 2015, although there was an increasing trend in cancer of 0.5% among managers. Clerical workers had the greatest relative decrease in mortality rates from cancer (−82.9%), IHD (−81.7%), and CVD (−89.1%). Japan continues to make gains in lowering mortality and extending life expectancy, but its workplace culture must improve to ensure that those working at the heart of the Japanese corporate world can also benefit from Japan’s progress in health. Mortality rates in working-aged Japanese men have been declining. However, similar declines are not evident among managers, for whom the mortality rate is remaining stable or slightly increasing. There is a need to address the needs of managers and improve workplace environments for these workers.