TOKYO -- Apparel company Sanyo Shokai suffered a crushing blow three years ago when it lost one of its main income sources: a contract to make and sell Burberry products in Japan. To recover, management cut payroll and shifted more resources to online sales. Then, last September, it instituted a program that reflects far broader changes now sweeping corporate Japan.

Asia Insight
Japan kicks inefficient work habits as labor crunch worsens
Employers recognize lethally long hours and low productivity hold them back