It’s interesting to tune in to the news and see the police raid a building you were in a few months ago.
In May, I wrote about Mō Muri (a play on もう無理, or “I’ve had it”), a so-called “resignation service” in Japan. I interviewed a representative at their office in Tokyo’s Gotanda, who explained why young Japanese people in particular used the service to quit their jobs.
Mō Muri takes the fear and trepidation out of resigning. Instead of telling your boss that you quit, Mō Muri does it for you. For a flat fee of about 22,000 yen (USD $148), they’ll deliver the news and handle all negotiations around your exit, including the return of company equipment. They will also negotiate potentially thorny issues, such as unpaid overtime compensation – a common problem in so-called “dark companies” (ブラック企業; burakku kigyō) known for exploiting workers.
The service is unique to Japan, where, until recently, lifelong employment was the norm. It’s a lifesaver for many, especially those who feel trapped in hostile work environments: workplace harassment is the number one reason people use Mō Muri.
Resignation services are gaining in popularity. A survey last year by MyNavi showed that 16% of respondents had used the service, and 23% of companies surveyed said a resignation service had contacted them to arrange a client’s resignation.
These services are also highly controversial. Older workers gripe that it’s a sign of how soft today’s youth have become. Mō Muri has also made headlines by promoting its service on ad trucks, a tactic used mostly by host clubs and sex services.
So what did the company do that led 100 Japanese police officers to storm its offices? The answer calls into question not just the practices of this one company but of the entire industry.
