Apparently the rise in Western business practices in Japan is causing increasing levels of mental illness.

Instead of the traditional Japanese promotion system based on seniority, firms are adapting the Western principles of promotion based on merit. They are also taking on more temporary staff and are more willing to sack workers as they try to emulate UK and US business models, The Times reported.

This is causing an increase in both the rate of depression and suicide - already the highest of any rich nation.

Around 60% of workers suffer from "high anxiety" and 65% of businesses say they are seeing high levels of mental illness.