The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting is an American news media organization established in 2006 that sponsors independent reporting that other media outlets are less willing or able to undertake on their own.

2014

Japan’s Disposable Workers examines the country’s employment crisis: from suicide caused by overworking, to temporary workers forced by economics to live in internet cafes, and the elderly who wander a town in search of shelter and food.

Japan's Disposable Workers

for Pulitzer Center

After the recession of the 1990s, Japan’s white collar salarymen increasingly must work arduous hours for fear of losing their jobs. This often leads to depression and suicide.

Overworked to Suicide

for Pulitzer Center

Internet cafes have existed in Japan for over a decade, but in the mid 2000’s, customers began using these spaces as living quarters. Internet cafe refugees are mostly temporary employees; their salary too low to rent their own apartments.

Net Cafe Refugees

for Pulitzer Center

Kamagasaki, Osaka, Japan used to be a thriving day laborer’s town. Today, it is home to approximately 25,000 unemployed and elderly men, many of whom are also homeless.

for Pulitzer Center