An increasing number of Japanese workers are opting to use proxy services to resign from their jobs following the end of the Golden Week holidays. These services, such as the Tokyo-based Albatross Co.’s Momuri, have seen a sharp rise in clientele, particularly among young workers and recent graduates who joined the workforce in April.
Momuri, which translates to “already too much,” reported assisting 1,400 customers in April, a significant increase from its usual 200 monthly clients. As of early May, the service has already aided over 500 individuals. These workers often cite harsh work environments, misrepresentation of job roles, and abusive superiors as reasons for their departure.
Shinji Tanimoto, head of Albatross, explained, “If someone is suffering mentally and physically in a tough environment, then it’s better they quickly turn the page. We want to support people to do that.”
The service, which operates through the Line messaging app, can process resignations sometimes within the same day, providing a swift exit for those in distressing work situations.
The growth of these services reflects broader labor market trends in Japan, such as worker shortages and a mismatch between the values of younger employees and traditional corporate cultures. Despite their convenience, proxy resignation services are limited in handling legal matters, which can complicate cases involving unpaid wages or refused resignations.
Muneyuki Kakuchiyama, a lawyer at ITJ Law Office, noted, “For issues that have the potential to develop into legal problems, we urge people to speak with a lawyer.” His firm provides enhanced legal support for more complex resignation cases.
