{
  "id": 7296859,
  "title": "Pay to ghost your boss: Japan's resignation business",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/pay-to-ghost-your-boss-japans-resignation-business-7296859",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T10:36:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW News",
    "slug": "dw-news",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/pay-to-ghost-your-boss-japan-s-resignation-business/a-79213584?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Japan, an unconventional resignation trend has emerged, with a growing number of employees seeking assistance to quit their jobs without direct confrontation with their employers. This phenomenon, known as \"bakkure,\" mirrors the modern dating concept of \"ghosting.\" The practice stems from Japan's strong emphasis on maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict in the workplace. Young professionals, particularly those in service industries and manufacturing, are turning to resignation agencies to help them quit their jobs discreetly and professionally.\n\nAlbatross, one of Japan's leading resignation agencies, assists around 450 individuals each month, charging approximately €120 ($138.5) per client. The CEO of Albatross, Yuka Hamada, notes that the majority of clients are young professionals who have experienced issues such as physical violence or sexual harassment at work. The company's services cater to those who are reluctant to quit in person due to fear of betraying expectations and disappointing their employers.\n\nThe origins of this trend can be traced back to traditional Japanese corporate culture, which originated during the post-World War II economic boom and heavily relies on the lifetime employment system. In this culture, loyalty is highly valued, and resignations are often perceived as insults. Consequently, young employees are hesitant to resign in person, as it may be seen as disappointing others or betraying expectations. This collective and harmonious mindset is deeply ingrained in Japanese society, with the 7th century Seventeen-Article Constitution explicitly stating that harmony should be valued, and quarrels should be avoided.\n\nDespite the apparent paradox, ghosting a job with the assistance of an agency allows employees to comply with the social obligation of minimizing trouble for others and preserving collective order. The agency can even handle the delivery of farewell messages on behalf of the employee, ensuring a polite and minimally confrontational exit from the workplace.",
  "summary": "Resignation agencies in Japan help employees seamlessly erase themselves from a job in just 15 minutes, and young people are especially eager to use their services.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW English (Top Stories)",
        "title": "Pay to ghost your boss: Japan's resignation business",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/pay-to-ghost-your-boss-japans-resignation-business",
        "published": "2026-09-14T10:36:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}