Japan rethinks work culture as coronavirus spurs school closures asia.nikkei.com

TOKYO -- Companies in Japan are scrambling to accommodate working parents after nationwide school closures aimed at fighting the coronavirus went into effect on Monday, just days after the move was announced.
In a country known for its long working hours, shuttering schools means depriving many families of much needed childcare services.
Labor shortages are a chronic issue in Japan, and the coronavirus has already exacerbated the issue.
Revamping Japan's work culture has been a long-simmering problem, but the country's severe labor shortages are prompting businesses to press ahead.
Convenience store chains such as Seven-Eleven Japan have started changing their 24/7 operations, giving franchisees the option of close stores during late night and early morning, for instance.