The post-war economic miracle in Japan was based upon such commitment. They even coined a phrase for death from overwork – "karoshi". Staff were literally sacrificed at the altar of profit.

Sixty five years on it is China who is in a unique position, poised to lead the world into a new era. Many of us, of all nationalities, hope it does not repeat the mistakes of the west or adopt this particular aspect of Japanese business-ideology.

Whether politicians, businessmen or industrialists realize it or not, people have always been this and any every other country's greatest asset. Driving them into an early grave only serves to shorten that particular society's reign of dominance.

Working hours are set in law for a reason. There is a limit to a person's endurance. Paid overtime is designed to enable a company to cope with fluctuations in business demand and compensate individuals for the extra strains involved. The payment is crucial in capitalism because it makes managers consider the profit margin. Take away that constraint and the system's worse tendencies come to the fore. Without a counter-balance, people are secondary to money and become a free, expendable resource.

The reliance on voluntary overtime needs to be addressed. Politicians have a duty to protect its citizens from life-threatening practices and business owners must understand the long-term benefits of nurturing employees. Ultimately though it is the individual who must see the folly in this constant unpaid appeasement and choose a sustainable life of both work and leisure.

That may seem easier said than done, but the very nature of capitalism, even in a modified form, does provide this choice. You owe it to yourself, your family and society as a whole to reject the human tragedy of karoshi.

The author is a communications professional, film maker and published writer with a keen interest in life.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.