Japan's extraordinary journey of modernization, especially after the Meiji Restoration in 1868 and the reconstruction following World War II, is often attributed to its unique Japanese work ethic , encapsulated in the term ganbari . This term, derived from the verb ganbaru , represents the perseverance, diligence, and unwavering spirit of the Japanese people. While ganbari has historically been a cornerstone of the Japanese work ethic , modern societal shifts are reshaping i