Virus breaks the mold for telework in office-bound Japan

Yuki Sato, an employee in a start-up company, works from home as a result of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus in Tokyo — AFP Relaxnews

The longstanding stereotype of Japan's office-bound "salaryman" is being tested as companies cautiously embrace working from home in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Japan's government has for years been trying to encourage firms to implement "flexible working patterns", hoping that less demanding office hours will help women return to work after having children and men share more housework and childcare.