India, May 17 -- A YouTube video chronicling a Japanese office worker's gruelling 18.5-hour day has gone viral, prompting a wave of concern and sympathy from viewers. Titled "A Day in the Life: Salaryman at a Black Company," the video has racked up over 1.2 million views and offers a glimpse into what many are calling a "hellish" corporate existence-far removed from the serene image Japan often presents to tourists.

(Also read: Man decides to launch his startup in Japan instead of India due to 'plight of Indian founders')

The anonymous salaryman begins his day at 7:00 am and doesn't sit down for dinner until nearly midnight. "Didn't feel like working today. Here we go again," he remarks wearily as he heads out the door by 7:16 am.

His ...