I Got Permission to Leave Work for Depression, Lied to My Girlfriend About Taking a Long Business Trip, and Went on a 1-Month Journey

This autobiographical manga volume, authored by Haro Aso, chronicles the creator's personal experience of burnout and the unconventional sabbatical he took to address his mental health. Released in the context of increasing Japanese public discourse surrounding 'karoshi' or death by overwork, the work offers a candid, reflective account of the psychological toll of corporate life. It emerged as a departure from the author's more commercially oriented survival-horror works, serving as a vulnerable exploration of societal expectations and the necessity of rest.

The design and narrative style are characteristic of Aso's grounded approach to storytelling, emphasizing human connection and internal struggle over high-concept drama. The book was received as a relatable and empathetic contribution to the slice-of-life genre, praised for its sincerity in detailing the logistical and emotional hurdles of attempting to step away from one's established life. It stands as a significant, introspective piece that highlights the tension between professional duty and personal well-being in contemporary Japan.