Just in time for Valentines day comes news of a unique corporate benefit offered by Tokyo’s Hime & Company, a "Heartache leave."

Miki Hiradate, chief executive, whose company of six women markets cosmetics and other goods targeted at women, feels that after the pain of a bad break-up, women need time to have a good cry and will then return to work in a much better frame of mind.

What a great idea..but I don’t necessarily agree with her ageism theory–Staff aged 24 or younger can take one day off a year, those between 25 and 29 two days off and those older three days off.

"Women in their twenties can find their next love quickly, but it’s tougher for women in their thirties, and their break-ups tend to be more serious," Ms Hiradate said.