In 1945 the Japanese National Railway was divided into 2 groups, management & labour. This created a level of vice-masters who contend with pressure from both labour & management, resulting in the “Sandwich Syndrome” characterized by depression, neurosis, psychosomatic illnesses, office phobia, & suicide. Case histories are presented. The implementation of couselling programs & a more cooperative attitude on the part of the labour unions have reduced rates of suicide. (NBB)