Why Working for Japanese Companies Might Not Be Ideal
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Chapter 1: The Reality of Japanese Work Culture
When people think of Japan, they often envision a vibrant, high-tech society filled with innovation. However, the truth may not align with this perception. To truly understand the workplace environment in Japan, one must visit major cities and observe daily life. You may find workers stationed at parking meters or men in hard hats directing traffic—a curious sight that hints at the complexities of Japanese corporate culture.
"The longer you labor, the greater the respect you earn."
In Japan, hard work is highly valued. To gain respect among peers, many believe it is essential to be the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave. Although Japan's overall annual working hours per employee are lower compared to other countries (ranking 43rd in 2017), this statistic includes part-time workers. When focusing on full-time male employees, Japan leads the OECD with an average of 452 minutes worked per day in 2020.
Moreover, Japanese women face substantial challenges as they often engage in unpaid labor, including housework and caregiving. Their reported personal care time, which encompasses sleep and meals, is the lowest among female populations in OECD countries. The phenomenon of karoshi, or death by overwork, remains a significant issue, as men often cannot leave work to assist with family responsibilities, placing the burden on women.
Paid leave is another concern; in 2017, only 51.1% of Japanese employees utilized their available vacation days. Therefore, if you’re hoping for a relaxing summer or holiday, working for a Japanese company may not be the best choice.
Section 1.1: The Impact of Seniority and Lifetime Employment
One startling fact is that Japan has experienced the lowest productivity rates among G7 nations for the last 50 years, averaging $49.5 per hour. Many companies still adhere to seniority-based systems and lifetime employment, which hampers fair evaluations and stifles motivation. During my time at various Japanese firms, I encountered many employees who lacked dedication, some making excuses for not completing basic tasks, while others struggled with mental health issues and prolonged leaves of absence.
It’s challenging to determine whether these employees positively contribute to Japan's economy. Regardless, I found it frustrating to work alongside them. As my workload increased, my compensation remained low, especially compared to senior colleagues who seemed to take frequent, leisurely breaks.
In the video "Reasons NOT to Work in Japan," various issues within the Japanese work environment are explored, highlighting the challenges faced by employees.
Section 1.2: The 80/20 Principle
I often ponder the validity of the Pareto Principle, which suggests that 20% of employees handle 80% of the work. If you believe you can thrive in such an environment without adequate recognition, I advise against dedicating your time to dysfunctional organizations.
My motivation for writing this article is deeply personal; I lost two friends to karoshi, and though their deaths may not have been officially classified as such, they were devoted, intelligent individuals. The toxic work culture in Japan can be exacerbated by gender bias, so it’s crucial to consider these factors before signing an employment contract. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, it might be worth contemplating a change.
If you’ve heard that opportunities elsewhere may be better, there is likely some truth to it. A healthier corporate culture could be waiting for you. Personally, leaving my job at a Japanese firm was one of the most beneficial decisions I ever made.
Chapter 2: Understanding the Work Environment
In the video "Real talk about toxic jobs in Japan this year," the speaker candidly discusses the various challenges and toxic aspects of the Japanese workplace.
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