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Recently, there has been a labor shortage in fields such as IT engineers, nursing care, and manufacturing, so there is a growing demand for foreign workers.
Compared to the past, there are far more opportunities to build a career in Japan.
However, once they start working in Japan, they may find that the culture is different from what they expected .
The reason is that Japanese work culture has its own unique rules and values , and if you don’t understand them, you may find yourself confused or unable to fit in at work.
This video provides a detailed explanation of Japanese work culture that foreigners should be aware of when working in Japan.
By knowing both the advantages and disadvantages, you will be able to build a career in Japan more smoothly, so please read to the end.
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About Japanese work culture
What is the work culture like in Japan? We’ve picked out some of the most impressive aspects of the work culture for those working in Japan for the first time.
1. A culture of long working hours and overtime
When you think of Japanese work culture, long working hours might be the first thing that comes to mind.
In most cases, regular working hours are from 9am to 6pm, but in reality, many people work beyond those hours.
In particular, there is an awkward atmosphere about being the only one to leave early while everyone else is still working , so working overtime has become a habit.
However, recently, work style reforms have led to a reduction in overtime hours and an increase in the taking of paid leave.
Advice:
If you’ve finished your work, you can go home.
If you’ve finished your work, there’s no need to stay in the office.
2. Seniority and promotion system
Many Japanese companies have a seniority -based culture.
This is the idea that the longer someone works, the more likely they are to get a raise or promotion .
For example, there is a strange rule that even if they are doing the same job and their skills are not that different, a veteran employee in their 40s will receive a higher salary than a young employee in their 20s.
Foreigners from countries that place a high value on merit-based management may be surprised and ask, ” Why are age and years of service valued more than ability?”
However, foreign companies and venture companies adopt a meritocracy.
Advice:
When considering a career change, it’s important to take a good look at the company culture.
3. A culture that values teamwork
In Japanese workplaces, teamwork and not disrupting harmony are highly valued.
The team’s success in working together is valued more than individual achievement.
Even in meetings, it is important to respect the opinions of others rather than strongly asserting your own , and to communicate politely so as not to offend them.
Those who are used to the Western style of active discussion may initially feel, “Why doesn’t anyone speak up clearly?”
However, this is a culture of reading the atmosphere that is unique to Japan .
It is necessary to have a sense of balance between valuing harmony within the
advising team, while also conveying your opinion in a manner that is not unpleasant for the listener and is also polite.
4. The importance of honorific language and etiquette
Honorific language and etiquette are extremely important in the Japanese business world
.
Polite language is required when speaking with superiors and business partners, and there are strict rules regarding email and telephone etiquette.
For example, when calling, it is common to start by stating your company name and your own name, and when sending an email, it is common to start with the standard phrase “Thank you for your continued support.”
Foreigners who are not used to this format may be confused at first.
Advice:
Learning basic business etiquette will help you settle into the workplace smoothly.
5. Lifetime employment
In the past, Japan had a system of lifetime employment where once you joined a company, you would work there until retirement age .
Nowadays, many young people change jobs several times, but the number of times they change jobs is still low compared to other countries.
Therefore, people who have frequently changed jobs, in a good sense, are often rejected at interviews because they are perceived as people who cannot stay at one company for long .
Advice:
Many foreigners think of changing jobs as a way to advance their careers, so it’s important to understand this difference.
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Strange rules that only Japanese people can understand
We will explain some rules that may seem normal to us Japanese, but that foreigners may find difficult to understand.
The rules for working in Japan are incomprehensible even to Japanese people, and to be honest, there are many rules that are unnecessary.
There is a system in place, but it’s difficult to take time off because no one else around me is taking it.
Paid leave is a system, so if you want to take time off, do so regardless of what others think.
Even if they have a slight fever, most Japanese people go to work and force themselves to work.
When I catch a cold, I get scolded and asked, ” Can’t you even take care of your health?”
No one wants to catch a cold, and it’s impossible to prevent all viruses!
You don’t want to spread your cold to those around you, so make sure to get plenty of rest.
After-work drinking parties (known as “nomi-nication”) are also sometimes considered an important opportunity to build relationships in the workplace.
Is it only possible to build trust over drinks?
Trust should be built at work!!! That’s what I think.
Your boss or colleagues may contact you on holidays, which can be stressful if you’re not used to it.
So, on weekends and holidays, turn off your cell phone.
Of course, there are many positive aspects to Japan’s work culture. Employee benefits are also excellent, and once you get used to the Japanese work culture, you will find it easy to work in Japan.
A distinctive feature of this company is that there are many opportunities to learn, such as new employee training and in-house study sessions.
Japanese companies have a culture of investing time and money into developing the talent they hire. They
have extensive training systems, so even people in their 30s with no experience can join the company, and they even receive bonuses if they obtain qualifications.
Working for a large company means relatively stable employment and generous social security benefits.
If you work for a company for a long time, your salary will increase automatically. Also, employees are protected by law, so you can rest assured that you will not be fired.
In Japan, teamwork is highly valued, and there is an environment where those around you will support you when you are in trouble.
When we hit a wall, we can overcome it together as a team.
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Advice for foreigners adapting
To smoothly adapt to Japanese work culture, you will need to make some adjustments.
Here are some ideas you can start using right now.
Learn not only Japanese but also business etiquette
It is important to know not only JLPT and business-level Japanese, but also how to use honorific language and how to speak in meetings .
Be polite when expressing your opinion
When expressing your opinion, it is easier to have it accepted if you explain it carefully, providing evidence and being considerate of those around you.
Summary of today’s lesson
Japan’s work culture is unique and surprising to foreigners in many ways, but once you understand it, you will find it an enjoyable place to work.
Although there are characteristics such as long working hours and seniority-based promotion, these are things from the past and have been improving recently. There are also many positive aspects such as stability and teamwork.
The important thing is to understand the culture beforehand and to be flexible and adaptable.
If you keep this in mind, your career development in Japan will surely lead to success.
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