What Can I Expect When Working in a Japanese Company?

If you are getting a new job in Japan, you must receive a lot of advice from several “senpai” that Japanese workplace culture is pretty unique, where existing tons of rules which probably can make you feel uncomfortable at work.

Let’s check out some things to expect when working in a Japanese workplace.

1. The Nomikai Tradition

In Japan, it is very common to enjoy a meal and drink with your colleagues; in fact, in certain businesses, it may be an unspoken necessity. Many Japanese believe that a significant way to strengthen relationships is after-work hangouts. It can be helpful to consider who the colleagues are when they're comfortable and outside the workplace, their normal attitude. If you join a new workplace in Japan, you will definitely be invited to a welcome party!

Drinking Rules

In Japan, there are several rules to follow at Nomikai. By knowing and adhering to these rules, you can show respect for Japanese culture. However, the rules I'm about to introduce are very traditional and are mainly necessary when going to Nomikai with superiors or clients. When going to Nomikai with colleagues, not even Japanese people pay much attention to these rules. Please recognize that these are rules only for formal drinking parties, and don't stress too much about them!

Try sitting closer to the front rather than in the back!

When you come to Nomikai with colleagues, it's a good idea to sit closer to the front, near the aisle. This is so you can easily place orders or talk to the staff. By ordering drinks for your boss, you might be seen as someone who is considerate! However, if you're not confident in your Japanese and worry about not being able to order smoothly, it might be better to ask a colleague for help.

Don’t drink before everyone has been served

Do not start eating before everyone has been served, and the same goes for drinks. Before finishing your beer, make sure everyone has something in their bottle.

Don’t drink from the bottle

A significant one to remember particularly for those from the United Kingdom, the United States or Australia. Drinking directly from the bottle does not really suit the philosophy of sharing even though it is just for you. It's much worse if you're sharing, and not very sanitary.

Kanpai!

Different from the toast making culture in western countries, in Japan, before you take the first refreshing sip, rememberKanpai! (カンパイ), as you clink your glasses with your friends and colleagues.

2. Overtime Work

Japan does have some of the longest working hours in the world. In fact, their work hours are such a significant problem that 'karoshi' is a legally recognized cause of death, a term that translates as 'death by overwork.' In Japanese culture the principle of passive resilience and active perseverance, also known as gaman and ganbaru, is highly respected and clearly expressed in the workplace.

However, in recent years, work-life balance has also been emphasized in Japan, and various industries are implementing initiatives to reduce overtime hours. Recently, this trend has been seen in industries such as transportation.

For those who want to earn a lot, overtime may be seen as a positive thing. Before starting a job, it's a good idea to carefully check the average overtime hours of the company and find a working style that suits you!

3. Difficulty in Confronting Your Supervisor

Several Japanese businesses adhere to a mantra called Horenso. Horenso is a mnemonic technique combining the first three verbs syllables: houkoku (report), renraku (contact), soudan (consult).

Which means an employee will always keep their bosses updated about what they are doing in Japan. Each decision, however small it may sound, should go through the chain of command and get the approval stamp from the boss. Employees will report any issues to their supervisors immediately before they try to take care of it themselves.

Many foreigners do not feel comfortable, and some people leave their workplace because they cannot say anything about their superior or similar occurrences like that.

So, you have to remember that if you want to work at a Japanese workplace, you have to bear with such things and become accustomed to Japanese hidden rules that you must obey your superior unconditionally.

4. Gender Inequality

In the Gender Gap Index ranking announced in 2023, Japan was ranked 116th out of 146 countries. This is the lowest rank ever and indicates that the gender gap in Japan has not been closed. Japan's rank has remained stagnant over the past 15 years and is very low compared to other advanced countries.

Various efforts are being made daily to close these gaps, but it is believed that it will take several decades to see the effects. If you are working in Japan, you need to recognize that there is a gender gap between men and women.

What Differences Have You Experienced Working in a Japanese Company?

Did working in Japanese companies turn out differently than you expected? This article mainly describes the difficulties of working in Japanese companies, but of course, there are many positive aspects as well! Even within Japanese companies, there are various types, so it's most important to find a company that suits you. If you're currently looking for work, check out Guidable Jobs!