Summary

The web content outlines ten considerations for individuals contemplating employment at a Japanese company, highlighting potential challenges such as low pay, long hours, and cultural differences.

Abstract

The article "10 Things to Consider Before Working at a Japanese Company" provides a cautionary perspective for those interested in joining a Japanese workplace. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and professional nuances that may differ significantly from Western norms. The author points out that Japanese companies often offer lower salaries due to a lack of job mobility and competition, which can also lead to slower promotions. Employees may face mandatory unpaid overtime, a strong social expectation to participate in after-work drinking, and exposure to second-hand smoke. The article also discusses the initial low status of new employees, which may require performing menial tasks, the necessity of using formal Japanese (keigo), a culture of frequent apologizing, potential reassignments to different departments, the use of outdated technology, and the expectation to comply with all requests without question. Despite these challenges, the author acknowledges that working in such an environment can offer valuable learning experiences and personal growth.

Opinions

The author perceives the salary in Japan as low, especially when compared to American standards, due to the lack of job changes and competition.
Mandatory unpaid overtime and the expectation to work late or even overnight are seen as negative aspects of working in a Japanese company.
Social drinking is viewed as an obligatory activity that can be uncomfortable for non-drinkers or those concerned about health and finances.
The prevalence of smoking in social settings and the office can be a health concern and an inconvenience for non-smokers.
New employees may be required to perform janitorial tasks, which can be demeaning and unexpected for those unfamiliar with the culture.
The use of keigo (honorific language) is challenging, especially when there is a disparity in the formality of language used by superiors and expected from employees.
The need to apologize frequently, even when not at fault, is depicted as a frustrating aspect of workplace etiquette.
Reassignments to

10 Things to Consider Before Working at a Japanese Company

Be aware of what you’re signing up for before deciding to work in a Japanese office

Are you considering going to work for a Japanese company in Japan? Here are some things you should think about first.

There are many positives of working at a Japanese company that I’ll write about in a future article. But there are many downsides, too, that you need to be aware of.

1. Low Pay

The salary in Japan is very low compared to America. This mainly due to the number of people who stay in the company they enter after college until they retire.

Not a lot of people change jobs so there is not a lot of competition which means that they don’t need to promote you fast. You can be doing double or even triple the work as other people and still won’t get a promotion or even a substantial pay raise.

2. Long Hours

Although Japanese companies are getting better, many still require you to work overtime. My previous job required mandatory overtime they put in the work contract as 調整時間 (adjustment time). This is free overtime you do not get paid for. Depending on the company, you might even have to pull an all-nighter from time to time.

3. Social Drinking

One thing you should do to get to know your boss and colleagues is to drink with them.

I do not enjoy drinking and wasting my money on something that damages my health so I do not enjoy social drinking.

Even worse, many of the places you’ll go are all-you-can-drink for a fixed price. If you don’t drink alcohol, you’ll be paying $30–50 dollars for tea and a few bites of food.

4. Second Hand Smoke

Although Japan has gotten better, many people still smoke. This means that if you are invited to a social gathering, you may have to put up with hours of someone smoking across from you.

In the office, too, you might sit next to someone who is a chain smoker and have to smell the smoke all day.

5. Low Status

You’ll have to get used to being treated as a lackey in the beginning. Depending on your job, you may need to do a lot of janitorial work like wiping your boss’s desk and sweeping the floor.

My Japanese boss expected this from me and I had a hard time overcoming it. If you know this going in, you won’t be as shocked as I was. The hardest part of the job for me to accept was being required to come in early (unpaid) and clean all the desks in the office.

6. Using Keigo

I had a lot of difficulty using keigo properly, especially with my bosses. They speak to you using plain form and you must respond in honorific.

In English, this is like your boss saying, “Yo, how you doing bro,” and you have to respond with “Thank you very much, Mr. Manager. I am doing great. How is your day, sir?”

7. Apologize, Apologize, Apologize

Even when you’re right, you have to apologize to your boss and everyone else. Be prepared to start nearly every sentence with an apology for something.

Even when you save their butts from imminent disaster, you still have to apologize to those with a higher status. In fact, especially when you save their butts, you have to apologize for doing something without their approval, and take the blame for their mistakes to save face for them.

8. Reassignments

Many Japanese companies will hire you for a position you want, then soon reassign you to wherever they need extra employees.

Of course, moving around various departments will build your skills, but each time, you start from the beginning. This reduces specialization and reduces efficiency in the company.

9. Old Technology

A lot of Japanese companies still use old software that isn’t compatible with foreign counterparts. My previous company had to update their entire system to follow global brand standards. Many companies still use fax machines and print out everything for accounting.

Here’s a useful tip — if the company has a J in its name (ex. JTB) it’s likely to print out thousands of pages every day. Searching through binders of printouts to find a customer profile or order sheet is a frustrating waste of time.

10. Do Whatever is Asked

For me, sometimes it can be hard to accept some aspects of Japanese culture. If you work at a Japanese company, you won’t have a choice. You’ll have to do whatever is asked of you. You will almost certainly have to do some things you don’t want to.

If you find this uncomfortable, you might want to consider working at an international company in Japan instead, or at least the international section of a Japanese company.

There are many things I’ve learned working at a Japanese company that I wouldn’t have learned if I didn’t. Many experiences that I have grown to like or dislike. This has also made me realize what I enjoy and what I want and don’t want in a job.

There are many positives to working at a Japanese company, but many negatives. Make sure you know what you’re getting into so you won’t be surprised by what’s required.

Here are some additional articles to help you prepare to live in Japan.