Introduction to Japan’s Work Culture
A look at the 18.5-hour day of a Japanese company worker has shocked people around the world, who have described it as "hell". This is in stark contrast to how tourists perceive the East Asian nation.
A Day in the Life of a Japanese Worker
In a YouTube video, a user documented his day in detail, from dinner at 7:00 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. The video, which has been viewed almost 1.1 million times, showcases the harsh reality of working in a "black company" in Japan. A "black" company is defined as one that treats its employees poorly and has an exploitative environment. The worker, who is out of the door at 7:16 a.m., has a 90-minute commute to the office and arrives at 8:53 a.m.
The Grind of a Japanese Workday
The man works from 9 a.m. to around 1 p.m., with a coffee break at 11:35 a.m. He claims that many black companies focus on hiring new graduates because they are inexperienced and more likely to tolerate harsh working conditions. After a 45-minute lunch break, he returns to the office at 2 p.m. and works for another six hours. He finally leaves work at 8:15 p.m., feeling exhausted.
The Consequences of Overwork
The man notes that working long hours is not productive and that he has heard rumors of Japan implementing a four-day working week, but his work plan has not changed. He commutes for another hour and a half, arrives home at 10:45 p.m., cooks dinner at 11:30 p.m., and is in bed at 1:15 a.m. The reaction to the video has been one of shock and disbelief, with many viewers expressing sympathy for the worker.
The Culture of Overwork in Japan
Japan’s culture of overwork is nothing new. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, employees in various sectors report long working hours, high pressure from superiors, and a lack of respect for work-life balance. The phenomenon is so prevalent that there is a word for it – Karoshi, or "death from overwork", which is typically caused by stroke, heart attack, or suicide resulting from professional stress and subsequent mental health issues.
The Human Cost of Overwork
The consequences of overwork are devastating. In 2022, a 26-year-old doctor in Kobe City died by suicide after working over 100 days in a row and 207 hours of overtime a month before his death. His family has since advocated for reform of Japanese work culture, with his mother remembering that her son would say "it was too heavy" and that "nobody would help him".
Conclusion
The video has highlighted the harsh reality of working in Japan and the need for reform. The culture of overwork is a serious issue that affects not only employees but also their families and loved ones. It is essential to prioritize work-life balance and employee well-being to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
