Is Working in Japan REALLY That Bad?

Overview

The video challenges the popular claim that working in Japan is “the worst” overall. It argues that many negative rumors are rooted in reality, but often focus on extreme outliers—and can miss key differences between company types and the presenter’s own experience as a foreigner in a mostly Japanese workplace.

Career Path and Perspective

The presenter describes working in Japan across multiple roles:

• ALT teaching via the JET Programme
• Graduate school while part-time working at an eikaiwa
• Full-time work at Japanese companies

Their current role is global marketing at a Japanese entertainment/media company, where:

• Most staff are Japanese
• Work is largely conducted in Japanese
• The boss does not speak English, and meetings/documents are in Japanese

They emphasize that a foreigner’s experience may differ significantly in English-speaking/foreign-owned companies, which are often perceived as more flexible and better-paying than typical Japanese firms.

Long Hours and Overtime (“Miashi Zangyo”)

The video describes long hours and overtime as real, particularly in Tokyo.

Key detail: “miashi zangyo” (fixed overtime within salary)

• Overtime may function as effectively unpaid extra, because employees receive a salary that already accounts for a set amount of overtime hours.

It also describes an “older culture” dynamic:

• Even if work is done, employees may be expected to stay until the boss leaves
• It may not be strictly mandatory, but is still socially/managerially pressured

The presenter says they decline excessive overtime in practice, while acknowledging that not doing so can harm work-life balance and relationships in some offices.

Holidays and Time Off

The video describes paid leave as:

• ~10 days at entry
• Gradually increasing with tenure
• Often reaching around 20 days by year six (company-dependent)

In addition to paid leave:

• Public holidays and weekends apply
• There is a New Year’s break
• Some companies offer short summer breaks

The presenter notes that it’s frowned upon to take more than about a week off at once, which can make longer requests difficult—though they personally navigate this by using their foreigner status strategically.

Salary Expectations and Job-Hopping

Salaries are portrayed as:

• Lower than in the US
• Stagnant for decades
• Further strained by rising living costs, driving dissatisfaction

They argue that job changes are less taboo than the stereotype suggests:

• While lifetime employment still exists, many young people switch jobs

They also claim salary can improve after changing employers:

• Approximately a 10% raise may be possible with job moves
• They stress this should be done for substantial reasons, not casually.

Taxes and Quitting

• They clarify that they pay all income taxes in Japan (not US taxes), noting tax treaties in general.
• On quitting, they mention companies offering legal-gray “support” services, where workers pay to have paperwork/communication handled—because resignations can trigger aggressive or extreme reactions from bosses.

Dress Code and Workplace Benefits

Dress code:

• The classic black suit is mainly associated with new graduates
• Most office workers now wear business casual

Benefits (not framed as abundant), but they note:

• Some companies assist with housing/relocation costs
• Commuter passes are commonly reimbursed
• Mandatory annual health checks are required and paid by the company

After-Work Drinking and Social Expectations

The presenter confirms the stereotype that going out to drink/dinner is common:

• On average about once a week
• Sometimes more, sometimes less

They say it’s not strictly mandatory, but refusing too often can cause awkwardness or social pressure.

Why the Presenter Stays (and Caveats)

They provide three main reasons:

1. Working in a Japanese company helps drive Japanese proficiency improvement
   • Friends in English-only workplaces plateau around N3
2. The opportunity to work in the Japanese entertainment/music industry matches a personal dream
3. Employment allows them to live in Japan, and they currently enjoy life in Tokyo

Immigration / Visa Rules — Key Concern

The presenter strongly warns that Japan has become more hostile to immigrants recently, with:

• Stricter and messier visa/immigration policy changes
• Unclear timelines

They say it’s hard to recommend moving to Japan “right now,” and that uncertainty may affect whether they stay long-term. They also claim everyday Japanese people—and even their workplace leadership—may not understand how severe the situation is.

Presenters / Contributors

• Allison (the sole presenter; credited implicitly by subtitles)