Understanding Japanese Corporate Culture: A Simple Guide for Foreigners
Are you thinking about working for a Japanese company? It can be an exciting idea, but it's also good to know what to expect. Japanese workplaces have their own special ways of doing things, and it's helpful to learn about them. This blog post will introduce a helpful guide called "Notes on Japanese Corporate Culture" by Shigeki Sensei. This guide explains many things about working in a Japanese company, in a way that's easy to understand.
What is it like to work at a Japanese company?
Shigeki Sensei's guide talks about many aspects of Japanese corporate life. Here are some of the key points:
- Following the Rules: Japanese companies often have strict rules and manuals. You need to follow them closely. They want to make sure everyone is doing their job correctly, and they don't want anyone to be lazy. If you are comfortable with clear rules and procedures, you may be a good fit for a Japanese company.
- Pretending to be Busy: Sometimes, people in Japanese companies act like they are very busy, even if they are not. They might sigh loudly or talk about how hard they are working. This is a way to get noticed and avoid doing boring tasks. It’s not necessarily a good thing to do, but you should know about it.
- Communication is Key: Being good at communication is very important. In this context, communication can mean pleasing others and anticipating their needs. For example, noticing when a colleague is worried and offering support, or complimenting someone’s new haircut. This also means that those who are not good at expressing themselves may be overlooked.
- Greetings are Important: When you meet people at work, you need to greet them properly. For instance, a junior employee should greet a senior employee first. There are also specific greetings you should use at different times of the day.
- Early Morning Commute: Arriving early at the office is common in Japan, and is seen as a sign of diligence. However, this extra time is often unpaid, and doesn’t necessarily lead to better evaluations.
- Watching Your Coworkers: Japanese companies tend to closely watch how much other employees are working. They don't want anyone to be lazy. This can be stressful, so it is something you should be aware of.
- "Saucy Audacity": It is important to express yourself moderately while also working well with others. This means sometimes disagreeing with your superiors, but in a way that does not make them lose face.
- "Learn by Watching": Often, you will be expected to learn by watching others. Instead of getting clear instructions, you need to observe your seniors and figure things out yourself.
- "Sontaku": This means understanding how others feel. It is about reading the atmosphere and acting accordingly, even if you are not directly told what to do.
- Hiding Your Passion: Many Japanese people see work as something difficult that must be endured. So, if you love your job, it is often better to hide it, to fit in with your colleagues.
- Meetings: In meetings, you should often listen passively, rather than actively participating. You should avoid causing conflict and pretend to be participating.
- Daily Reports: Japanese companies often ask employees to write daily reports. These reports track what you do every day, and can also be used to manage employees closely.
- Work Clothes: The workplace is called "genba". In some jobs, it is more appropriate to wear work clothes, rather than a suit. In some cases, wearing dirty work clothes can be a way of showing dedication to your work.
- Lunchtime: Lunchtime is often a way to build relationships with your coworkers. Eating alone is often seen as not being cooperative.
Understanding the Mindset
The book also explores the way of thinking that many Japanese salarymen have:
- "Shachiku": This word means "corporate livestock," which describes workers who prioritize the company’s needs over their own. Many workers, especially in large companies, may identify with this term and be proud of their "shachiku" status.
- Experience is Valued: Japanese companies often value experience more than studying. Sometimes, those who study diligently are not respected as much as those who focus on practical experience.
- Company is a Place to Receive Money: Rather than thinking about work as a place to earn money, many Japanese salarymen think of it as a place to receive their salary for the time that they spend there.
- Competition: There is a lot of competition in Japanese corporate culture. If you want to find peace, you should stop trying to compete and compare yourself with others.
- Underachieving: Sometimes it is better to choose a company that is below your skill level, as it increases your chances of being evaluated highly.
Advice for Foreigners
This guide also has some practical tips:
- "Menju-fukuhai": This means to appear obedient while secretly planning your own actions, which is useful when you are looking for a new job while still employed.
- "Bonus Period": When you start a new job, your coworkers might be extra friendly. This is a "bonus period". It is important to build relationships, but don’t be fooled by this kindness.
- Align Your Values: Try to understand your colleagues’ work values and adjust yourself to fit in, while still maintaining your own personal values.
Conclusion
“Notes on Japanese Corporate Culture” is a very helpful guide for anyone wanting to work in Japan. By understanding the culture, you can have a better chance of succeeding in your career. It is a must-read for anyone who is serious about working in a Japanese company.
