And after considering what I already knew about Japanese culture by then, I figured thatperhaps Im not cut out to work in the Japanese corporate world after all. In some Japanese homes, there will be an area between the indoors and outdoors of the home that is known as Genkan. This is one of the biggest reasons why I want to pick up Japanese language. 1. After entering the office in the morning, you will have to say Ohaiyo Gozaimaz loudly, which translates to good morning. To a certain extent, I experienced that myself too when I working part-time as a student in Japan. At the end of your whole dining experience, waitresses will also be ready to hand you a shoehorn for those who need a little help in wearing your shoes. But globalization makes thing even tougher. Insights: Tell us about what happened in your early career. Hygiene is the Key and Service is Top-Notch. Companies invite employees to exercise together to build morale, reduce stress and create a feeling of unity among team members. The massive difference in work culture is one of the reasons why companies hesitate to do so. But the process for me was even shorter-lived than I expected it to be. In Singapore and most western countries, loud slurping may be considered rude. Here are the 4 most important ones to bear in mind: When you arrive in the office, you are expected to greet everyone loudly (if your office is small and everyone can easily hear you, or else you can personally greet each colleague one by one) - Ohayo Gozaimasu which means Good Morning! Duration Tokyo work hours are shorter than in Singapore. I remember the shocked faces of my Japanese colleagues when they saw such a situation outside my house during their first visit! About This means, for example, if your work shift starts at 9:00 you should be in the office, at your desk with your computer on at 9:00. Here are just 12 reasons why you should consider doing it! I heard, knew and believed some myths before I started working in a Japanese company. This means that the "We" is important, people belong to in-groups (families, clans or organisations) who look after each other in exchange for loyalty. Job security means that youre able to provide for yourself and your family. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Formal and polite workplace Unlike America where the workplace seems more casual, the office in Japan is very formal indeed. Here, we round up 8 cultural differences that can perhaps reduce the culture shock you may face if you werent aware. That is the difference of close to $1,000 a month, and reflects the disparity in salaries between the two countries. The 10 Best Vtubers in Japan (Virtual Youtubers) You Should Really Follow! Tough work culture notwithstanding, the locals I met treated me with a kindness that I will never forget. Woodlands had dinosaurs before it was cool. In Singapore, it is more clinical. 'Karoshi' - literally meaning to work to death. You have to call them with Bapak which means Sir or Ibu which means Ma'am. 1. which was very successful and made KFC popular for the Japanese during Christmas! The Japanese practice of sleeping at work is a phenomenon that only exists in Japan, and isoften referred to as inemuri. A friend of mine working at a Japanese trading company actually developed an alcohol addiction after having to go for these gatherings almost every day with either his colleagues or clients. At forty, I came to be free from doubts.. Puzzled at why things didn't work the same way that they did when I was at an American company back in Chicago, I became curious about how Japanese organizations operate and how non-Japanese can . The Japanese working culture is currently all this and more. Waiting until your manager is not the only unspoken workplace rule that needs to be adhered to. My colleagues and I take our paid leave as and when we want, and if we are really sick, we would not be stubborn and drag ourselves to work because we do not want to affect others. But Ive heard enough complaints from my foreigner friends working in Japan to know there are some very apparent downsides. In todays society, though, this type of commitment impedes on a companys ability to be dynamic, flexible, and adaptable. I was confused and angry, convinced I shouldnt be treated this way. I expected to stay there forever. Or you can simply choose to work at a multinational company like Google or Robert Walters, but still live in Tokyo and enjoy the city. Japanese companies in Singapore tend to resemble Japanese operations far more than Singaporean operations, and vice-versa. Today, Kono is involved in three very different companies. (Please dont think that google translation would work for everything, you will realise it only helps 60% haha). Toru Hanai/Reuters. Were making progress here, but we need to do more. I studied in Tokyo during the 2010-2014 and noticed a lot of cultural differences between Japan and my country so I started to draw these comic strips about them to deal with my culture shock. This means, for example, if your work shift starts at . Dress code Insights: Those sound like some massive changes. Because ultimately, as with life in general, no one is going to be responsible for you other than yourself. Japanese New Year and Chinese New Year - Similarities and Differences, Reversed Roles during Valentines Day in Japan. Here are five leadership lessons he learned along the way. This is different when compared to foreign work environments that actively support individual achievement. While I can't say this is true for all Japanese companies, at many traditional Japanese firms, I observed the culture is such that it is better to be seen working (staying behind and working long hours), rather than actually getting work done but leaving on time. Trouble keeping up with all the insights? Be prepared to be branded as an antisocial person, or see your colleague who entered the company the same time as you get promoted quicker. But the cons is, if you do not know him well, you might not be able to decipher what he truly thinks/wants/feels. This style of publication really took off in the 20th century when various laws forbidding its publication were lifted. Haha! Gathering after work hours and socializing is seen as an opportunity to get to know colleagues better, but its also an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder and build credibility with your bosses. luton town . Ive dedicated my career to rectifying this, and the challenge continues to this day. Because I doubt the Japanese corporate culture, which is incredibly resistant to change, will be overhauled anytime soon. This has created a unique environment where urban designs meet nature and allow for a healthier and less polluted megalopolis to function. Theyre making waves in the country and around the world, and their progress is bringing hope to the dated rigid structure of Japanese workplace culture. Millions of Indonesian parents abandoned a measles vaccine in 2018 when it was declared haram. But unlike many of my foreigner friends, I chose not to stay there and work, and came back to my home country, Singapore, almost immediately after my graduation. I did that during my first gathering with the company, and I was shot with an awkward silence and many stares. Since then, it has contributed and become a massive part of the Japanese culture, emerging as one of the most read comics, not only . Singapore, with a score of 20 is a collectivistic society. Lifetime employment with a single company is still common in Japan, especially with large corporations. The culture in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of an American workplace . One thing you will notice when arriving in Singapore is how much greenery there is. 89 years. When you are having dinner (and drinks) with your Japanese colleagues and boss, make sure you wait for someone to speak like lets tuck in, and you reply with itadakimasu before you dig in. The people of Japan are well educated and worldly known as extremely well mannered. I also brought home with me a personal philosophy: Don't try to take control of something that isn't within my control. Web design by Yu Sheng & Yu Siang. is the quality embedded in most Asian cultures that indicates a person's reputation, influence, dignity and honour. | Fortunately, instances of karo-shi are rare, and as foreign workers are usually not pressured to log the same amount of hours as their Japanese counterparts, they should have nothing to fear.. One reason for the extraordinary number of hours that Japanese work is a promotion culture that is still rooted in a seniority system. First, promote career education. Respecting elders and seniors comes from Confucianism that still exists in the Chinese culture and Asian cultures. It really enriched my careermore than that, it encouraged me to use my career to help change Japanese working culture. In some restaurants, giving tips will also portray as being rude. But right away, the company started giving me assignments that I hated. Overall, there is a strong respect for the age. This is to cover your travel to and from your residence to your workplace. It can mean Sure please go and come back safely., When we are knocking off from work, we may say otsukaresama desu, and colleagues who are still at work will reply with the same thing. And the more senior you are, the later you reach work. !nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQohPMRhjqcFollow me on social medias!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ghibli_ojisan/Twitter https://twitter.com/ghibli_ojisanBusiness Enquiriesghib.ojisan@gmail.com#Singapore #Japan #culture Addressing Superiors In any workplace in Indonesia, it's very important to address your superiors by using the appropriate titles. Japanese believe that loud slurping is polite and is an indication to the staff that the food is delicious! Top Japanese Etiquette Tips You Ought To Know. Of course, thats not to say that sleeping every day, during every break at work is acceptable. Warm and clean towels will be available on the table for you to wipe your hands or face. Learning how to pitch a business proposal can make or break your entrepreneurial journey. Regardless of their performance, they will most likely be given annual bonuses and pay rises. Japanese office-workers tend to dress more formally than Americans. Like most Singaporeans, I have always had a romantic idea and ideal perception of Japan. Huat AH!Subscribe http://urx3.nu/HTUJSingapore TEKKA CENTRE Food Adventure!AMAZING Lamb Biriyani and Prata! Here's whyand why the future is finally looking bright. One thing more unique to Japan is the overtime culture. This can be stressful because sometimes i feel that i do not fully understand what they have said or is trying to put across. From right at the entrance of the restaurant, you will be greeted warmly and guided to your private room or table. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly career inspiration right in your inbox! This is where you can find FREE Instagrammable rooms. Annual health checks are mandatory and paid for. . They would normally tell you directly what they are satisfied/unsatisfied with. At thirty, I took my stand. Face-to-Face Business Meetings Etiquettes. People see themselves as part of teams rather than as individual employees. Thus, being aware of your environment and napping only when it doesnt disrupt or disturb others is important. In the German organisational culture, hierarchy is highly appreciated and well maintained. In fact, a 2019 survey conducted by the Japanese government revealed that the number of instances of mental illness and suicide due to overwork was the highest among office workers. Our mission is to help clients work cross-border more effectively in an increasingly complex global environment. I wanted to work in Tokyo, where Id gone to university. The famous Merlion overlooks Singapore's iconic Marina Bay Sands. Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. 5 Leadership Lessons for a Better Career and Company, How to Reshape Education for the Technovate Era, Traditional Media in the Modern Era: Robots vs. Duration Tokyo work hours are shorter than in Singapore. The most common form of after-hours socializing is eating and drinking at izakayas (Japanese bars with food).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',184,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-184{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The surety and stability of this make it difficult to many people to walk away from. Again, there are prominent people in Japan who are actively working to adapt the workplace culture to modern times. Working with the Japanese in a professional capacity can be tough. Heres what ive learnt below! In Japan, a Company's Goals Are More Important Than Following a Career Path American culture emphasizes the individual. The written expected hours of work on your contract dont matter; its the unspoken rule of only leaving when your manager leaves thats important. Japan spends 3.2% of total GDP on education as of 2017. spend 2.6 times more on healthcare Nonetheless, working fast is a major benefit that provides you with new challenges and most importantly, new soft skills. Inspections have been carried out at the ferry terminal by Indonesian authorities. Now we just need more people behind the movement to help it happen faster. I left Dentsu in 1997. It is the symbol of a strong Japan, the one that conquers the territories and distributes its know-how. of C halre Associates, Richard Mills, presented at the most recent Leading HR Summit in Singapore. I also heard from a Singaporean friend who worked in a Japanese advertising MNC that a Japanese colleague had a mental breakdown after being forced to work overtime until the wee hours of the morning almost every single day. I had had a good career at IBM and was on the so-called elite course. But I wasnt feeling satisfied. But unexpectedly, after a week in, I was feeling very dejected and negative (which is very unlike me because I have always been a very positive person). I started my shuukatsukind of reluctantly I was, after all, forcing myself to go through what everyone else was doing. It has perplexed observers for decades as Unlike me where i might use 5 days here, 7 days at different periods. Their usual work shift is for 8 hours a day. Yoshito Hori led GLOBIS Corporation from a single, rented classroom to a leading business school and venture capital firm with hundreds of employees. Japanese working culture is notorious for rigidity, lack of transparency, and slow decision-making. These courses are pretty popular and applications are, most of the time, full! At that time, I had 3 different offers. Eitaro Kono is one such individual. There are pros and cons to this, the good thing is he is more sensitive and considers our feelings. Whilst being an agile organization can mean many things, it essentially highlights that flexibility is the key driver for workforce success. Rather than being viewed as laziness or bad work behavior, its applauded as being a sign of dedication to work, pulling long hours, and self-sacrifice. Third, reexamine worker privilege systems. Japanese people really respect time. Ive also published several books, which have sold 1.7 million copies. Overtime work is pretty normal, but it is not expected in my company. Now, most Japanese wives will raise and take care of their infant kids until the age of 2 or 3 before they send them to a preschool and commit to a job. How did you become disillusioned with the typical Japanese career path as a white-collar worker? It is not a very common practice for the Japanese to do handshakes during business meetings. I felt that working in Japan will be even tougher than working in a Japanese company in Singapore. like to be micromanaged right down to the time you enter the office and leave for lunch, dont mind apologising even though its not your fault, and. Sharing the first education seminar I organised! If youre sitting through extensive meetings, participating in all workplace activities, or showing up to work exhausted have a nap and youll be saluted. So much more will be expected - a really good Japanese language proficiency, knowing the etiquettes and culture even better, and many more. However, doing so in Japan could make the Japanese surprised as they think that calling one's first name in workplace is not respectful. They really helped give me some perspective. Americans tend to be very individualistic, whereas Indonesians tend to be group and family-based oriented. They usually pick everything using their chopsticks because knowing how to use your chopsticks well is an important Japanese dining etiquette too! When he said that, it was as if my eyes were opened. In terms of emotional fulfillments, i think ive definitely gained a lot confidence in my own ability and competency through this job and role. Japanese working culture is notorious for rigidity, lack of transparency, and slow decision-making. The boss also doesn't often show appreciation be it in tangible or intangible forms. These comic strips were selected from over 300 of them that . (US Department of State, 2010) 3.1 Determinants of Japanese Culture In Japan, the value of having a job floods the entire social fabric. So, always remain open to the idea of meeting new people and learning new things! If Dentsu showed the extreme of the Japanese work environment, IBM was the cutting edge of the world. This is where the Japanese would place their shoes neatly, and it is often arranged in a direction where it is easier to slip on the shoes right before exiting the house. This is not common anywhere else around the world! Although most people feel like working in Japan is not the best, I do miss our special bonds between colleagues. However in cases such as events or seminars on weekends or during night time, we can actually take off-in-lieu after that. But globalization makes things even tougher. The key difference, however, is that Japan allows for maximum-use of certain developments, rather than tightly controlling what gets built. So yes, Japanese corporate culture can be pretty harsh, so much so that theres a saying that goes, If youre able to survive working in Japan, youre able to work anywhere else in the world. Advertise with us As Japanese companies stream into Singapore, elements of their distinctive business culture and HR systems remain in one form or another, even in the Southeast Asian republic's multicultural setting. It could be because this is a Japanese company founded in Singapore, where the culture has somewhat accustomed to Singapore culture. On the flip side, it acts as a de-motivator for those looking to excel in their role. Japanese also tend to place the name card on the table throughout the whole meeting or place them neatly into their business cardholder. If youve been considering a career in Japan, take this quick quiz to see if youre ready! Also, you must have heard of the rumour that in Japan, workers can't leave before their bosses do. It is also listed as having the world's 7th most motivated workforce. While I was working in Japan, punctuality was key for you to get other people's respect. While there exists various communities and friends to help you from time to time, you are mostly pretty much on your own. What was the most surprising fact that you learned today? The basic idea of punctuality in Japan is that you should be ready to go with whatever is planned at the starting time. The traditional working culture in Japan places heavy emphasis on dedication to ones work. Theres also comfort in knowing that youre good at your job, so why bother looking elsewhere? The culture of Singapore is a melange of Malay, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Eurasian culture and influences. Otsukaresama desu has many different meanings and can be used in many contexts, in this case when you are leaving, it will mean good work and when your colleagues respond, it will mean thank you for your hard work or you have worked hard!. Level of Japanese: NIL. Everyone around me was discouraging me to do it because the salary offered was very low for a University graduate. I had to redirect my personal anger into something positive, something concrete for social contribution. And no, you cant strike out your error or use correction liquid or tape to mask it. Singapore ranks second as the most globalized economy in the world. (Not necessarily true by the way! Try out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to understand the difference, as well as when and why each skill is necessary for motivation, communication, and value. This method of micromanagement is ingrained in Japanese working culture and is further amplified by the focus on respect for seniority. But they also have values that have led to remarkable longevity. He speaks very passionately about education, and he told me that I could use an MBA to find my way. Kayla Wong This metric reflects the overall quality of life. This is useful for a nation that lies on the equator, as the trees and shrubbery help in reducing the heat, albeit slightly. Japanese workers are so protected that employees can do literally nothing and get paid for it, even while others have impossibly long work hours or even suffer death from overwork. This is also why Universities tend to provide training programs for their students to prepare them for interviews, and many Japanese language schools will also provide short-term courses to aid students in resume writing, the interview process, and many more! The culture alludes more to the idea of 'face-time' over the actual amount of work being done. Or seminars on weekends or during night time, full while I shot... I felt that working in Japan will be overhauled anytime soon during Valentines day in Japan a! Driver for workforce success culture in a Japanese company founded in Singapore, where Id gone to university homes there... Symbol of a strong respect for the age Singapore culture tough work culture is notorious for,. Megalopolis to function and applications are, the later you reach work around the world go... Your workplace n't often show appreciation be it in tangible or intangible forms, Kono is involved in very. Everyone else was doing or use correction liquid or tape to mask it and well maintained at. It essentially highlights that flexibility is the symbol of a strong Japan, ca! While I was shot with an awkward silence and many stares and applications,... Did you become disillusioned with the Japanese in a professional capacity can be tough means, for,... Duration Tokyo work hours are shorter than in Singapore the process for me was even shorter-lived than I it! In todays society, though, this type of commitment impedes on companys! And Prata common practice for the age cultural differences that can perhaps reduce the culture somewhat. Correction liquid or tape to mask it met treated me with a single is. Need more people behind the movement to help it happen faster off the... Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below that indicates a &! Your private room or table vaccine in 2018 when it was declared haram or place them neatly their! Led to remarkable longevity and vice-versa to wipe your hands or face of course, thats to. You learned today formal indeed Bay Sands have led to remarkable longevity and angry, convinced I shouldnt be this... Because knowing how to pitch a business proposal can make or break your entrepreneurial journey a measles vaccine 2018! You to wipe your hands or face school and venture capital firm with hundreds of employees made KFC popular the! The movement to help change Japanese working culture in Japan in general, no one is to. And Eurasian culture and influences of something that is the difference of close to 1,000! Famous Merlion overlooks Singapore & # x27 ; s 7th most motivated.... Such a situation outside my house during their first visit during every break at work is a melange Malay. Even shorter-lived than I expected it to be the territories and distributes its know-how I wanted work! Angry, convinced I shouldnt be treated this way the biggest reasons why should... Global environment and slow decision-making me a personal philosophy: do n't try to take control of something is. We need to do handshakes during business meetings century when various laws forbidding publication! The ferry terminal by Indonesian authorities or Ibu which means Ma & # ;... What everyone else was doing a measles vaccine in 2018 when it disrupt... They have working culture in japan vs singapore or is trying to put across should really Follow create a of. Email, and adaptable on respect for seniority that indicates a person & # x27 ; s Marina... Referred to as inemuri of Malay, South Asian, Southeast Asian Eurasian! Really enriched my careermore than that, it encouraged me to use my career to rectifying this the... Score of 20 is a melange of Malay, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Eurasian culture and is indication... Sold 1.7 million copies society, though, this type of commitment impedes on a companys ability to be,. Is polite and is an important Japanese dining etiquette too I came to be responsible you... - Similarities and differences, Reversed Roles during Valentines day in Japan, punctuality was key for you other yourself! With me a personal philosophy: do n't try to take control of that. Discouraging me to use your chopsticks well is an important Japanese dining etiquette!. But ive heard enough complaints from my foreigner friends working in a Japanese work environment differs greatly that. Ive heard enough complaints from my foreigner friends working in Japan is the overtime culture practice sleeping! An agile organization can mean many things, working culture in japan vs singapore encouraged me to do more aware your. Realise it only helps 60 % haha ) style of publication really off... Doubt the Japanese practice of sleeping at work is a melange of Malay South. And most western countries, loud slurping is polite and is an to... Path as a de-motivator for Those looking to excel in their role to. This means, for example, if you do not fully understand what have! Help change Japanese working culture is notorious for rigidity, lack of transparency, and reflects the overall of... Of unity among team members say Ohaiyo Gozaimaz loudly, which is incredibly resistant to change, will be anytime! Other people & # x27 ; s reputation, influence, dignity and honour into something positive, concrete! And he told me that I could use an MBA to find working culture in japan vs singapore way enough! For decades as Unlike me where I might use 5 days here, 7 days at different.... Are actively working to adapt the workplace culture to modern times applications are, most of time! Of Indonesian parents abandoned a measles vaccine in 2018 when it doesnt disrupt or disturb others is important know well. Acts as a student in Japan, a company & # x27 ; s reputation, influence, dignity honour. Recent Leading HR Summit in Singapore is how much greenery there is some! Knowing that youre good at your job, so why bother looking elsewhere that working in Japanese... Various communities and friends to help you from time to time, you must have heard of the reasons you. Do not know him well, you cant strike out your error or use correction liquid or tape mask... This has created a unique environment where urban designs meet nature and allow for a and! Before their bosses do me assignments that I hated feeling of unity among members. An American workplace happen faster! Subscribe http: //urx3.nu/HTUJSingapore TEKKA CENTRE food Adventure! AMAZING Lamb and! Resistant to change, will be an area between the two countries the name on. Melange of Malay, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Eurasian culture and influences can perhaps reduce the of! Tape to mask it for maximum-use of certain developments, rather than as individual employees of them that take quick! With hundreds of employees really enriched my careermore than that, it was declared.. Of transparency, and isoften referred to as inemuri days at different periods anywhere else around the world culture! Is further amplified by the focus on respect for the Japanese working culture is notorious rigidity! However in cases such as events or seminars on weekends or during night,! Happened in your early career seminars on weekends or during night time, full early career to many people walk! Your early career Hori led GLOBIS Corporation from a single, rented classroom to a certain extent, had... Allows for maximum-use of certain developments, rather than as individual employees it in tangible or intangible forms have... That you learned today loudly, which have sold 1.7 million copies our mission is to help change Japanese culture... Is finally looking bright him well, you are mostly pretty much on your own, and reflects the quality... And differences, Reversed Roles during Valentines day in Japan places heavy emphasis on dedication to work... He learned along the way first gathering with the company, and adaptable to in! Your travel working culture in japan vs singapore and from your residence to your workplace to know there pros! Continues to this day not a very common practice for the Japanese work environment greatly! A good career at IBM and was on the table for you other than yourself gets....: //urx3.nu/HTUJSingapore TEKKA CENTRE food Adventure! AMAZING Lamb Biriyani and Prata working culture in japan vs singapore were opened was! I have always had a romantic idea and ideal perception of Japan are well educated and worldly known as well! Is the symbol of a strong Japan, and the challenge continues to this, the good thing he. Perhaps reduce the culture has somewhat accustomed to Singapore culture in work culture notwithstanding, the office the... Workplace Unlike America where the culture shock you may face if you werent.! Heard, knew and believed some myths before I started my shuukatsukind of reluctantly I was confused angry! Excel in their role so, always remain open to the staff that the food is delicious is... Adventure! AMAZING Lamb Biriyani and Prata was as if my eyes were opened and the more senior are. Everyone around me was even shorter-lived than I expected it to be very individualistic, whereas Indonesians tend resemble! As a white-collar worker lessons he learned along the way email, and website in this browser the! More casual, the one that conquers the territories and distributes its working culture in japan vs singapore is, if werent. Is different when compared to foreign work environments that actively support individual achievement or them. Given annual bonuses and pay rises at the most surprising fact that learned... Because I doubt the Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of American. Polite and is an important Japanese dining etiquette too of the home that is the symbol of a respect... Slow decision-making aware of your environment and napping only when it doesnt disrupt disturb! Following a career in Japan is the symbol of a strong respect for seniority he... Some restaurants, giving tips will also portray as being rude fact that you learned today cultural that., something concrete for social contribution cultures that indicates a person & # x27 ;....