Day in the Life of a Japanese Firefighter

Summary

This video offers an intimate look into the daily life of Soushi, a 22-year-old Japanese firefighter in Tokyo. From waking up in the fire department-provided dormitory to his rigorous training, equipment checks, and emergency responses, it showcases the dedication and discipline required in his role. The script also highlights the importance of teamwork, continuous learning, and the community aspect of the fire station, where firefighters live and work closely, akin to a family.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🚒 Soushi, a 22-year-old firefighter in Tokyo, lives in a dormitory provided by the fire department for quick response in emergencies.
• 🍞 He starts his day with breakfast at home, which usually includes simple food like toast with chocolate spread.
• 👔 Despite being a firefighter, Soushi wears a suit to work like many Japanese salarymen, as his station is only a 10-minute walk away.
• 📊 The fire station performs a morning meeting ('daikotai') where shifts exchange critical information about incidents that occurred during the previous shift.
• 🧯 Firefighters in Japan must pass an extremely competitive exam, with only 7% of applicants passing each year.
• 🔍 Daily checks include inspecting fire trucks, gear, and equipment, ensuring everything functions correctly in case of emergencies.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Training is rigorous, with frequent drills simulating real-life rescue scenarios, ensuring firefighters are prepared for various emergencies.
• 🍛 Firefighters eat together as a team and treat each other like family during their 24-hour shifts, cooking and dining family-style.
• 🧼 Evenings involve downtime for studying, exercising, and completing daily chores, like washing laundry and cleaning the fire station.
• 🧹 Firefighters clean the station themselves to promote teamwork and respect for their workplace, a common practice in traditional Japanese companies.

Q & A

What is the term for the type of housing provided by the fire department in Japan?

The term for the housing provided by the fire department in Japan is 'Tanshin Taikishukusa', which directly translates to 'A single waiting dormitory'.

What is the significance of the 'Tanshin Taikishukusa' for firefighters?

The 'Tanshin Taikishukusa' allows firefighters to quickly gather and respond to emergency situations, such as natural disasters.

What is the rank of Soushi, the firefighter featured in the script?

Soushi is currently at the 1st rank as a firefighter, which is indicated by one star and one stripe on his badge.

How often does Soushi have to pass a review to earn a promotion?

Soushi has to undergo a review after about four years to be considered for a promotion to the next rank.

What is the competitiveness of becoming a firefighter in Tokyo?

Becoming a firefighter in Tokyo is highly competitive, with only about 7% of applicants passing the full examination last year.

How does the morning 'daikotai' meeting function at the fire station?

The 'daikotai' meeting is a large gathering where the outgoing shift informs the incoming shift about any incidents that occurred during their shift, ensuring accurate information transfer.

What is the purpose of the morning inspections conducted by the firefighters?

The morning inspections are conducted to ensure that all equipment and vehicles are in working order, which is critical for responding quickly and safely to emergencies.

What is the significance of the 'bokai' or bunker gear for Soushi?

The 'bokai' or bunker gear is significant for Soushi as he must fully try on his gear during his morning inspection to ensure every piece is working properly, as his life depends on it.

What is the training drill that Soushi and his team simulate in the script?

Soushi and his team simulate the rescue of a person on the second floor of a burning building during their training drill.

What is the role of the Sosuisha fire truck that Soushi drives?

The Sosuisha fire truck, driven by Soushi, usually arrives second on the scene of an emergency, parks next to the fire hydrant, and pumps water to the Sankosa truck which arrives first and is parked closest to the fire.

How do firefighters spend their downtime during a 24-hour shift?

During downtime, firefighters may study, do regular chores, ask more experienced teammates for advice, and work on strength and conditioning.