Day in the Life of a Japanese Delivery Worker

Summary

This video follows Yasuho, a 22-year-old delivery person working for Sagawa Express in Tokyo. From her morning routine of preparing for work to her afternoon deliveries, we see her daily life, including the safety checks, teamwork, and customer interactions that shape her job. Yasuho navigates Tokyo's bustling streets, delivering packages to both residential and business clients, and manages pick-ups. The video also highlights the importance of Japanese work culture, with an emphasis on cleanliness, responsibility, and relationships with co-workers and customers. Despite a busy day, Yasuho finds time to cook dinner and unwind before bed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yasuho is a 22-year-old delivery person working for Sagawa Express in Tokyo, living alone in a newly built 1K apartment.
• 😀 She prefers to take a bath at night, as is common in Japan, and starts her workday early compared to other workers in Tokyo.
• 😀 Yasuho commutes to work by bike, which takes only 10 minutes, while most workers in Tokyo typically commute by train for about an hour.
• 😀 Sagawa Express is one of Japan's largest transportation companies, with over 50,000 employees across 400 offices nationwide.
• 😀 Yasuho follows a strict daily routine, including cleaning her delivery van before starting work, which reflects the importance of cleanliness in Japanese culture.
• 😀 Before starting deliveries, Yasuho must fill out a health report, undergo a breathalyzer test, and read safety driving rules in front of an inspection staff.
• 😀 Yasuho delivers packages not only to residential homes but also to businesses in the Nihombashi area, known for its apparel wholesale shops.
• 😀 In Japan, it's common for workers like Yasuho to lock their carts during deliveries, ensuring safety and preventing theft, even though streets are relatively safe.
• 😀 During her lunch break, Yasuho enjoys eating with her senior colleagues (senpai) at an izakaya, a type of Japanese pub that offers affordable meals.
• 😀 Yasuho's job involves both deliveries and sales activities, where she promotes Sagawa’s services while picking up packages from clients.
• 😀 After completing her deliveries, Yasuho performs a final set of safety checks and administrative tasks, including cash accounting, before finishing her day.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video follows the daily life of Yasuho, a 22-year-old delivery person working for Sagawa Express in Tokyo. It highlights her routine, the tasks she performs, and the unique aspects of working as a delivery person in Japan.

Why does Yasuho prefer to take a bath at night instead of in the morning?

Yasuho prefers taking a bath at night before going to bed, which is a common practice in Japan. It helps her relax and unwind after a busy day, aligning with the cultural preference for bathing as a form of relaxation.

How does Yasuho commute to work, and how long does it take?

Yasuho commutes to work by bike, and it takes her about 10 minutes to get to the office. This is quite convenient as it is rare for workers in Tokyo to live so close to their office.

What is unique about the working hours and commute for Yasuho compared to other Tokyo workers?

Yasuho's workday starts earlier than most Tokyo workers, and she is fortunate to live near her office, unlike the majority of workers in Tokyo who commute for about an hour each way by train.

What is the 'Tenko' process, and why is it important for Sagawa delivery drivers?

The 'Tenko' process involves safety checks that all Sagawa drivers must undergo before starting their deliveries. This includes reporting their health condition, performing a breathalyzer test, and reviewing safety driving rules to ensure they are fit to drive.

Why does Yasuho's delivery van need to be cleaned every morning before starting her work?

Sagawa has a policy that requires delivery vans to be cleaned every morning before starting work. This is part of the company’s commitment to maintaining a clean and professional environment, which is important in Japanese culture.

What types of deliveries does Yasuho handle, and what makes her job different from regular delivery people?

Yasuho delivers to both regular houses and businesses, including apparel shops and wholesale facilities in the Nihombashi area. Her job also involves sales activities, as she promotes new services like charter shipping while delivering packages.

What makes Japan’s street culture safer compared to other countries for delivery personnel like Yasuho?

Japan's streets are relatively safe, with low theft rates. Delivery workers like Yasuho can leave packages unattended in front of stores without the risk of theft, making the job more convenient.

What does Yasuho do during her lunch break, and how is it different from the standard lunch break in Japan?

Yasuho has a longer-than-usual lunch break, about an hour and a half, compared to the typical one-hour break. During this time, she meets with senior colleagues (senpai) at a Japanese izakaya, where they enjoy affordable set meals.

How does Yasuho manage administrative tasks after completing her deliveries?

After finishing her deliveries, Yasuho handles administrative tasks, such as cash accounting, which involves processing cash-on-delivery transactions and parking fees. These records must be maintained by law for one year.

How does Yasuho balance work and personal life, especially considering her preference for cooking?

Yasuho balances her work and personal life by enjoying cooking at home after her shifts. Unlike many younger people in Tokyo who rely on convenience store meals, she prefers to prepare her own food, which is both cheaper and healthier.