Day in the Life of a Japanese Construction Worker

Summary

This video offers a glimpse into the daily life of a 39-year-old Japanese construction worker and single mother, Cy, living on the outskirts of Tokyo. It highlights her morning routine, the challenges of being a single working mom, and her work as an independent contractor operating heavy machinery. The video also touches on the physical demands of her job, the importance of breaks to prevent accidents and heat-related illnesses, and her advocacy for improving conditions for women in the industry. It concludes with her family life and aspirations, showcasing her determination and the unique skills she's developed in a male-dominated field.

Takeaways

• 🏠 Cy, a 39-year-old single mother, lives in a dangi, an affordable housing complex in Tokyo, to minimize living costs.
• 🍳 She ensures a healthy diet for herself and her two teenagers, spending less on food than the national average.
• 👷‍♀️ As a construction worker, Cy operates heavy machinery like excavators, known as 'yumbo' in Japan.
• ⏰ Her daily commute can be up to 2 hours, depending on the construction project's location.
• 🧊 She uses a COO fuku, an air-conditioned jacket, to stay cool during hot summer months at work.
• 🚜 Cy is responsible for maintaining her equipment, such as greasing the joints of her excavator.
• 🏗️ She works as an 'aor oaka', an independent contractor in the construction industry.
• 🔧 To operate construction vehicles in Japan, Cy holds four different licenses, including a large vehicle driver's license.
• 🌡️ Construction workers in Japan take short breaks and an hour for lunch to prevent accidents and heat-related illnesses.
• 💪 Despite initial challenges as a woman in construction, Cy has proven herself and now advocates for women in the industry through Lady Sight.
• 🌆 After work, Cy manages household chores and cooking, showing her dedication to her family.

Q & A

How old is Cy and what is her occupation?

Cy is 39 years old and works as a heavy machine operator at construction sites in Tokyo.

What is a 'dangi' and why did Cy choose to live in one?

A 'dangi' is an affordable Japanese housing complex run by the local government. Cy chose to live in a dangi to minimize her cost of living, as the average monthly rent is significantly lower than in Tokyo.

What is the average monthly food expense for a family of three in Japan, and how does Cy's spending compare?

The average monthly food expense for a family of three in Japan is about 81,000 Yen ($560), while Cy spends less than 30,000 Yen ($200), which is far below the national average.

What is a 'COO fuku' and why is it popular among construction workers in Japan?

A 'COO fuku' is an air-conditioned jacket, which is a popular summertime outfit for construction workers in Japan due to its ability to keep them cool in hot weather.

How does Cy's commute to work vary depending on the construction project?

Cy's commute to work varies; she might work at a site close to her home, but depending on the project, she could also have to commute up to 2 hours.

What is 'rajio tyo' and why do construction crews in Japan perform it?

Rajio tyo is a morning exercise or warm-up calisthenic that construction crews perform together in sync with music to help prevent injuries during the strenuous workday.

What is the significance of 'aor oaka' in the construction industry, and how does it relate to Cy's work?

In the construction industry, 'aor oaka' refers to an independent contractor, directly translated as 'one boss'. Cy works as an 'aor oaka', operating heavy machinery such as excavators and bulldozers.

What special licenses are required to operate construction vehicles in Japan?

To operate construction vehicles in Japan, one needs special licenses in addition to a large size vehicle driver's license if driven on roads. Cy had to test for four different licenses to do her job.

What is the term 'yumbo' and how is it related to excavators in Japan?

The term 'yumbo' is the Japanese name for excavators, dating back to the 1960s when they were first produced. The name has since become synonymous with all excavators in Japan.

How does Cy's experience as a female construction worker in Japan compare to her male counterparts?

Female construction workers are rare in Japan, making up only 2.3% of the workforce. Cy faced challenges when she first started, such as not being taken seriously, but she persevered and proved herself, gaining the trust of her co-workers.

What is 'lady sight' and why did Cy found it?

Lady sight is a community platform founded by Cy for female construction workers. It gathers feedback from members and advocates for necessary improvements, such as better accommodations for women in construction work environments.