Day in the Life of a Typical Japanese Office Worker in Tokyo

Summary

This video offers a glimpse into a day in the life of Emi, a 24-year-old working in a modern Japanese office in Tokyo. From her morning routine and 45-minute train commute to her job at Pasona, a leading staffing company, the video highlights her work environment, which includes an open office, unique traditions like omiyage (souvenir sweets), and even a farm with live animals. It also touches on the company’s progressive culture, offering perks like a gym, an inclusive bakery, and a flexible work schedule, showcasing a contrast to traditional Japanese corporate life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Emi, a 24-year-old woman working in Tokyo, follows a unique morning routine where she prefers taking a bath in the evening instead of a shower in the morning.
• 😀 Many Japanese workers, like Emi, typically skip a traditional breakfast and grab something quick, like an onigiri, from a convenience store on their way to work.
• 😀 Emi lives with her family, which is common for young adults in Japan even after they finish university.
• 😀 Emi's commute to work takes about an hour by train, with the added benefit of not needing to transfer trains during her ride.
• 😀 Emi works for Pasona, a large staffing company located in Otemachi, Tokyo's business district, with over 4,000 employees at her office.
• 😀 In Japanese offices like Emi's, a quiet and respectful atmosphere is maintained, with minimal noise, which helps employees focus on their tasks.
• 😀 A unique aspect of Japanese office culture is the practice of bringing back souvenir sweets (omiyage) from vacations as a gesture of gratitude to coworkers.
• 😀 The company has a daily morning assembly meeting (chourei) to share company news, similar to modern-day email newsletters.
• 😀 Emi's office has an open, colorful design compared to traditional Japanese offices, and even features a gym and farm within the office space.
• 😀 At lunchtime, Japanese workers like Emi use chopsticks to eat salads and are expected to clean up their own food waste, reflecting the culture of responsibility and self-sufficiency in Japan.

Q & A

Why doesn't Emi take a shower in the morning?

Emi prefers to take a bath in the evening before bed, which is a common practice in Japan. Many people in Japan skip showers in the morning, as bathing is often seen as a more relaxing and cleansing ritual done at night.

What is the typical breakfast routine for people like Emi in Japan?

Emi, like many Japanese workers, skips a traditional breakfast and grabs something quick, like an onigiri (rice ball) from a convenience store on her way to work. This is a common habit in Japan, where many people prefer light and quick breakfasts.

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

Emi commutes by train, and her closest station is a 10-minute walk from her home. The average commute time in Tokyo is about 45 minutes to an hour. Emi is fortunate that she doesn't have to transfer trains in the morning, which is common for many commuters.

What is the unique feature of Emi's office space?

Emi’s office is quite open and colorful compared to most Japanese offices. It lacks traditional cubicles, promoting a more collaborative and less confined work environment.

What is 'omiyage,' and why is it significant in Emi's office?

'Omiyage' refers to souvenirs that Japanese people bring back from trips to share with coworkers. It’s a tradition to show gratitude for others covering for you during your absence, and it fosters a sense of connection and appreciation in the workplace.

What is the 'chourei' meeting, and why is it held every morning?

The 'chourei' meeting is a company-wide morning assembly where important news and updates from different departments are shared. It’s a practice commonly found in traditional Japanese companies, but it is still observed at Pasona, despite the company’s progressive culture.

How does the office encourage employee health and wellness?

Emi's company offers an in-house gym, allowing employees to work out during the day. The gym includes personal trainers and encourages employees to stay healthy, which is a unique and progressive perk for a Japanese office.

What is notable about the food provided at Emi's office?

The food at Emi's office cafeteria includes a bakery with various items, and employees get a discount on meals. A subsidiary of the company, Pasona Heartful, employs people with disabilities to make the food, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the workplace.

What is the significance of the animals in the office?

Emi’s office has a real farm with animals, including owls, which employees can visit during breaks. This unique feature makes the office environment more relaxed and enjoyable, and it’s open to the public as well. The animals are well cared for, with 24-hour ventilation and regular rotations to an outside farm.

How is the work-life balance at Pasona compared to traditional Japanese offices?

Pasona’s work culture is much more flexible compared to older, traditional Japanese companies. Employees like Emi can leave the office when they finish their work, instead of being required to stay late, which is common in more rigid offices.