Japanese Salary is Low｜Daily Routine of Japanese｜Japan VLOG

Summary

This video script sheds light on Japan’s work culture, where long hours, low wages, and a rigid salary system based on age and seniority are common. Despite Japan's reputation for quality service, many workers face a lack of financial reward for their hard work, with non-regular jobs becoming increasingly prevalent. The script critiques the societal expectation for silence and patience, which stifles innovation and wage growth. It also emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal satisfaction and experience rather than just salary when considering work in Japan.

Takeaways

• 😀 The working culture in Japan is demanding, with long hours, low wages, and little room for personal growth.
• 😀 Japan's salary ranks surprisingly low globally, with its annual income falling behind countries like the U.S., Germany, and even South Korea.
• 😀 Despite being a developed nation and economic superpower, Japan's workforce faces stagnating wages and an outdated work structure.
• 😀 Many workers endure crowded trains, 10-minute lunch breaks, and unpaid overtime as part of their daily routine.
• 😀 In Japan, salary is based on age and years of service, not ability or achievements, which discourages younger, more ambitious employees from advancing.
• 😀 Japanese workers are often expected to silently accept low wages and long hours without voicing their frustrations due to cultural norms of humility and quietness.
• 😀 Full-time employees in Japan enjoy more job security, but this has led to a rise in low-paying non-regular employment (part-time, temporary, contract jobs).
• 😀 Approximately 40% of Japan's workforce is employed in non-regular positions, contributing to the stagnation of wage growth in the country.
• 😀 The Japanese value silence, patience, and respect, but this sometimes leads to missed opportunities for change and innovation in the workplace.
• 😀 The widespread practice of simply saying 'thank you' for hard work, without corresponding financial compensation, reflects a societal reluctance to address low wages directly.
• 😀 Workers in Japan are often underappreciated for their efforts, and societal norms make it difficult to push for better compensation or working conditions.

Q & A

What comes to mind when thinking of Japan?

When people think of Japan, they often associate it with sushi, anime, Shinkansen (bullet trains), clean streets, and friendly convenience store clerks working around the clock. However, there is also a hidden side to Japan, where workers endure tough working conditions and low wages.

What are the typical working conditions in Japan?

In Japan, workers often experience long commutes in crowded trains, work late into the night, and have minimal lunch breaks (e.g., a quick 10-minute beef bowl). Overtime is common, and it is typically unpaid. Despite the long hours, the wages are surprisingly low.

How does Japan's salary ranking compare globally?

Japan’s salary ranking is surprisingly low compared to other developed nations. Countries like the United States, Germany, and South Korea are expected to overtake Japan in annual income, despite Japan being considered a developed country and an economic superpower in the past.

Why is Japan referred to as a 'working fossil museum'?

Japan is referred to as a 'working fossil museum' because its society continues to rely on old-fashioned working practices, where seniority and years of service are prioritized over ability and achievements. This has led to stagnation in wages and a lack of innovation in the workplace.

What is the difference between full-time and non-regular employment in Japan?

Full-time employees in Japan are considered superior and are more protected, while non-regular employees (part-time, temporary, casual, contract workers) face lower wages, no bonuses, and lack long-term job security. Approximately 40% of the workforce is non-regular, contributing to wage stagnation.

How does Japan's work culture discourage expressing dissatisfaction?

In Japan, there is a saying, 'The nail that sticks out gets hammered down,' which reflects the culture of conformity and avoiding standing out. As a result, workers are often hesitant to express their dissatisfaction or ask for higher pay, as it may be viewed negatively in a culture that values quietness, patience, and humility.

What is the significance of 'thank you' in Japan's work culture?

'Thank you' plays an important role in Japan’s culture, often used to express gratitude for hard work. However, it is also seen as a way to overlook the need for proper compensation. Many workers, especially in lower-wage jobs, hear 'thank you' for their efforts instead of being rewarded with higher wages or better working conditions.

What is the issue with Japan's low wages despite the hard work of its people?

The issue is not the lack of effort from Japanese workers, who are known for being serious, hardworking, and responsible, but rather the societal structure and culture that does not reward these efforts. Wages are determined more by age and years of service than by actual ability or achievements, leading to stagnation.

Why do some workers in Japan accept low wages without complaint?

Workers in Japan often accept low wages because of the cultural emphasis on silence, patience, and not 'rocking the boat.' The fear of standing out and the societal pressure to conform make it difficult for many to ask for better pay or to express dissatisfaction, even when they are overworked.

What advice is given to people considering working in Japan?

The advice given is to focus on factors such as job satisfaction and experience rather than just salary when considering working in Japan. Although people have dreams, the culture in Japan makes it difficult to envision a significant increase in annual income. It's essential to be aware of the realities of low wages and long hours.