Day in the Life of an Average Japanese Salaryman in Tokyo

Summary

The video follows Makoto, a 27-year-old salaryman living in Tokyo, as he navigates a typical workday. From his morning routine, which includes skipping breakfast and using his bike to commute, to his busy office life at Mobal, a SIM card provider, Makoto juggles multiple tasks. He visits clients, attends face-to-face meetings, and manages various projects, all while adhering to Japanese work culture. Despite a hectic schedule, he finds time to mentor children in an after-school program. His day ends with a well-deserved bath and a few more work tasks before bedtime, highlighting the demanding lifestyle of a Japanese salaryman.

Takeaways

• 😀 Makoto is a 27-year-old salaryman living in Tokyo, who works for a SIM card provider called Mobal.
• 😀 He lives with his family, who run a business on the first floor of their large house in Tokyo.
• 😀 Makoto prefers a time-efficient morning routine, often skipping both showers and breakfast at home.
• 😀 He commutes by bicycle (mama chari) to the nearest station, as his house is too far to walk.
• 😀 In the summer, Makoto follows the 'cool biz' dress code, wearing light attire without a tie or suit jacket.
• 😀 His 30-minute commute involves transferring between two trains, which is quicker than many other Tokyo residents.
• 😀 As the youngest employee, Makoto is often the first to arrive at the office, where he prepares the office and coffee for the team.
• 😀 He manages a charity initiative at work, called 'Warm Hearts Coffee Club', while also handling marketing and SIM card operations.
• 😀 Makoto spends a significant amount of his day traveling between client meetings, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interaction in Japanese business culture.
• 😀 Despite his busy schedule, Makoto balances his work commitments with mentoring children in an after-school program twice a week.
• 😀 After work, he continues handling tasks, such as mailing documents and preparing for additional work after returning home, embodying the hard-working spirit of a Japanese salaryman.

Q & A

Why does Makoto skip showers and breakfast in the morning?

Makoto skips showers and breakfast in the morning to save time and maximize efficiency. This is quite common among salarymen in Japan, where time is often limited during the workday.

What is the significance of 'cool biz' attire in Japan?

'Cool biz' attire refers to a more relaxed dress code during the summer months, allowing employees to wear light clothing without a suit jacket or tie. It is aimed at reducing heat stress during Japan's hot summer, although not all companies endorse this practice.

What is a 'mama chari' and why does Makoto use it?

A 'mama chari' is a slang term for a typical Japanese mom's bicycle, often used by people who live too far from the train station to walk. Makoto uses it to commute from his home to the station since his house is too far from the nearest train stop.

What is the 'escalator etiquette' in Tokyo?

In Tokyo, there is an unwritten escalator etiquette where people stand on the left side and walk on the right side. This ensures that those in a hurry can walk past others without obstruction.

What kind of company does Makoto work for, and what is his role?

Makoto works for Mobal, a SIM card provider in Japan. His official title is 'Marketing Advisor,' though the role is quite vague, and he has a variety of responsibilities including managing coffee subscriptions and working on charity initiatives.

Why does Makoto visit a coffee roaster in Tsukishima?

Makoto visits the coffee roaster in Tsukishima to prepare shipments for Mobal's subscribers. The company is involved in a charity initiative, 'Warm Hearts Coffee Club,' where all profits from coffee subscriptions go to charity.

Why is face-to-face business communication emphasized in Japan?

In Japan, face-to-face meetings are highly valued because they are seen as an essential way to build strong business relationships. Despite the availability of phone or email communication, many Japanese companies still prefer in-person discussions to establish trust and rapport.

What role does Makoto play in his company outside of his marketing duties?

Outside his marketing role, Makoto is tasked with several administrative duties as the youngest employee in his office. This includes preparing coffee, managing office tasks, and organizing day-to-day activities, which is typical in smaller companies.

How does Makoto's daily routine reflect the typical life of a Japanese salaryman?

Makoto's daily routine, with long commutes, multiple face-to-face meetings, and limited time for breaks, is characteristic of the Japanese salaryman lifestyle. This often involves working long hours, handling various roles within the company, and maintaining a strong sense of duty to the organization.

What is the significance of business card exchange ('meishi koukan') in Japan?

Business card exchange ('meishi koukan') is a fundamental part of Japanese business etiquette. It is essential to exchange cards respectfully with both hands, follow proper protocols in handling the card, and ensure it is placed carefully on the table during meetings. Failing to do so can be seen as disrespectful.