Foreign vs Japanese companies

By Karl Stubbe on August 31st, 2009

So, you’ve chosen to live and work in Japan. Living here is a good choice considering that, while Tokyo is just one of its cities, it has ranked third by the lifestyle magazine Monocle as the most livable metropolis with its efficient public transportation system, service culture, and great food.

But what about working here? Your work experience is greatly affected by which type of company you choose to work for: a Japanese or foreign-run enterprise?

Unlike Europe or the US where national and foreign-run companies share similar work environments such as working hours, company politics and business matters, Japanese-run companies can seem unusual due to different cultural expectations and norms that affect work situations. One’s not good or bad; it’s just a matter of preference.

So, what can you expect from working in a Japanese company? One of the more favored characteristics is this unwritten general rule that once you’re in, you’re IN. Japanese companies seem to value continuity and company loyalty more with their lifelong employment policies.

Another possible advantage with working for a Japanese company is the exposure to cultural differences in the business world which many foreigners value as a great learning experience. However, not all see these differences as positive experiences.

Working in a Japanese company most likely means overtime on a regular basis and sometimes at an incomprehensible level. The overtime extends beyond working behind the desk to accompanying your boss to the local bar despite prior engagements or an early start the next day. Don’t think that “genki drinks” were invented just for the fun of it!

Foreign women may face a greater challenge due to the gender-biased expectations that are still prevalent in the work place, despite the equal opportunity policies. And almost anyone could groan over the significant decrease in paid holidays and vacation time.

What’s mentioned above is meant to prepare you, rather than scare you. Any situation has their positives and negatives and often one has to give up something to gain something.

While foreign companies may meet your expectations, you might hinder yourself from immersing into Japanese culture and society. You’re already here so might as well try to get as much out of it as you can.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Take the time to think about your options and what you want to get out of working in Japan. Think about your personal preferences and you’re bound to find the right job.

Karl Stubbe

Born and raised in Germany, his education at an International School left him no other choice than to pursue his career on an international level.

Consequently he moved to London to complete his BA in Japanese Studies at the University of London with the one year experience of studying at a Japanese university. Following his graduation he spent another year in Japan, working his way through a number of multi-lingual companies and gathering experiences.

It is these experiences which have made him take his latest step: A Master's degree at a Japanese university with the focus on the Japanese perception and understanding of "work".

Alongside all of this, he has continued to work as a freelance writer on Japan and Japanese culture for major German magazines and is currently working on a novel.

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