Explaining the characteristics of the Japanese work style! Do Japanese people really work too much?

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

When you hear about "Japan's way of working", many foreigners may think that they work a lot of overtime or that they are working too much.

In this article, we will introduce the characteristics of Japan's work style and recent changes in work styles in an easy-to-understand manner.

If you want to work in Japan, please read to the end.

Learn about the unique working styles in Japan!

If you are thinking about working in Japan in the future, it would be reassuring to know the characteristics of working in Japan.

Characteristics of Japanese working styles

The Japanese way of working has the following characteristics:

• Be punctual
• Do your job carefully
• Emphasize teamwork

We will introduce the characteristics of each in detail.

Feature 1: Keeping to time

In Japan, being punctual is basic etiquette.

Unless there is an unavoidable reason (such as a train delay or accident), you will be warned very strictly if you are late.
It is common to let someone know in advance, even if you are only going to be a few minutes late.

As I will explain later, in Japan, it is important for everyone to work together.
If you are late, you will inconvenience other people.
Therefore, in order to work effectively as a team, it is very important to be punctual.

On the other hand, some countries have a more flexible view of time.

Different countries place different emphasis on different things.
Unlike Japan, there are countries with cultures that place more importance on connections with people and working flexibly according to the situation.
In such countries, a flexible approach to time is appropriate.

[Points to remember when working in Japan]
Aim to arrive at your appointment or meeting 5 to 10 minutes early.
For example, if you have a work appointment at 10:00, aim to arrive at the appointment between 9:50 and 9:55.

When going to work, it is common to leave home so that you arrive at the office 10 minutes before the start of work.
However, different companies have different ways of thinking, so it's best to ask someone from the same company.

Feature 2: Work carefully

In Japan, careful work is emphasized.
This approach to work has led to the reputation that "Made in Japan products are trustworthy."

Your boss can tell you how to do your job.
In Japanese companies, it is common for employees to learn little by little through their actual work, with their superiors acting as mentors after they join the company.
This makes it easy to try out a job even if you have no experience.

Countries that place a high value on efficiency may not have the same careful work practices and training as Japan.

Each country has its own way of doing things, but in Japan, politeness is especially important.

[Points to remember when working in Japan]
When working, it is important to "report, contact, and consult."

If you have any questions, consult your supervisor or senior colleague immediately.
Don't go ahead and do the work yourself without understanding it.
There's no shame in asking questions; it's essential to getting the job done right.

Feature 3: Emphasis on teamwork

In Japan, many companies place more importance on achieving goals as a team or the entire company than on individuals.

Therefore, it is common for people to work collaboratively within different departments or teams.
There is a strong emphasis on helping each other and sharing information.

There are many meetings and often long discussions.
This is important for everyone to be happy and engaged in the work.

[Points to remember when working in Japan]
Be mindful not only of your own achievements and evaluations, but also of whether you are achieving the team's goals.
If someone hasn't finished their work, it's important to ask, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Recent changes in working styles in Japan

In Japan, "work style reform" is underway.

As a result of the work style reform, the following rules regarding working hours and holidays have been established.

• Overtime hours are limited to 45 hours per month and 360 hours per year.
• Those who have 10 or more days of paid leave per year should take at least 5 days of paid leave.
• Allow two days off per week

Paid leave is time off without loss of pay.
If you work for the same company for more than six months, you will be given 10 days of paid vacation per year.

Recently, both the government and companies have been cooperating to value a work style that encourages employees to take ample time off.
For example, in the construction industry, when work is commissioned by the national or prefectural governments, plans are made in principle to allow workers to take two days off per week for all construction work.
In addition, efforts have begun to adjust working styles according to the season, such as "increasing holidays during hot seasons."

These work style reforms are leading to the creation of a comfortable working environment not only for Japanese people but also for foreigners.
Reduced overtime hours and easier time off are also major benefits for foreigners working in Japan.

It is expected that these changes in working styles will continue to move in a positive direction in the future.

Do Japanese people really work too much?

Not only from foreigners, but even within Japan, people sometimes say that Japanese people work too much.
For this reason, many people may think that "everyone in Japan works very long hours."

However, a look at the statistical data reveals a reality that is different from that impression.

OECD data shows average annual working hours in Japan

According to the OECD, Japan ranks 22nd out of 38 countries in terms of average annual working hours among OECD member countries.
* OECD: Average annual hours actually worked per worker (2024)

According to the survey, the average annual working hours in Japan in 2024 will be 1,617 hours.
This is less than the OECD average of 1,736 hours.

The annual working hours for the G7 countries are as follows:

• Germany: 1,331 hours
• France: 1,491 hours
• UK: 1,512 hours
• Japan: 1,617 hours
• Canada: 1,697 hours
• America: 1,796 hours
• Italy: 1,796 hours

These results show that there is a discrepancy between the impression that "Japanese people work too much" and the actual number of hours they work.

Why has the impression of "working too much" become so prevalent?

Even though working hours are not that long, why do people have the impression that Japanese people work too much?
There are several reasons for this.

Japanese national character

One of the characteristics of the Japanese people in relation to work is the emphasis on time and quality.

Although the degree of this varies depending on the company and the person, this national character is reflected in the following behaviors:

• work overtime to meet deadlines
• Going to work even if there is sudden traffic trouble such as trains being stopped
• Multiple people check the product multiple times before delivery
• Answering work calls and checking emails even during breaks and holidays

It is thought that this kind of behavior has led to the impression that "Japanese people work too much."
However, these national characteristics also contribute to the trust placed in Japanese products and services, such as their high quality and punctuality.

Fixed overtime system

There are companies in Japan that have adopted a "fixed overtime system."
A fixed overtime system is a system in which overtime pay for a set number of hours is included in the monthly salary from the start.

Because of this system, some people have the impression that overtime work is the norm in Japan.

But there are also benefits to this system.
For example, even if you do not actually work overtime, you will be paid overtime for the set number of hours.
If you work overtime beyond the allotted time, you will be paid extra overtime.

Evaluation based on working hours

Japan's economy was particularly booming from 1955 to 1973, and the more people worked, the more goods they sold.

Therefore, people were often evaluated based on how long they worked.

As a result, it was common to work overtime and prioritize work over family life.
Many people would rather work and earn money than spend time with their families, and there were many stores open 24 hours a day.

There was also a lot of "service overtime," where people worked overtime without receiving a salary.
This is because the willingness to work, even if unpaid, can sometimes lead to positive evaluations.

But this is the old way of working in Japan.
As I explained earlier, work style reform is currently underway and working hours are decreasing.

In the past, there have been catchy slogans for products like this.

• Can you fight for 24 hours?
• For those who can't take a break even when they have a cold

However, many people expressed opinions such as, "It's strange to work 24 hours a day," and "If you have a cold, you should take a day off."
The idea that working long hours is a good thing is changing.

As working styles change, people can value time with their families and their own time, so we want people to work in Japan with peace of mind.

Summary: The characteristics of Japanese work styles have been changing in recent years

The Japanese way of working has three characteristics: being punctual, working carefully, and working together as a team.
These characteristics are valued by many companies as a part of the Japanese work style.

In addition, in the past, there was a strong belief that "work takes priority over family" and "overtime is the norm."
However, recently, this has been gradually changing due to the government's "work style reform."

Looking at OECD statistics, working hours in Japan are not long compared to the rest of the world.
However, it could also be said that the impression of "working too much" still lingers due to the influence of past working styles.

It is expected that working styles in Japan will continue to change in the future, creating a more comfortable working environment for foreigners as well.
I would be very happy if you would think positively about working in Japan.

About us, JAC

JAC（Japan Association for Construction Human Resources）is an organization that supports all Specified Skilled Workers working in the Japan construction industry. We work with companies that accept Specified Skilled Workers to create a work environment that is easy for everyone to work in.

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