Reasons NOT to Work in Japan

I knew a Japanese guy in the same position as you, he was an English speaker with education in a British university and he was unhappy with the working system, long hours and poor salary, so he found the sweet spot by staying in Japan but being hired by a western foreign company.

"You should work to live, not live to work" Certain countries have developed strange work cultures, taking pride in just the time they spend at work, and not about how effective they actually are.

For non-japanese people that want to work in japan: 1. Have experience 2. work for a western company (no overtime, no weird rules etc) For Japanese people: 1. be a fresh graduate 2. work for 2-3 years in a Japanese company 3. leave and work in wester company

i've worked for a Philippine company and it was the lowest paying job i've ever had, but it was also the most happiest days of my working carrier, but as my child grew I need more money to sustain my family, I ended up jumping towards a Japanese company, though my salary was tripled, I was starting to lose myself, I started to become easily irritated, I ate tons of food due to stress, gained twice my weight, and looked twice older as the stress kept building up from long hours and heavy work load, it even came to a point where fighting with my wife became a daily routine, till one day I hit my son for some stupid reason (i forgot) and a fight broke with my wife, while she cried and asked me "who are you?", that was the time that I finally realized how heavy my current situation really is, I sent a resignation notice right after that incident. It took me quite a while to go back to work since the pandemic hit during the time I quit, so I did freelancing for a while, then as time pass by, the heavy feeling I had every morning when I wake up was gone, I smiled more often, I no longer crave for food and my sleep was back to normal. I'm writing this not to discourage people to work for Japanese companies, but to let them prepare themselves if they ever decide to work for one, for me I was just not suited for it.

I think that most of your subscribers, at least me, would watch any kind of content you produce because you're naturally entertaining and seem to make the most out of every content idea. Keep going strong!

Shunchan's videos are like a monthly salary you get it only once a month but the happiness when you get is fascinating

I worked in Tokyo for a year and the experience was smooth. Everything was convenient, organized, but days were long. I came home feeling so empty, that I was a part of a giant economic machine that was Tokyo. I understood why there was alcohol available on every corner at 7-11s and Lawsons. Any acquaintances I met were too busy to meet up, so I had to frequent the bars just to be around people. The country is great if you aren't a slave to a company. It seems that the entire Japanese labor market is systemically coercive, but at the same time, employees are more or less taken care of, except for these "black companies" I have heard about. Thinking about semi-retiring in Japan soon now that the borders should be opening up to tourists, but I don't think I could work there again, maybe just teach a bit of English. People who fetishize Japan have a lot to learn about the inner-workings of the country. Great sacrifices are needed to keep the tiny country so rich, safe, clean, and quiet. Still, I find there was something spiritual about my experience there, the nature worship that might be from Shinto culture looked like it was still alive in Japan. Despite the country's faults I'm planning on going back and perhaps for good if I can sort out a visa. Thanks for sparking discussion Shunchan and anyone bored enough to read this comment.

I'm not a suitable candidate for Japan because I * prefer to have personal choices * prefer to follow individual freedom * prefer to speak to the point And I * refuse to drink alcohol * refuse to work like a robot overtime * refuse to be like a servant of the boss Whether one likes it or not, I am not going to change myself for others.

This was a great watch. I lived in Tokyo as a foreign student (at Temple University Japan) for four years and I still remember when my friend Toshi (who graduated before me) told me that he had quit working for his major employer. When I asked him why, he told me it was because the stress and overwork had given him a near heart attack which caused him to collapse at the train station. He was only 24 years old. It was absolutely shocking and he's much happier now.

I find you in a very unique niche of Japanese YouTuber. You're a Japanese national who grew up in Japan and produces fluent English content. Almost every other YouTuber living in Japan (whom I watch) is a foreigner who moved to Japan as an adult and even after years of living in Japan, will always view Japan through a foreigner's lens. Wishing you the best in your YouTube. Don't be afraid to explore new topics!

This is so accurate. I had experienced working in Tokyo in a big client company and I would say that was the worse job situation I ever experienced in my entire life. I even literally started to lose my hair due to so much stress at work, in addition to that are my daily train station experience sometime I even witness suicides in stations. gosh, just by recalling it makes me nauseous. I came back to my home country, although I was given a big offer to stay longer in Japan I didn't accept it because those times I realize most on how I should treasure myself better specially my health. I was still 25 at that time but I felt like I was 40 lmao

"If it doesn't feed your soul, stop doing it." If something makes you unhappy, find a way to change the situation. (If you're able to.) Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new! Many times great things come from stepping outside our comfort zones. Leaping into the unknown.

It doesn’t help that in japan you are taught from a young age not to question the superiors or the rules. People run themselves into the ground because it’s “the right thing to do”

This video resonates with me so much. I've quitted my office job (a Japanese company, not because of overtime but because I couldn't see myself grow any further) for more than half a year now and still figuring out my next step. I was so scared that I was alone it this but now seeing you in the same situation I feel less scared and lonely. Thank you for sharing, hope we will figure things out soon!

I worked in a school that was trying to move internationally with an immersion program. It was moving in the right direction, but SO MANY JAPANESE TEACHERS HATED IT. One teacher even quit until the person in charge of this change himself resigned. Then she came back when everything was "back to normal". You're right that the laws are changing but the people's mindsets are not.

My Japanese friend warns this all the time, she says Japan is a great place to travel, but not for work

Another topic is "overqualification". My brother is a senior engineer for the American manufacturer of medical products. Prior this current job, he struggled to find the job despite his extensive knowledge in the material engineering and skills in solving the technical problems. Several companies felt that he was too "overqualified" so they couldn't hire him. During one interview, my brother asked point-blank the interviewer why "overqualification" was considered undesirable. The interviewer explained metaphorically that it would be hard to fill the cup that's already full. Geesh. Anyway, my brother is one of the most coveted employees at the company because of his uncanny abilities to figure things out quickly.

You really hit the nail with employers 'dyeing' new entrants with the company's hue. I absolutely hated that with my last job, that they were trying so hard to remould my personality in line with the vision of the company, and that it went against everything I represented or stood for. Quitting earlier this year was one of the most liberating steps I've ever taken in my life. Well done!

I love how you gave a balanced and detailed explanation that captures the mindset of both worlds, in combination of your own story, without degrading any culture. You have a way of explaining ideas and perspectives to others in a easy way:) Looking forward to more videos like this and good luck on fulfilling your dreams!

Just came across your channel really informative and thank you for giving us an insight into Japan’s work life. Glad to hear you followed your dreams. Greetings from the 🇬🇧