Japanese Workplace Culture

A practical guide to workplace habits and expectations that can surprise foreign employees.

Japanese workplace culture varies by company, but some broad patterns are common.

Things that often surprise people

• Being a little early is valued
• Communication may be less direct than in the US
• Routine reporting and checking in are important
• Team drinking events may still exist, though pressure has eased in many workplaces

Even basic effort to understand the culture is often appreciated.