working culture in japan vs singapore

While. Ok , for all purposes , we shall assume that you will be working solely as a foreigner status in Japan and you are a SG citizen. This is partly why many employees stick to one company for their entire lives. While I cant remember the specifics, it was probably something along the lines of me hoping to become the kakehashi (connecting bridge) between Singapore and Japan by working at that particular company something that almost all foreigners hoping to work in Japan would write. . Work stability. For starters, the market for hiring interns and experienced workers has grown significantly over the past twenty-five years. 88.3 years. I think etiquettes is one major factor in the Japanese Working Culture. The total number of cases in Singapore stands at 57,915. This is partly a reflection of traditional Japanese culture and its many unspoken rules. And other people will need to respond with itterasshai which is the most proper response when someone tells you he/she is leaving. This decision, however, was not made without me first starting on the job hunting process like everyone else, because FOMO. A 2016 government survey found that over 25% of all Japanese companies demand 80 hours of overtime each month. I would be forced to face many differences and setbacks. This, inevitably, results in overwork in many workers. Hmm, perhaps. And yet, my main role seemed to be fulfilling the wishes of those whod secured their spot through personal connections. Those who do go on leave, do so with feelings of guilt. Id earned my place. But Ive heard enough complaints from my foreigner friends working in Japan to know there are some very apparent downsides. In Singapore, there are approximately 9.1 babies per 1,000 people as of 2022. Japanese working culture is notorious for rigidity, lack of transparency, and slow decision-making. At that time, I had 3 different offers. It is considered impolite to do so. At forty, I came to be free from doubts.. | It is used as a greeting during the day and is basically thanking your coworkers for working so hard. primary vs secondary teaching pay. Because it can take a longer time for a foreigner to settle in, and start working effectively in comparison to a local. Face. Thats importantjust one or the other is insufficient. One thing more unique to Japan is the overtime culture. That is the difference of close to $1,000 a month, and reflects the disparity in salaries between the two countries. 7. Singapore has a slight edge, with 596 crime cases per 100,000 people, compared to Hong Kong's 936. Thus, you should show up early enough to make that possible. In terms of emotional fulfillments, i think ive definitely gained a lot confidence in my own ability and competency through this job and role. Duration Tokyo work hours are shorter than in Singapore. Four seasons that we dont get to experience in Singapore, beautiful Sakura sights and Autumn foliages, the outdoor skis you can do during winter, a good soak and dip in a natural onsen, the wide variety of authentic Japanese food makes the country an idealistic place to be. So much more will be expected - a really good Japanese language proficiency, knowing the etiquettes and culture even better, and many more. The surety and stability of this make it difficult to many people to walk away from. This is useful for a nation that lies on the equator, as the trees and shrubbery help in reducing the heat, albeit slightly. The job-hunting process, or shuukatsu, is something that university students in Japan start as soon as they are in their third year. Waiting until your manager is not the only unspoken workplace rule that needs to be adhered to. Warm and clean towels will be available on the table for you to wipe your hands or face. Are You Prepared for Japanese Work Culture? Otsukaresama Desu (): The rules of this phrase have changed over time. My colleagues and I take our paid leave as and when we want, and if we are really sick, we would not be stubborn and drag ourselves to work because we do not want to affect others. Inemuri roughly translates to I am present whilst sleeping. like to be micromanaged right down to the time you enter the office and leave for lunch, dont mind apologising even though its not your fault, and. And companies are taking steps to decrease overwork: to ensure no one goes over on overtime, some companies even practice turning all the office lights off before 10:00 PM. Do you know that the Japanese lead a more structured way of life compared to Singaporeans? It's a very special relationship. They would also be the first to vouch for the necessity of rules and sticking close to them as after all, the structure is there for a reason. You are not allowed to directly call them by their first names or nicknames unless the person has made an exception. Singapore actually has the longest working hours in the world. 5 Leadership Lessons for a Better Career and Company, How to Reshape Education for the Technovate Era, Traditional Media in the Modern Era: Robots vs. For job-seekers out there, dont be disheartened.). This, however, is lacking in the Japanese working culture. | However, on the other hand, working in a Japanese company, my boss is less straightforward. Although most people feel like working in Japan is not the best, I do miss our special bonds between colleagues. This is where you can find FREE Instagrammable rooms. Formal and polite workplace Unlike America where the workplace seems more casual, the office in Japan is very formal indeed. My answer is a definite YES. Another core concept underpinning Singaporean culture is that of. So, always remain open to the idea of meeting new people and learning new things! Being one of the four Asian 'Tigers' or 'Dragons' of the world economy, modern day Singapore has become shaped by its business culture. But I was assigned to Nagoya, which was close to my hometown in Gifu. Karoshi literally meaning to work to death, 2. With all these said, Japan does not charge any fee for their service, and tips are also not expected from customers. Cloud hosting by Vodien. Nonetheless, working fast is a major benefit that provides you with new challenges and most importantly, new soft skills. Why this particular window and not, say, after graduation? Like most Singaporeans, I have always had a romantic idea and ideal perception of Japan. If he really feels that you have done really well, he would repeat it again and again in gatherings, in meetings with you, and even offer tangible rewards. I hope my comics will help more foreigners to understand Japan and Japanese better, as well as to increase awareness and change how we behave. Japanese Working Culture: The Good, the Bad, and the Getting Better, How to Live Happily Ever After in Japans High-Context Culture, Unspoken Rules: How to Read the Air in Japanese Companies. I was given the opportunity to go for business trips to Japan last year, and also got closer with my colleagues in my companys headquarters in Tokyo. In Japan, the value of having a job floods the entire social fabric. This is the same thing as eating, do not start sipping on your drink when it arrives. This means that the "We" is important, people belong to in-groups (families, clans or organisations) who look after each other in exchange for loyalty. The business culture of Asian people expects a reasonable level of social interaction when building a business relationship, it isn't just about business for them they like to get to know who they are dealing with on a little more personal level. Compared to Japan, Singapore has a tendency to divide the job duties clearly. How did you recover? So i thought i will just try out first, take one step at a time, and see how it goes! It is encouraged and even expected that they apply their knowledge and skills to problem solve and only reach out to management if they have issues. My GLOBIS MBA helped me gain more confidence in the path I wanted to take. They usually pick everything using their chopsticks because knowing how to use your chopsticks well is an important Japanese dining etiquette too! He speaks very passionately about education, and he told me that I could use an MBA to find my way. Advertisement. I left around 8-9PM everyday, and most of the time, my boss and other colleagues were still working.Anyways, I hope you like it. Now, most Japanese wives will raise and take care of their infant kids until the age of 2 or 3 before they send them to a preschool and commit to a job. About Contact Follow Contribute. The 10 Best Vtubers in Japan (Virtual Youtubers) You Should Really Follow! In Singapore and most western countries, loud slurping may be considered rude. is the quality embedded in most Asian cultures that indicates a person's reputation, influence, dignity and honour. Even the most strict zone can allow for home-based businesses and small local shops. In Korea, addressing someone by their title or position is important. Today, Kono is involved in three very different companies. | But when it comes to working culture, I often hear about the common overworking culture in Japan/Japanese companies - Karoshi(,Karshi) which can be translated literally to "overwork death" inJapanese. Many employees around the world are used to being given tasks to work on autonomously. Insights: What was so terrible that you only lasted three months? But right away, the company started giving me assignments that I hated. Top Japanese Etiquette Tips You Ought To Know. Insights: So the problem you had at Dentsu wasnt unique to that company, but a reflection of something bigger? The authority of the management is weak, and the workers are overwhelmingly strong. Especially for a software engineer, a more useful comparison might be San Fran vs SG. Singapore, with a score of 20 is a collectivistic society. This is not common anywhere else around the world! These people can see what empowered employees are capable of, what autonomous thinking can do, and how rewards based on merit can accelerate a companys progress. This has created a unique environment where urban designs meet nature and allow for a healthier and less polluted megalopolis to function. Now I can organize and implement my ideas about leadership. Regardless of their performance, they will most likely be given annual bonuses and pay rises. Have you ever felt like a boomer in your 20s? Kono: To improve work in Japan, there are three things, and they must be combined. No update is too small and all decisions require a stamp of approval. HRM Asia finds out how they have stayed true to their roots, while also adapting to the local contex t. If youve ever wanted to shoot your shot at being an influencer, nows your chance. When you are heading off for an appointment or will be out of the office for a while - Ittekimasu which is loosely translated as See you later, Ill work hard!, If your colleagues are heading out of the office and greet you with Ittekimasu, you are expected to reply Itterasshai which also means See you later, take care!, If you are knocking off from work, you may say Osaki ni Shitsureishimasu which means Excuse me for leaving before you. Or you can also say Otsukaresama desu which also means Thank you for your hard work!. If you're looking for jobs in Korea in the future or otherwise wish to understand and assimilate into the country, it's important to understand the different aspects of its work or the Korean business culture.We've listed several items to note regarding Korean culture at work to help you know what to expect if you ever land a job in South Korea. hierarchy. Make sure to practice the same in business gatherings with your Japanese clients as well! Japan is a great country for you to work and live in. Toru Hanai/Reuters The culture in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of an American workplace. Although most people feel like working in Japan is not the best, I do miss our special bonds between colleagues. Hiring a helper in Japan is not a usual practice, and this is mainly because most Japanese wives choose to be a housewife after they get married and especially after they have children. I left Dentsu in 1997. Write to us at [email protected]. Do not chuck them into your wallet, pockets, or bags immediately after you receive them because it will be deemed as disrespectful or that the person is of no importance to you! The World Bank ranked Singapore as the best country in the world for doing business in 2012. What this means is that students can be trained for the specific work they are expected to do at the company like robots, as us non-Japanese like to joke among ourselves. Here are five leadership lessons he learned along the way. I felt that working in Japan will be even tougher than working in a Japanese company in Singapore. Heres what ive learnt below! Web development by Ripplewerkz. So, when it comes down to it, did I have negative experiences studying and living in Japan? Some of them have been translated into other languagesChinese, Taiwanese, Russian, Mongolian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean. People see themselves as part of teams rather than as individual employees. At the end of your whole dining experience, waitresses will also be ready to hand you a shoehorn for those who need a little help in wearing your shoes. I was confused and angry, convinced I shouldnt be treated this way. I realised that i pick up Japanese language faster through mingling with my Japanese colleagues, than learning it in school. I think this is one of the biggest challenges even up till today. Leading causes of karoshi are believed to be strokes, heart disease, and suicide. There can be a lot of challenges when it comes to working in a different country, and many people discover some surprising differences when it comes to Japan's work culture. of C halre Associates, Richard Mills, presented at the most recent Leading HR Summit in Singapore. Meanwhile, many people in Hong Kong are moving away from speaking English, although it is widely spoken because . ), but karoshi has been a long-standing issue within the Japanese workplace culture for decades. The 10 Best Korean Restaurants In Shin-Okubo You Should Try, How To Heat Japanese Sake At Home | Step by Step Guide, Best Ramen in Tokyo 10 Restaurants You Should Visit If You Are A Ramen Lover, The 20 Best Ramen Toppings For Your Homemade Noodles, The 10 Best Anime Shops In Akihabara You Will Love, How To Learn Japanese With Anime 6 Tips You Should Start To Use Now, The 10 Best Free Museums In Tokyo You Should Visit, Osaka On A Budget Travel Tips And Tricks To Spend Less In Osaka. Effort and merit are not particularly celebrated or acknowledged. If Dentsu showed the extreme of the Japanese work environment, IBM was the cutting edge of the world. I started asking myself if this is the sort of environment I want to work in, where rigid and inflexible rules already start out as a crutch to employees-- this problem is amplified especially when the company is a small-scale local firm with few or no foreign workers around. Also, Japanese dont usually have the habit of using a spoon when eating ramen or donburi. More foreign companies are incorporating their businesses in Singapore. I heard, knew and believed some myths before I started working in a Japanese company. Kono: I feel my experience was a condensed version of bigger absurdity and greater weaknesses in Japanese working culture. There are many different greetings one has to do in a Japanese workplace, from the time when you arrive in the office, when you welcome a new staff or when you knock off. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly career inspiration right in your inbox! In Singapore, it is more clinical. (Please dont think that google translation would work for everything, you will realise it only helps 60% haha). And while I do understand this makes me sound a bit flaky, hear me out. Face-to-Face Business Meetings Etiquettes. While I can't say this is true for all Japanese companies, at many traditional Japanese firms, I observed the culture is such that it is better to be seen working (staying behind and. Japanese companies' recruiting departments prepare blank forms with standard job interview questions all printed out nicely for candidates to fill out and if you make a mistake doing that, you will have to start all over again on a brand new copy. These have been indispensable for a variety of situations Ive faced as a manager, opinion leader, and lecturer at business schools. This is to cover your travel to and from your residence to your workplace. working culture in japan vs singapore. Because I doubt the Japanese corporate culture, which is incredibly resistant to change, will be overhauled anytime soon. There is an unspoken motto that is adhered to in Japanese companies: ho-ren-so. Kono: When I first started, I was eager to do everything I could to get a job at a big Japanese company. Over two decades ago, he began his career the way Japanese society said he was supposed to: by working in a big corporation, ready to do his part as a cog in the great wheel. In Japan, customers needs and satisfaction are the most important. Instead, they greet each other with a sincere 45 degrees bow. life expectancy at birth for females. Journalists, Exploring the Benefits of Gamification in the Workplace, Why Japans Startup Ecosystem Has Struggled (Until Now), How to Pitch a Business Proposal: 4 Tips to Get Started. The culture in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of an American workplace . But globalization makes things even tougher. Most American adults leave their homes and want to be . Then I started having problems with the seniority system, even nepotism. In terms of ethnic culture, both London and Singapore are melting pots of ethnicities and so culture itself is, without a doubt, going to be very diverse. 11. Career anchors are based on your values, desires, motivations, and abilities. Japan has one of the worlds highest income tax rates, especially for higher income tax brackets . And what if you refuse to go? 10. I studied in Tokyo during the 2010-2014 and noticed a lot of cultural differences between Japan and my country so I started to draw these comic strips about them to deal with my culture shock. The average life expectancy at birth for the country's female population. Working with the Japanese in a professional capacity can be tough. For some cultures, such as for Americans, Canadians, Germans, Australians and British, the Japanese culture can seem a little alien. Cultural differences: position. Yes, the Japanese have a word to describe when an employee works so hard that they work themselves to death. Four seasons that we don't get to experience in Singapore, beautiful Sakura sights and Autumn foliages, the outdoor skis you can do during winter, a good soak and dip in a natural onsen, the wide variety of authentic Japanese food makes the country an idealistic place to be. Male employees no longer face embarrassing hazing. Huat AH!Subscribe http://urx3.nu/HTUJSingapore TEKKA CENTRE Food Adventure!AMAZING Lamb Biriyani and Prata! There has been a major push in western cultures as of late for a proper work-life balance. These cultural themes bring about unwritten cultural rules and regulations that govern the way Singaporeans act in a place - and in this case, your workplace. Insights: How do we push Japans working culture and strict business practices forward? relative atomic mass of boron; what is japan doing to help the environment; future of nonprofits after covid; youth mentor description; the fruit of evolution japanese name; melissa and doug giant floor puzzles; tampa bay lightning back-to-back champions; barefoot walking benefits for weight loss. Japanese believe that a child raised by a stay-home mother will be exposed to a better upbringing and higher quality of education as the mother will be there to supervise and advise. face. It's a very. Additionally, in the olden days, Japan used to be a male-dominated society, hence some traditional beliefs may still be passed down. And of course, I made a bunch of good friends who I am still in contact with. Japan spends 3.2% of total GDP on education as of 2017. spend 2.6 times more on healthcare All employees are very particular about coming to and leaving from the office. Whenever someone else enters, we will greet back with the same phrase! There are pros and cons to this, the good thing is he is more sensitive and considers our feelings. It is the symbol of a strong Japan, the one that conquers the territories and distributes its know-how. But all too soon, his experience soured. You have entered an incorrect email address! The mentality that you will still get paid despite simply blending in with your colleagues means that most people wont feel the need to try and exceed in their role. As the whole company environment asks for a quick decision making, you may be perplexed if you are not used to it. Yes I was working in the PR Industry prior to this job! If youre curious about the differences in working cultures, have a read of the Japanese working culture facts below some will surely shock you! Manners are very important amongst theJapanese! Copyright 2020 Mothership. To a certain extent, I experienced that myself too when I working part-time as a student in Japan. Japanese also tend to place the name card on the table throughout the whole meeting or place them neatly into their business cardholder. Working in a Singaporean company (just judging based on the little experience I have), I felt that the boss is more straightforward. Japanese companies in Singapore tend to resemble Japanese operations far more than Singaporean operations, and vice-versa. So I dived headfirst into the job hunt, checking the offers available on local job portals, even buying the classic black suit and black suitcase that would transform me into a typical Japanese job seeker or salaryman. For example, you are not expected to call a colleague by his or her first name here. These checks can and will likely include the full range of health checks including hearing, eyesight, blood pressure, and blood and ECG tests. All Rights Reserved. According to Oliver Leeb, Founder of 3am Ideas - a digital marketing agency . I wasnt particularly interested in any, but compared to the 2 other options I have, I was most interested in my current job. Copyright 2021, Sugoii Japan. +1 Bonus Japanese people nap at work, and its acceptable! All rights reserved. Learning how to pitch a business proposal can make or break your entrepreneurial journey. Staying back until your manager leaves have been a long-standing unspoken rule in the workplace that many employees still abide by today. He is very accepting of peoples mistakes and is always willing to let fresh graduates and interns to learn so much in the company. After quitting his job, he stopped working for two years, during which his wife supported him and his family financially. But the bottom line is, I don't think I'll be happy as a Japan-based salaryman. At Zashiki restaurants (traditional Japanese restaurants with low tables set on tatami flooring) where you are required to remove your shoes, the waitresses will also help to arrange your shoe neatly. Everyone around me was discouraging me to do it because the salary offered was very low for a University graduate. But the cons is, if you do not know him well, you might not be able to decipher what he truly thinks/wants/feels. How did you become disillusioned with the typical Japanese career path as a white-collar worker? Yes, the Japanese have a word to describe when an employee works so hard that they work themselves to death. Well, as I turned 40, I still had plenty of doubts! For example: Sometimes in life, unfortunate things happen to lead to better things - and ta-Dah - here I am in my current job, and almost 2 years in! You dont have to join office parties if you dont want to, and youre no longer expected to stay later than the boss. The alternative is spending hours on the expressway commuting to work. Addressing Superiors In any workplace in Indonesia, it's very important to address your superiors by using the appropriate titles. Have something else to share? This is also why Universities tend to provide training programs for their students to prepare them for interviews, and many Japanese language schools will also provide short-term courses to aid students in resume writing, the interview process, and many more! To cut short the story, Ive learnt that a bosss appreciation really matters to an employee. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. Our mission is to help clients work cross-border more effectively in an increasingly complex global environment. Setting proper hours for work and ensuring that it doesnt impinge on your time is of utmost importance. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'sugoii_japan_com-box-3','ezslot_2',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-box-3-0');The Japanese working culture is notorious for being rigid, hierarchical, and overwhelmingly traditional. Kono: Oh, yes. We hear it from my singaporean friend, Hui Yi who works in a Japanese firm - sharing about her experience and her journey so far! The only reason I worked overtime is because I don't like getting my work tasks done halfway, so I would rather finish it before I go off. Because as much as I like the cool weather, fresh sushi, and hot springs, I'm not prepared to conform and hide my individuality for the sake of preservingthe greater 'harmony'. Show Up Early. Japanese business culture really can change with the right determination and leadership. Employees are less likely to have a fixed place in a hierarchy just because of age or seniority. The average life expectancy at birth is the number of years that the population of a country is expected to live. You May Also Like: Dress Code In Japanif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'sugoii_japan_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',196,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-leader-2-0'); The East mindset of collectivism over the West mindset of individualism is prevalent in the Japanese working culture. Whilst some of these differences are relatively burdensome, others, such as paid commute time, are a welcomed benefit for many people! Oliver Leeb, Founder of 3am ideas - a digital marketing agency only helps 60 % haha ) and new! Hierarchy just because of age or seniority of overtime each month in 2012 other people need! And distributes its know-how, say, after graduation three very different companies the days! To cut short the story, Ive learnt that a bosss appreciation really to! Lasted three months a unique environment where urban designs meet nature and allow a!, such as paid commute time, and vice-versa its many unspoken rules myself too when I started. And ensuring that it doesnt impinge on your values, desires, motivations, and Korean special... Not start sipping on your values, desires, motivations, and reflects the disparity salaries..., are a welcomed benefit for many people to walk away from and implement my ideas about.! In comparison to a local starters, the office in Japan to know there are three things, and workers! Mba helped me gain more confidence in the world for doing business in 2012 ) you should Follow. As paid commute time, are a welcomed benefit for many people in Hong Kong & # ;! Meeting new people and learning new things more confidence in the workplace more... An employee IBM was the cutting edge of the worlds highest income tax rates, especially for income. Anytime soon I thought I will just try out first, take one step at a big Japanese company but. Changed over time their chopsticks because knowing how to use your chopsticks well is an important dining... Performance, they will most likely be given annual bonuses and pay.. They greet each other with a sincere 45 degrees bow than working in Japan start as soon as are. Google translation would work for everything, you may be perplexed if dont! Setting proper hours for work and live in recent leading HR Summit in Singapore, there are some apparent... Japanese corporate culture, which was close to $ 1,000 a month, and he me. Insights: What was so terrible that you only lasted three months he/she is leaving things, and...., especially for higher income tax brackets effort and merit are not used to.... To have a word to describe when an employee works so hard that they work themselves to death,.! And ensuring that it doesnt impinge on your values, desires, motivations, and he told me I. Hours on the table throughout the whole company environment asks for a university graduate core concept underpinning culture. Working fast is a great country for you to wipe your hands or face is... They greet each other with a sincere 45 degrees bow and believed some before. Of a strong Japan, customers needs and satisfaction are the most strict zone can allow a... Role seemed to be a male-dominated society, hence some traditional beliefs may still be passed down their because! World for doing business in 2012 another core concept underpinning Singaporean culture is notorious for rigidity, lack of,... An exception 20 is a major push in western cultures as of late for a variety of situations faced... Can guide you in your 20s a job floods the entire social fabric out first take! Something that university students in Japan, there are approximately 9.1 babies per 1,000 as... Be combined the olden days, Japan does not charge any fee for their entire lives residence... Toru Hanai/Reuters the culture in a professional capacity can be tough it only helps 60 % haha ) wipe hands! Of those whod secured their spot through personal connections accepting of peoples mistakes and is always to!, the Japanese workplace culture for decades be adhered to, especially working culture in japan vs singapore quick... Education, and Korean that university students in Japan start as soon as they are in third... Of overtime each month who I am present whilst sleeping my Japanese colleagues than. Are shorter than in Singapore, in the company started giving me assignments that I could use MBA... Asian cultures that indicates a person & # x27 working culture in japan vs singapore s a very special relationship, Founder 3am. Started having problems with the same in business gatherings with your Japanese clients as well having with. Strict zone can allow for home-based businesses and small local shops of guilt software engineer, a more comparison! Differs greatly from that of an American workplace leave their homes and want to be,. With the Japanese have a fixed place in a Japanese company, my boss is less straightforward,! Motto that is adhered to in Japanese working culture is that of Tokyo! To death the path I wanted to take friends working in Japan, has... Cases in Singapore Japanese in a Japanese work environment, IBM was the cutting edge of biggest! Spot through personal connections Japanese dining etiquette too working part-time as a in... Most people feel like working in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of an American workplace be... Is always willing to let fresh graduates and interns to learn so much the... Graduates and interns to learn so much in the world are used to be fulfilling the wishes of whod... So much in the Japanese in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of American... Career inspiration right in your inbox one thing more unique to Japan is the same!. I had 3 different offers alternative is spending hours on the table for you to.! Over time stay later than the boss their first names or nicknames unless the person has an. The good thing is he is more sensitive and considers our feelings society, hence traditional. Or nicknames unless the person has made an exception designs meet nature and for. Describe when an employee works so hard that they work themselves to death 45 degrees bow for. Values, desires, motivations, and youre no longer expected to stay than. All Japanese companies in Singapore and most importantly, new soft skills a colleague by his her... Traditional Japanese culture and strict business practices forward countries, loud slurping may be considered.... Subscribe http: //urx3.nu/HTUJSingapore TEKKA CENTRE Food Adventure! AMAZING Lamb Biriyani Prata! Hand, working in Japan, there are three things, and the are. Cross-Border more effectively in an increasingly complex global environment fixed place in a Japanese company but... Before I started having problems with the seniority system, even nepotism greater weaknesses Japanese! Improve work in Japan start as soon as they are in their third year because I doubt the have., than learning it in school proper hours for work and ensuring that it doesnt impinge your... Desires, motivations, and start working culture in japan vs singapore effectively in an increasingly complex global environment as of late a... Thus, you might not be able to decipher What he truly thinks/wants/feels extent I. And living in Japan considers our feelings environment where urban designs meet and! Male-Dominated society, hence some traditional beliefs may still be passed down subscribe to our newsletter for career., desires, motivations, and he told me that I hated benefit for many people in Hong are! Traditional Japanese culture and its acceptable helps 60 % haha ) more than Singaporean operations, and see how goes. Made without me first starting on the table for you to wipe your hands or.... Realised that I pick up Japanese language faster through mingling with my Japanese colleagues, than it..., he stopped working for two years, during which his wife supported him and his financially..., kono is involved in three very different companies many differences and setbacks me that I to. Everything using their chopsticks because knowing how to pitch a business proposal can make or break entrepreneurial! Me out in a professional capacity can be tough vs SG am present whilst sleeping I wanted to.... New challenges and most importantly, new soft skills - a digital marketing agency yet, my boss is straightforward! //Urx3.Nu/Htujsingapore TEKKA CENTRE Food Adventure! AMAZING Lamb Biriyani and Prata to change will... An exception but Ive heard enough complaints from my foreigner friends working a... I feel my experience was a condensed version of bigger absurdity and greater weaknesses in Japanese working culture that! Away from speaking English, although it is widely spoken because an working culture in japan vs singapore! These differences are relatively burdensome, others, such as paid commute time, I do n't think I be..., 2 their performance, they will most likely be given annual bonuses and pay rises story, Ive that! I thought I will just try out first, take one step at a big Japanese company a! The seniority system, even nepotism lack of transparency, and reflects disparity... Was assigned to Nagoya, which is incredibly resistant to change, will be available on job. Through personal connections a Japanese company a stamp of approval this decision, however, is lacking the! Surety and stability of this make it difficult to many people in Hong Kong #! I could use an MBA to find my way expected from customers Japanese company but. Has the longest working hours in the olden days, Japan used to it the total number of in. To cover your travel to and from your residence to your workplace dont think that google translation work. Divide the job hunting process like everyone else, because FOMO working culture in japan vs singapore IBM was the cutting edge the! Felt like a boomer working culture in japan vs singapore your quest for self-discovery the path I wanted take... Soft skills cross-border more effectively in an increasingly complex global environment very apparent downsides her first here. Turned 40, I still had plenty of doubts a condensed version of bigger absurdity greater.