If you ask me about my favorite memories in Tokyo, I might tell you about the neon lights of Shibuya, the mouthwatering ramen shops hidden in the back alleys of Shinjuku, or the serene moments I spent wandering through the temples in Asakusa. But if you ask me about work culture in Japan—and what people never seem to admit about it—my answer isn’t as picture-perfect. It’s a topic that a lot of expats might avoid discussing openly, or only share in private conversations after one too many rounds of beer. Yet after living in Tokyo for a year (and spending another year there earlier in my career), I’ve learned there are a few key points about Japanese work culture that deserve more honesty.
Before we dive in, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Lee Ji-hye, and I’m a Korean journalist and author based in Seoul, South Korea. I specialize in Korean entertainment news—yes, that’s right, I spend a good part of my day writing about the latest K-drama plots and the comebacks of K-pop idols.
But here’s something you might not know: I spent two years living in Japan early in my career, and I learned to speak Japanese pretty well.
It was during my second stay—a full year in Tokyo—that I was exposed to the city’s professional scene in a more direct way. While I wasn’t working in a traditional Japanese office, I was collaborating with Japanese media companies, attending meetings, and spending plenty of hours observing the daily routines of my Japanese colleagues. Over time, I started to notice certain realities that many expats either avoid talking about or simply gloss over.
1. The Importance of Harmony (and the Stress It Creates)
In Japan, there’s a concept called “wa” (和), which translates loosely to “harmony.” This ideal influences everything from how employees speak up in meetings to how they navigate group projects. At its best, “wa” fosters teamwork, respect, and an almost magical level of group efficiency. At its worst, it can create an environment where people bottle up frustrations because they don’t want to rock the boat.
For example, I remember attending a production meeting where one of my Japanese colleagues sat quietly for the entire hour, even though her expression suggested she had concerns. During a smoke break afterward (yes, smoking in designated areas is still quite common in many Japanese offices), she opened up to me about all her doubts. Confused, I asked why she didn’t mention any of these points during the meeting. She shrugged and said, “I didn’t want to disturb the flow.” This sums up a part of Japanese work culture that often goes unmentioned: the immense pressure to maintain group harmony can discourage honest feedback.
2. The Hierarchy Is Real and Can Be Overwhelming
In many workplaces around the world, there’s some level of hierarchy, but in Japan, it’s particularly pronounced. Titles, seniority, and age can dictate how people interact—and sometimes, how much they feel they can challenge or contribute in a discussion. The use of polite language (keigo) is a constant reminder of these hierarchical structures.
When I worked with Japanese media teams, I noticed that interns or junior staff rarely initiated conversations with senior executives. They waited to be spoken to. Sometimes, a younger member of the team with an innovative idea would only share it with a mid-level employee, hoping that person might pass it along. It was fascinating—and a bit frustrating—to witness how many layers an idea had to climb before reaching the top.
Expats might not feel this hierarchy as strongly if they’re working in international branches or foreign-friendly startups, but it’s very much alive in traditional Japanese companies. It’s something people are reluctant to discuss openly, possibly because it feels so ingrained in everyday life. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge if you want to understand how decisions are made (or delayed) in certain work settings.
3. Overtime Hours (and After-Work Socializing) Are No Joke
We’ve all heard the stereotype of the Japanese “salaryman” who practically lives in the office and catches the last train home every night. Well, those stereotypes exist for a reason. While attitudes toward work-life balance are slowly changing, overtime remains a major part of Japanese corporate life. Many offices expect employees to be present beyond the standard eight-hour day—there’s a cultural notion that leaving exactly at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. might indicate a lack of commitment.
There’s also the aspect of after-work socializing. In Korea, we have a strong drinking and dining culture too, but I found Japanese nomikai (drinking parties) to be just as prevalent. These gatherings often go late into the night, and there’s an unspoken expectation that you should attend to build camaraderie (and sometimes to talk about the frustrations you can’t voice at work). Expats may not always be prepared for how routine these gatherings can be, or how much peer pressure they might feel to attend—even if they’re tired or have other commitments.
4. The Unspoken Loneliness of Being a Foreigner
Living in Japan as a foreigner can be exciting: you get to explore new places, learn a fascinating language, and savor delicious local dishes. But working in Japan can be a different story. It’s not always easy to read the subtle cues about what your colleagues or boss expect from you. When you don’t pick up on these cues, you might be left out of the loop or find yourself in awkward situations.
One of the biggest surprises for me was the sense of isolation I felt, even though I’m Asian and already spoke some Japanese. There were moments when I would realize a conversation had shifted from general topics into complex workplace politics—usually through carefully chosen words or a change in tone—and I wasn’t sure how to participate. While I could read the language, I couldn’t always read the context. I imagine this can be even tougher for someone who’s just arrived and isn’t as familiar with Japanese nuances.
Expats might not admit to feeling lonely because it can come across like a personal failure to integrate, or like they’re blaming Japanese culture. But it’s a very real part of the experience for many foreigners working in Japan.
5. The Silent Yet Powerful Concept of “Tatemae” vs. “Honne”
If you spend enough time around Japanese colleagues, you’ll encounter the idea of tatemae (建前) and honne (本音). Tatemae refers to the façade or the social face people present in public, while honne is what they genuinely think and feel. In a work setting, tatemae can manifest as carefully polite emails, supportive remarks in meetings, and enthusiastic nods at group presentations. But beneath the surface, honne might be much more critical or doubtful.
Expats might find it confusing, especially if they’re used to a more direct style of communication. I remember one time I proposed a creative campaign for promoting a K-pop event in Tokyo. My Japanese colleagues smiled, nodded, and told me how interesting it sounded. But later, I discovered that they had zero intention of implementing any part of it. They just didn’t want to say “no” directly.
It’s not that Japanese people are being deceptive or insincere. It’s a social norm to keep interactions smooth and avoid conflict, which can lead to a divide between the face you present to the group and your true feelings. Understanding this dynamic is essential if you want to navigate Japanese work culture successfully—and keep your sanity.
6. Change Is Slow, but Possible
Despite the challenges, Japanese work culture is not static. Young Japanese professionals are increasingly questioning old norms, like excessive overtime or strict hierarchical rules. Some companies have started adopting more flexible work hours and casual dress codes, especially in creative industries or in international firms.
While traditions are deeply rooted, there’s a growing recognition that a healthier work-life balance is necessary and that fresh ideas from junior employees—or even foreign employees—can benefit a company. Change might come at a pace slower than many expats would like, but it’s happening.
Final Thoughts
Living in Tokyo taught me a lot about patience, reading the room, and balancing group harmony with personal conviction. Working alongside Japanese colleagues made me appreciate the dedication, teamwork, and meticulous care they put into their jobs. At the same time, I saw how certain traditions and social expectations—like long working hours, rigid hierarchy, and the preference for tatemae—can be stressful and isolating for newcomers.
Many expats prefer not to talk about these issues because they’re worried about sounding negative or ungrateful. After all, Japan is a beautiful country with great food, wonderful people, and a rich cultural heritage. But acknowledging the realities of Japanese work culture doesn’t mean you’re dismissing everything else. In fact, being honest about the challenges can help you adapt, find support networks, and appreciate the positive aspects even more.
If you’re considering a move to Tokyo or any other part of Japan for work, I encourage you to keep an open mind. Recognize that you’re stepping into a culture with deep-rooted values, where subtlety often triumphs over directness. Make an effort to learn the language, read about local customs, and observe how your Japanese peers communicate. And remember: it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. It’s part of the experience.
In the end, my time in Tokyo wasn’t just about collecting fun memories of shopping in Harajuku or singing my heart out at a Shinjuku karaoke bar. It was also about recognizing the complexities of a work culture that values harmony, respect, and politeness—sometimes at the expense of direct confrontation or quick decision-making. These are the things many expats never admit, or only whisper after a few drinks. But I believe talking about them openly is the first step to making the most of your time in Japan—both inside and outside the office.