I Work, Therefore I Am (Life as a Salaryman)

[@kochimoon4831]

*salaryman* : speaks continuously for 2 minutes in japanese *subtitles* : "yes"

[@Nunya_Damn]

i thought i was the only one that noticed that!

[@blaze919]

I think he said "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssss"

[@MasterofPlay7]

the rat race

[@b20di3]

Yep.. and its crappy subtitling like this that became one of my motivators to actually learn Japanese.

[@mr_glasses]

Seriously! I was thinking "c'mon, if you're going to bother with subtitles, make sure you subtitle it all."

[@husaini0201]

Hello there for those who got this hidden gem recommended and viral in the future.

[@Schollay_Benjamin]

100% true The quality of this video is fascinating

[@crowlord8729]

Hello

[@lilpandaftw]

Hello from the algorithm.

[@whiterfish]

Why hello there, king

[@chuchaftw]

👋

[@meganoobbg3387]

The 8 hour work day is not a mental state, and its not culture. 1st of May is celebrated because people fought and died to have the 8 hour work day. Those people were anarchists, still considered radical today and even more radical 100 years ago, when it was considered "normal" to work 14 hours a day. We should be ashamed that even 100 years later, people who want a balance of 8 hours of work, 8 hours of sleep and 8 hours for themselves are considered "radical."

[@Roboartist117]

Depending your position in a company and/or your passion for a job, working 8+ hours a day is fine if you can get enough sleep. But for many people the 8/8/8 rule doesn't really apply. At least in terms of recreational time. Much of that rec time is spent cleaning up in the morning, preparing breakfast, commute to work, lunch break (if unpaid), commute back, (possibly stop at the store to shop), prepare dinner, cleaning up and getting ready for bed. And I'm not even counting other possible variables. These aren't recreational, they're necessary. So the actual rec time you have is 4-5 hours at best. For someone who does nothing but watch TV, sure that's probably fine. For someone who has a productive hobby or passion (outside of work), it steals that away from you. Weekends are really the only time you could devote your passion to.

[@rodolfo7077]

anarchists? you wrote leftists wrong

[@Roboartist117]

​@@rodolfo7077 leftists (or at least liberals) aren't anti government. They're anti conservative government, and usually pro big government. Anarchists want no government. The ones you see carrying the hammer and sickle flags scream anarchy in hopes to end the current status quo and bring about communism. So still government.

[@mateusoliveira-gx9xk]

@@Roboartist117 sometimes doing nothing but watching TV and etc. it's better than overwork and being underpaid, no one should be forced to give most of your day to a company in order to not dying of hunger

[@Roboartist117]

@@mateusoliveira-gx9xk I agree. But it also varies where you live. If I lived in an expensive and luxurious city, and didn't want to commit myself to working a ton to remain there, then obviously it would be within my best interest to move out of that city to maybe a neighboring town. Some places require a lot of upkeep and having people who don't work to fit those needs could be problematic for the interest of the location. So imo, it's sometimes best to be an occasional tourist to such an area, and let those who are obsessively workaholics live there. That said, essential needs like food should never be an issue to people who simply work less. No more than a couple of hours worth a work (per day) day should pay for food and minimum living expenses, considering how much the average worker helps their business.

[@user-xq2fz5tz9t]

Used to be a salaryman myself, until I decided that it's "Enough!" and started a food catering business. From thereon I've further expanded into bakery business & beverage making business at home. After saving enough, I finally managed to rent a shop at a busy area to open a full fledged bakery & beverage shop on the 1st floor, while my wife operates the food catering for delivery on the 2nd floor. We've managed to finally purchase the shop after 14 years of saving, and lived on the 3rd & 4th floor of our shop. It's been 26 years now, and looking back.... i'm glad I took the first step towards starting my own business.

[@destroyermaker]

This is how we change the culture. One independent business at a time.

[@vintageb8]

Congratulations. Wishing you continued success

[@alexxx4434]

You had to start your own business 26 years back. Not really an option today.

[@racekrasser7869]

@@alexxx4434 yes it is...that's just a defeatist opinion, not reality

[@alexxx4434]

@@racekrasser7869 No, it's statistics. The world hasn't remained the same over last 3 decades. There is increasingly less and less room for small businesses. Market is much more corporatized and monopolised now. Small businesses are closing down left, right and center, especially now, thanks to catalyzing effect of covid, while corporations boast huge profits. Staying blind to these facts and singing "you're not trying hard enough" is plain ignorance.

[@bobbobbington3615]

Japan: How can we increase Marriage and birth rates? "I have an idea."

[@jomoody798]

Work less! But nah thats forbidden

[@jamesfranko1568]

@@jomoody798 Japan's recent average weekly working hour is 33 hours. One of the lowest in the world today. Actually they have extremely strict labor law that only allows 8 hours per day unless these companies get special grant from the government.

[@solstickan]

@@jamesfranko1568 Those laws doesnt seem to work, since afaik bascially everyone I know in Japan works overtime into late in the evening several days per week, no overtime pay as it's "part of their regular salary to work overtime" (as they explained it to me). So maybe they just report the paid hours and leave out all the overtime?

[@kevcoverssolos]

@@jamesfranko1568 Everything is perfect on paper. I don't think the mandatory "homework" or co-worker hangouts count as working hours but they're basically working.

[@jamesfranko1568]

@@solstickan Except it does when Japan is known for being one of the strictest law abider. I literally work in Japan and none of these are true at all I know for a fact that you're lying. Not a single person I know even a bankers or factory workers work that long especially without overtime pay it's just illegal. You can try applying for jobs everywhere and ask for more work hours and they'll say no, it's nearly impossible trust me I tried finding places where they'll let me work for 10 hours and the only places I could find was nursing home which pays a lot.

[@zuzu091]

Avarage western: OMG JAPAN BEST COUNTRY I CAN'T WAIT TO MOVE THERE I BET IT'S LIKE IN ANIMES Meanwhile in Japan:

[@azazel166]

Ironically, animators are some of the most overworked and underpaid people there.

[@LemonRush7777]

A lot of people interested in anime etc know very well that Japan is an amazing place to visit, but very shitty to live in (unless you are rich, but then again any place is great for a rich man).

[@JuanGarcia-oi1yx]

@Straw Race means shit when you are a multi-millionaire or billionaire. At the end of the day money will control everything

[@ОвочеваБаза]

jokes on you, I'd move to Japan because of this

[@walidechchafnaje9812]

@@ОвочеваБаза Lol, why?

[@dafff08]

this is my primary reason why i wouldnt want to live in japan if i had to work there. theres so many great aspects such as culture, food, sceneries etc, but you cant enjoy it when being completely exhausted all the time. older generations may think that 70, 80 years are a lot of time. which they are not. the majority of people spend way more than 8 hours with work. not just work itself. also commuting, doing chores such as washing clothes for work etc etc. and the more exhausted you are the more sleep you need, also chewing up another 8+ hours. and also given the amount of entertainment and information we have to deal with, a single day has become so short that weeks feel like days, months turn in to weeks and a decade passes by like nothing.

[@wweeks]

Do not worryy, the japanese will not accept you. It is the most racist democracy in the world. Good luck being a salaryman,.

[@user-hn8fz3ew6z]

As a foreigner who is a salary man it’s a bit different. Especially if you work at USA or uk company like me. Also generally most foreigners don’t have formal dress code. Though it depends on you salary level and if your in banking or report to vips on a daily basis. But since I moved here two years ago I am used to it and don’t plan on going back. Also if your planning on living here as a foreigner please understand your rights as a foreigner worker in Japan. You are protected by labor laws more if you are a shift worker. The job security here is extremely good. Unless you do something stupid you are well protected by labor ministry. For new people here expect a minimum of one year before getting employment. You have to prove to companies here that your not going to return home. Unless you transfer here.

[@I_hunt_lolis]

@@user-hn8fz3ew6z how does one survive one year without a job

[@fox_den]

They have the same drinking culture in Korea. I worked there, and it felt amazing to say "no" to the boss when he "asked" me to drink with him. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy, but I was the only one that didn't have to bitch about the boss making me drink with him at lunch before going back to work. The boss never asked me to drink again. I don't need to be part of the fraternity.

[@threethrushes]

Sheep

[@FullyHerro]

Nice

[@FullyHerro]

@@metaparcel do you live/ have lived in korea? if so, how do you feel about the situation in general? do you accept it as part of the working culture of korea/japan or is it something you feel should not be required and up for change?

[@TheJacklwilliams]

@@metaparcel Being ostracized isn't the worst thing in life. Especially by a group of people that don't hold the same value or values as onesself. For years I was entirely social with the work set. Then at one point I realized the value of separating work and social life. Anyone or anything that hold you to behaviors that are entirely detrimental to your self should be ostracized from your life. No matter the conditions in many cases in most cultures where success is measured by the level of salary and your place in society is directly equal to the amount of hours you strive in your profession. This alone is challenging and at many times overhwelming. Add to this excessive consumption of substances that are poison to the system and you not only shorten your life but negate all the advances you've made in your life by destroying your emotional vessel. Being ostracized is not the worst thing that can happen to someone. Make your choice.

[@kubli365]

@@metaparcel "Online you're a hero but in real life such actions ostracize you." Ah yes the toxic valuation of reputation in East Asia. So great that it has even aided in the persistence of a totalitarian regime.

[@kendelion]

I'm one of the few lucky ones to get out of the salaryman system. 3yrs ago I go to work at 630am and comes home at around 10pm only to eat and sleep then repeat. Monday to Saturday, sometimes Sunday work as well all for the money to pay for my car to go to work and all

[@borish2065]

How is life since then?

[@kendelion]

​@@borish2065 It's been great! I've been travelling all over Japan by car or motorbike since then :) Really enjoying it so far, but working at home does make you feel lonely since you don't have workmates anymore

[@W4r34rt]

@@kendelion What enabled you to change your life, a new job opportunity?

[@kendelion]

@@borish2065it's 2023 and my life has never been better! I actually went back to my home country thinking it has improved in the last 10yrs I was gone. Now I realized that being a salaryman is much better than what I had in Manila. Now I have my own business

[@corriedotdev]

​@@kendeliondream of mine to motorbike across Japan on a Honda. Just awesome. I'd love to live there too, Scotland and Japan have a lot in common

[@bobbytarantino3522]

This is very well made. A credit to the producers. More people should see this

[@rahulghosh6049]

I can assure you that what they have shown here in this video is to the point. Only the dinking parties (nomikai) have been stopped due to the onset of Corona, rest nothing has changed. The Hierarchical structure is the worst in Japanese companies. This is the reason now more meritorious Japanese are leaving Japan and trying to settle abroad. Japanese people have suffered the worst due to Corona because they have nothing as such called families or friends with whom they can share anything. But village life in Japan is quite different and peaceful.

[@rajatrao5632]

' i don't have to hold onto identity that my friends,family and colleagues have come to expect of me' - really a true line

[@lukenothere1252]

At the beginning: Meh, some copy daily life work thing again… 10 mins later: Man, this is some quality documentary I haven’t seen before.

[@chema8360]

Ok "looking for a better life, while leaving some fundamental parts behind"... that statement is absolutely devastating.

[@FelixTang32]

Yes.

[@privatioboni2081]

We've only been in offices for just over 100 years. Humanity is terribly slow at understanding itself which is why the field of psychology is only a few hundred years old, at least by name. We actually know almost nothing about what optimal work life balance looks like. Is 5 days too much? Is 8 hours too much? And these aren't questions purely aimed at helping people with their mental health. These questions are also aimed at getting people to be as productive as possible. Iceland recently signed a four day work week into law because people are just as productive on a four day work week when compared to a five day work week. On top of that we never ask the question of how individual personality effects how we should work in the office. Do people higher in conscientousness perform better with longer work hours compared to those who are low in conscienteousness? One day we will answer these questions, but until then we are going to continue to fumble around in the dark thinking people working 16 hours is a good thing.

[@jerlinej3516]

Well said.

[@cardcode8345]

There is no limit to achieve something and no definition of Normal. Eg- a psychopath will make a great surgeon, such a setting great example for society, meanwhile same psychopath if murders people, will set a bad rep for all psychopaths. Psychology is stupidity, without statistics, psychology has no value. In future, most jobs will be automated, there never will be a definite definition for work life balance.

[@jathonthompson7809]

I absolutely LOVE Japan. My dream has always been to live there. It's why I studied abroad in Ehime Prefecture in 2012, studied Japanese enough to pass JLPT N2, and made my major East Asian Studies. But still...THIS is the reason why I'm afraid to live there. This isn't "living"...its submitting yourself to abuse in order to live a "life" where your family never gets to see or spend time with you. I don't understand why mandatory overtime and nomikai is still a thing in the 21st century. It isn't "providing for your family." The rest of the world can provide for their families with a normal 8-hour day/40-hour week. And I suspect spending time together is also something men should "provide" to their families. I hope that what this man says can be heard by more Japanese people. Good work on the documentary!!!

[@ThePhrozenPhoenix]

Don’t work for a traditional Japanese company, work for either a foreign-run company or a Japanese company with foreign sensibilities. And/or don’t work a salaryman job. There are plenty of opportunities to work and be happy in Japan without being a lifeless slave, trust me.

[@lettuce1305]

Japan is amazing for holiday but you might want to think twice before actually working and settling there.

[@sk8terguy99TV]

Wow, I'm literally in the same boat and feel the same way. N2, master's degree in East Asian Studies, and I don't ever want to work in a Japanese company. Still can't wait to go on a trip to Japan once more, though. It's lovely when peering from the outside.

[@heroishiguro3156]

I can assure you that not every Japanese works and live like this,this is mostly the Salaryman way of life and is very well know here between Japanese too. As many says in the comments,There are lot of options here in Japan, I work 8:30-17:00 for most part of the week Nomikais are not obligatory (And my company is very old fashion Japanese style) Even though,lot of companies are starting to change they ways,mostly because younger generations don’t want to live like this.

[@koma7778]

Well, i got to what i'd say to the top of the japanese society for a foreigner. Worked at top japanese tech company in topmost division. What i did was ehat most japanese woukd be jealous to be doing. But in the end decided it wasnt worth it. My life is more precious than doing the rat race to maintain that lifestyle.

[@Void_Born]

This is beyond amazing, from the story telling to the footage...top level! Had my face in the subtitles till the end!

[@jont2576]

This is way better than most videos about Japan IV seen over the years.....most try to shed a light on the social problems and culture of Japan but beyond talking about it on the surface and a few random interviews...none are as good as this...... This guy really gives an insightful and really deep look and narrative into Japanese work life culture and their reasoning.

[@jamescrock2213]

this is the only japan part i see from youtube. once i found out about hikimori, I always viewed the “underbelly”

[@ianoneill5905]

I've been doing 80-90 hours a week for the past 10 months, so this documentary resonates with me in a huge way. Thanks you!

[@YouTuberoober]

Exactly! This isn't exclusive to Japan. I'm not sure where you're from, but America (where I'm from) seems to be great at emphasizing other country's problems while understating its own.

[@alventuradelacruz522]

Why?

[@bnap3221]

Big 4?

[@davidharrow9025]

Wow. Those are long hours. What do you do for a living. Dont you feel exhausted.

[@bnap3221]

@@davidharrow9025 I’m an auditor

[@LukeChudoba]

Bro this cinematography is straight up genius. The timing, the shots, holyshit you're good.

[@interestedparty7523]

So happy you pointed it out. It was unusually competent.

[@StonerSquirrel]

Really? The colors are a bit too saturated for the dramatic vibe 🤔

[@godnessy]

Why does this only have 13k views? You should show this to every young person who dreams about going to live in Japan.

[@jenjen9313]

Is this me?? OK I will watch so I will be enlighten.

[@rachelmatthew6771]

people watch bs tiktoks and mindless videos dumb girls moving their ass rather than this. People dont want to discuss and address real issues in our society. rich keeps getting richer and the poor keeps getting poorer.

[@idonargesy8197]

@@rachelmatthew6771 the poor will stay poor because most of them already accepted it and wont fight back the middle class is either don't care or have enough problem of there own and the rich got there money from there parents so they are blind to people beneath them or they are just scum and that's how they got rich and to be honest i really don't care either as i believe it is the poor fault yeah sure it is hard to get rich but it is not hard at all to become middle class or slightly below it the poor most of them are nothing but lazy bums that don't want to work harder on themselves i have no pity on those kind the other small part are trying to succeed and i don't mind helping those kind iam talking here about decent country's where you have a chance to succeed if you work hard enough because yes there are some country's where it is near impossible to get out of poverty like africa and i do understand the problems but i doubt much would change in places like those without a revolution

[@rachelmatthew6771]

@@idonargesy8197 lol what do u mean by fight back? like do riots? Labelling all poor people as lazy is a huge generalization. I think u r just taking specific poor people who are homeless and do nothing. In decent countries, the market is brought down by immigrants who r ready to jobs with minimal salary. Salary raise is stagnant and prices of house as well as other essential commodities are increasing at an exponential price. The middle class is moving to the lower middle class. Rich people keep making money via tax evasion, market manipulation, huge investment, etc. Companies are firing people when making a significant profit and single person is burdened with more responsiblities. Workers r burnt out, working long hours and dont receive any bonus or anything. All profit goes top execs. If your definition of middle class is someone who has job with a lil decent pay then that is totally wrong cuz many ppl with decent job still live paychek to paycheck and have huge loans as well as mortgages. Amount of wealth accumulated by rich people during pandemi is tremendous. I totally agree with you that people who dont want to anything should not be helped. But the current system doesnt even help people who want to help themselves. Several people slack off and dont work by making huge sums of money through government welfare which is tax money but people who actually work get paid minimally

[@forevershampoo]

@@idonargesy8197 you are out of touch. Banks have about 0.3% interest rates on your money and loans have anywhere from 5%-30%... check how the cost of living has gone up in relation to wages... college used to be affordable out of pocket (such as UCLA in the 60s) and now it is one of our biggest debt machines.... most people work very hard just to have enough to keep working hard! HA!

[@fvmiller1193]

How amazing to meet this insightful man in a bar! He basically summed up modern working life in Japan in 20 minutes. I noticed on a visit to Japan a few years ago the huge ‘well-being’ industry...drinks for energy, devices to massage away tension headaches, consumption to keep people awake & working. The pressures I feel at work are nothing by comparison. I have some autonomy and a healthy disrespect for peer pressure - and a culture that allows this. I hope your man has found another way to live, make a living, and is happier now.

[@thesatirist7180]

"I work, therefore I am" is the new definition of modern man. What option do you have for a life that is supposed to end? If the only choice is to strive to live than starve to death, when the modern architectures of humanity designed life as the "survival of the fittest", there is no other way but labor to be human.

[@heshwar6243]

We are all back at 'Feudal World' again. Instead of direct feudals, we have corporates & rogue politicians (even in democracies). We can only wish that people could get freedom BUT that becoming reality is something seemingly impossible. 😑😔😞

[@Grandmaster-Kush]

@@heshwar6243 I'd rather live in feudal, atleast as a farmer you decided how, when and what method to grow and farm your crops, and as long as you filled the quota of the local lord you could keep the rest ;) Now everything is standardized, down to the minutes of the day you're allowed to smoke, go to the toilet, take your meals-.....

[@heshwar6243]

@@Grandmaster-Kush How old are you? sorry to ask that! But you have to go through the history well, before thinking that Feudal world is better than ours. In it you are a slave. You decide noting,

[@EC-gq4xx]

Years ago I experienced working in Japan. It does feel being trapped. The negative side for foreigners is that we don't get the same compensation as locals. The positive is that I don't have to be trapped in that overwork system. I can leave the country.

[@mngyuan]

if you don't mind me asking, what did you do in Japan, and what was the difference between local and foreigner pay rates?

[@matti6258]

The smartest thing to do as a foreigner in Japan is to create and manage your own company. Did that previous to COVID and life was a breeze.

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

@@matti6258 what did you do? is it easy to make your own company there like it is in America?

[@Vatican_Banker]

What people are missing is that this is normal in some American professional services careers as well. In fact it's normal of most yuppie jobs.

[@Koyomix86]

@@Vatican_BankerYup the difference is that in America only people in finance work like salarymen and they get far more money then these guys.

[@Houndog0826]

Really excellent filmmaking and story telling. Your talent is a diamond in the rough. :)

[@Canadian_Networth]

That was deep

[@schadenfreude6274]

That's a nice polite way of saying "You got potential, but you still suck" :)

[@SARUJAN5]

No wonder they don't have time for kids and marriage

[@anupambiswas140]

I feel it bro.... The bottled up frustration.... Sometimes it feels like just leave the society behind...go to some countryside buy a farm and live in your own little world...

[@Cargo_Bay]

ironically, you could do that in Japan as well. And when you want that city life, you're right there.

[@bradleytan3735]

When education is not liberating, the dream of the oppressed is to become the oppressor. ~some brazilian guy

[@wagner2341]

It's Paulo Freire

[@dowlernatasha1396]

@@wagner2341 That is what is happening in america

[@Eri-ww9td]

The beloved Paulo Freire

[@jalamaleicon]

Paulo Freire: the guy who destroied our education!

[@alexn5501]

@O Livro de Adam education is never pointless, to educate one self might be the only hope to escape. How can people possibly liberate themselves without knowledge? That's why total regimes always burn books, to limit the possibility of education.

[@eren.acoruja-x]

Salaryslave

[@richm368]

At my first nomikai my boss had me come up to have my cup filled at the beginning of the party. Very ceremonial and polite. I brought a pint glass that I'd intended for beer. My boss filled it with shochu (my Japanese coworkers shuffling around looking anxious, one or two looking like they were going to protest something) and raised a toast. Ignorant of both procedure and what was in my cup. I pounded it in one go. To which my boss said, in English, "F*ck yes" and the party really started. The whole get to work at 7, leave to get dinner and drinks with coworkers around 5ish, binge drinking and loud karaoke all night is definately something I experienced. At 2am you still have every person on your team there and partying hard. Every one of them will be at work the next day at 7 pretending like nothing happened. This only happened a few times a year that I was aware of at least, not uncommon but not every night either.

[@Nicholas-x5p6q]

I’ve always heard about that, and I’m not surprised- but I’m curious, is this for most companies? How often does that happen per week?

[@richm368]

@@Nicholas-x5p6q Oh, thankfully it was only like once a quarter. They are very expensive at around $300 USD

[@vladys5238]

​@@richm368doesn't the boss pay more of the bill? When i interned at a research lab as an undergrad the phd students and professor paid more if not all of the bill

[@richm368]

@@vladys5238 Lol. no. I worked for three different schools where I was required to pay an equivalent of $250-350 US to attend one of these mandatory dinners.

[@zaldabus]

A few nights a year is fine, I know people that do this a few nights a week

[@dx9235]

won't the companies save a lot of overhead by not having those drinking parties?

[@9duckman9]

You still have to pay for your drinks:/

[@dodgechance4564]

I just got this recommended to me, it's a crime that this only has 70k views. A video like this should have millions.

[@UltraHarmonics]

this is dope and you deserve more subscribers, keep up the good work

[@shizzzxd]

what a hidden gem, hope more people can watch and appreciate this piece

[@lovereba1157]

I learned how cruel the japan is from mangaka，low pay for the bottom，extreme pressure at the top，just like the Kpop situation in korea， asian cultures nowadays are no different， all are about deprivation，especially on spirits，people suddenly start to become double standard and faces，no one really has a true friend.

[@jomoody798]

Same in the west

[@estipiteapofonico]

@@jomoody798 not to that extent, in Asiatic countries there is no idea of the self, just a big hive mind. They tend to stagnate, there is no innovation or will to change things. The problem of the West is being governed by elites that want its destruction and of its people, replacing them with more submissive and malleable hominids.

[@GK-yi4xv]

It wasn't that long ago that the mandatory drinking sessions were followed by mandatory 'team building' with your boss and co-workers by attending brothels afterwards. Similar in Korea, too. Even married men were not exempt. Saying no to your (male) boss was seriously career-damaging. I think it's changing, but still there.

[@maxcchiru]

Also that you can't really take all of your PTO without similar career-damaging effects... I like to also show people this kzbin.info/www/bejne/naq4aIeOgLaBnqc when they ask (It's way less structured and eloquent etc, but it gets the point across very easily)

[@threethrushes]

"No." The most powerful word in the English language.

[@alexanderdonets5321]

@@threethrushes from what was said in comments and story such "No" seems to translate into "I want to make seppuku" in many social contexts. It's not about words but about their actual meaning.

[@financiallyfreegenz]

the japanese government should pass a law that makes nomikai illegal

[@MegaD3n1s]

Japan has such a bizarre culture, which shows that sometimes common sense and culture can do serious harm to a society.

[@johanneskarlsson6535]

Pretty sure this is not common sense

[@MegaD3n1s]

@@johanneskarlsson6535 the oldery pass this culture on the new ones so its common sense

[@prateekbohra7610]

Yes it's common sense , the one we think should be common sense it's actually uncommon sense

[@MegaD3n1s]

@@prateekbohra7610 "yeah yeah, like democracy"

[@anna45333]

Europe companies got jealous of the situation in Japan and try to implement extensive workshifts in Europe. Without even paying the overtime work in most cases. It's a sad thing. Looks like the species is failing big time. Cruel governments that instead of trying to make their citizens happier care only about the few rich and powerful without caring if this brings misery to the rest.

[@christopher6337]

That shit only flies as long as people put up with it. Mandatory unpaid overtime isn't really a thing in the U.S. because a bunch of steel bois said they'd burn the fucking thing to the ground before doing that. Even more just wouldn't take the work. If you "need money to live" try living in your car for a while. You'll realize how little it is you actually need.

[@hiera1917]

@@christopher6337 Ah, an "entrepreneur." I can smell you from here. ‘Surprised with how little you need,’ I’m sure you need a shower if that’s your attitude

[@MintythecatIsABeast]

Current day ethos: lots of 'doing' but no one asks why.

[@HikaruYamamoto]

Why do we work? To live? Then why is work killing you?

[@ericmann770]

Anyone have an answer? ANYONE???

[@HikaruYamamoto]

@@ericmann770 Apparently not.

[@coal2710]

Isn't everything killing us? Working is exhausting, but it can be rewarding if you enjoy what you're doing. Everything that improves self require dedication, thus everything that makes us progress can be seen as slavery. At least that's what I believe.

[@HikaruYamamoto]

@@coal2710 Sadly most people get jobs they have no passion for, as long as its stable and has health insurance. Then they work themselves to death. Its not worth it. I heard a story of a man who became a dentist because everyone told him he would make great money. Now at 42 he feels he has wasted his entire life. Sure he has made money but now he has chronic pain and cannot enjoy the money. His wife is cheating on him and his kids hate him. He felt he was happiest when he was working a job that barely made anything but had passion for and wasn't overworked.

[@HikaruYamamoto]

@@coal2710 This statement is confusing. I never said anything about not working at all. This is directed at people who work themselves to death to make money. These people ruin their health and their life... for what? The reason you work is to stay healthy and be able to live a decent life, not destroy yourself.

[@rhythmandacoustics]

I think this is because of the Japanese laws. Employers cannot fire an employee easily and employees are guaranteed full-time employment. Therefore the employers work the hell out of the employees because they cannot fire them easily. In societies where it is easy to get hired and to get fired, allows employers and employees to match. It is like dating, you do not want to commit to a relationship if it is not compatible. This rigid system of employment appears to be a relic of the world wars Japan was in.

[@SerBallister]

Laws combined with culture. It's also hard to fire people in the EU and UK, but we don't see the same work patterns.

[@rhythmandacoustics]

@@SerBallister are you sure? In Japan the only way to fire employees is when the company is going to be bankrupt. The law protecting employees makes it illegal to fire them.

[@alexandrasalas1198]

"The curious thing about dominance is that it doesn't last".

[@ChrisWEEZ]

The narrator was very wise and introspective. You went looking for a salaryman and found a sage.

[@hkiyr]

the script was written by the white guys

[@evalangley3985]

This phenomenon doesn't just apply to Japan. My friend literally became a hikikomori and I also shut myself from society in extreme solitude while working into a burnout situation. I am extremely social at work, but don't bother me after. Without any real relatives beside my mom and dad, my social interactions is limited at the minimum. Sometime I wonder if I am not alone in this world. I would say the worst is that the more time is passing, the more I want to shut myself down. Social interactions are just a commodity that I rarely enjoy. People are fake and selfish and they just look at what they desire... and I just decided to say "screw it, I don't need them". The funny thing is that people would never be able to tell this from me just by interacting with me as a person since I am extremely verbal and lively socially. I will be the one joking around, saying stupid things and being down right dedicated on what I am doing. In a sense, nobody would really know that I am THAT much of a misanthropist. This is why Asuka from the Evangelion original series literally shocked me with her character when I was a teenager. For the first time in my life, I was witnessing my own life before my eyes. I didn't change my life to reflect on the projection of the character, I have literally had HER life with basically the same outcome. In the end, I joined the military and done 11 years of services, which 5 years of 24/7 while being at sea, it get a told on you even years after. I have succeeded in my life, however like her at the end of the series, I am just a broken human being with no way of ever finding what I am truly looking for, even if we ever knew what it was from the get go still... too proud to bent until you break, unable to get close to anyone, always left behind by the few you really cared about, and despising everyone unable to stand for their convictions. If I am writing this and reflecting so much about the topic is maybe because this short movie made me think... which is speaking volume to what I really believe social interactions are lacking of nowadays.

[@2kaza]

Hey bud, one’s life isn’t all about other people. You’ll find your peace somewhere, just give it time and be open minded.

[@안사요안사-h3p]

bullshit

[@alexgunawan98]

Wish my parents is rich.

[@frankg7786]

Being forced by my boss to drink alcohol sounded way more fun before I watched this video

[@ReyBanYAHUAH]

Always remember to repent of your sins (sin is transgression of YAHUAH The Father In Heaven’s LAW: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy) And Have Belief On Yahusha The Messiah. HE Died and Rose three days later so that you can be forgiven of your sins! HE Loves you! Come to HIM🙂

[@mdser86]

iv'e been a salaryman for 3 straight years over in Europe... even though i was young, it was starting to take a psychological toll more than a physical one. After seeing my seniors getting divorced and having health and mental issues i decided it was enough and quit. That was not the future i was seeking. There is no glory in going kamikaze for your boss/company at your expense and your loved ones. Luckily i was able to find another job in the same field with a 8h workday and two-day weekends. Never looked back. I learned that i make a lot less mistakes and that im much more productive working this schedule. There are a lot of salaryman and salarywoman in Europe even though it's more hidden than in Japan. The biggest difference is that we dont have the forced drinking ritual with our bosses after work whenever they please.

[@NartLeirBag]

Wow, what am amazing production

[@coflow9719]

i would not be able to make it.

[@TheMisterEpic]

great video, very interesting insights!

[@somaliforeheadwarrior9721]

I live inside your walls

[@ABCshake]

Damn. So if anime and video games were canceled. There would be an uprising in Japan in two days.

[@H4lminator]

I don't get the Japanese. It is such a beautiful and wise culture with things like their passion for minimalism, design, technology, videogames, gardens and quirky cars and campers to name a few. And still, they live their brutal, barbaric working lives. Maybe the rich corporate bosses and government are afraid they lose money if they don't kill their employees slowly with work. But I'm convinced they won't. A happy employee is a better worker and it would probably have a positive effect on the sharply declining population. Because as it is now, Japan is rapidly dying out of pure missery. We all see it coming, but no one does something about it. South Korea has the same problem. If I would live in Japan, I would be poor. Because I would choose a job that's not corporate. I would probably work in some kind of arcade or a place people would go to have fun.

[@kennethfrancisfernandez533]

surprising this is on youtube. this ought to be on mubi.

[@Thepippinator2]

I'm Japanese but not from Japan. The only way I would live there is if I worked at an American company like Google or something. Work culture in Japan seems a little too intense for me.

[@meetthemasters754]

As depressing as this is, its beautiful.

[@mobiusd9450]

really good explanation and storytelling about the situation of many in Japan.

[@25yearsnow]

Fantastic movie. Production was A+. I really enjoyed it. I lived in Japan for a year, and that was one of the loneliest years of my life. You get sucked into the work culture, and everyone is so isolated. But when you step foot into an izakaya, you'll meet the warmest, most generous, and kind people you've ever met. It's like the drink/bar culture is the last refuge from the misery of the world.

[@showmethefunny3300]

32 company owners in Japan disliked the video

[@KENZOkm]

holy fuck man, this is amazing! keep doing this amazing work, don't let the View numbers get to you and just keep up the amazing quality! the numbers will come, you'll see

[@nikola3795]

Here b4 this video blows up

[@mangarajatyangsa]

WHAT, with this quality only 227 Sub? you are really underrated.

[@citizenofterra]

Funny thing is that you can finish the work you need to do in 4 hours, but people hang around longer because it's expected. We need a paradigm shift, developed countries are dealing with a new sort of mental depression. We work too much, and we don't even need to.

[@Cargo_Bay]

4 hours? lol no

[@faisalhusein227]

play games for the rest of the hour ?

[@OZUndead]

Lol, detached from reality.

[@호주사람-k4c]

It's true, at my last job we would have to stick around til the last people leave and we close site at 5:00, yet by 3:00 we'd find the same people we're waiting for hiding away for cigarette breaks.

[@pratikdas3194]

Exactly why I'm thinking of starting freelancing once I'm done with my studies

[@JP-oe4ry]

what a mundane distopian way to go through an already singular, lonely and devoid of human interaction Japanese life!

[@yeahboi9887]

Thanks to youtube for recommending this

[@alexgunawan98]

Background Music please ? 🙏🏼

[@malice4422]

Amazing documentary, really puts things into perspective. Thanks.

[@syedadeelhussain2691]

these videos provide an alternate explanation of the downfall of the Japanese Economy. Workers are literally owned by the managers/ employers, and that creates stress which reaches a breaking point. Smart work and hard work were the two attributes upon which the Japanese society congratulated itself. The concept of serving the nation, the nuclear family and the employer to the very limits, is what distinguished the Japanese Model of Capitalism and the sociology and politics of economic development from its western counterparts. But, this model of work ethic has now failed. Doing mandatory overtime per week, and competing like robots, has its telling effects on the Japanese Psyche. I guess East Asians will come to realize that materiality and spirituality must go hand in hand to placate the ordinary citizen.

[@PedroMachado]

What he described doesn't happen only in Japan...

[@mandadick7093]

Working long hours everyday and then being forced to attend drinking parties with coworkers every night sounds awful. But having to do all that followed by waking up for work the next morning with a hangover, sounds like actual hell.

[@juliancain3872]

I don't how people do that in college let alone with a family.

[@AMDA_]

It is hell

[@justdegleria7652]

6:14 Ahhhhhh what peace.......wish to sit down on the bench next to a girl ..........

[@subzoronltd7779]

After travelling to Japan for a holiday a couple of years ago, I’ve seen that it’s a brilliant society in many ways. Just the work life balance is horrible. As an Australian, the only way I’d consider moving there would be if there were 40 hour or less work weeks. The overworking and lack of free time literally kills people with depression and physical exhaustion, as well as being terrible for productivity (tired workers produce worse work) and giving less people time for entrepreneurship. Major reforms have got to happen if Japan wants to attract the best foreign talent.

[@Roboartist117]

Whether people like this or not, Japan is not wanting to attract foreigners, except for maybe tourists. What they need to do if they have that mindset is to make sure their younger generations can have a better work-life balance so they can raise children. The age disparity in japan is the largest issue. The average age of a person in Japan is around 50 years old.

[@subzoronltd7779]

@@Roboartist117 it did look as though the Japanese government was planning to gradually increase immigration (until covid happened). I'm not sure what the plans are for it in the future now, but I suspect there will be gradual increases over time especially as japanese businesses will want to hire the best talent to help keep up in the digital age. They've already fallen way behind silicon valley and other tech hubs in the software/web space especially. Though I suspect that greater work life balance will affect birth rates and family life positively, I doubt it'll increase the birth rate by anymore than 0.2 or so. It seems to be a common problem with developed countries to have decreasing birth rates, it's not unique to Japan. The US and western Europe are just a few decades behind Japan's current demographic issues.

[@Cargo_Bay]

would it be fair to say that an overworked Japanese worker (presumably with ONE job) is no better or worse than someone in America who has 2 or 3 jobs to get by? Or is the Japanese worker making more money?

[@subzoronltd7779]

@@Cargo_Bay from my understanding, the average US worker will have more spending power, while the average japanese worker will have access to better infrastructure, universal healthcare and K-12 education and pay more in taxes. Though I do agree that the usa has a toxic work life balance culture as well, and suffers from a lot of similar work life balance issues.

[@Roboartist117]

@@subzoronltd7779 Yeah regular citizens in the US tend to exaggerate their independence. Nowadays it feels like we're having less and less freedom of choice, as well as freedom to do anything besides working. Working is fine if it feels like we're getting things done. But all our work is doing is expanding to compensate for raising immigration in birthrates (yes birthrates are slowing down but mostly for Caucasians). At one point in time people worked to compensate for their family and townspeople. Now we work to compensate for a larger world we're unfamiliar with and it feels like a never-ending demand. This probably is applicable to other countries with heavy commercial industry.

[@topi2209]

in europe (at least in finland) we only work for 7 hours a day and 5 times a week usually.

[@ashishkaushik1790]

Whatever he speaks ...speaks to my soul and I am from India...what he speaks is the universal feeling and that's why thus video is so awesome!!

[@weetbix4497]

Studio Kronikeur, why did you release this 10/10 documentary and then just disappear forever?

[@darthashpie]

Work smart not hard , life is not a race

[@joeleliaskivi9029]

Locked up by the culture. This was great insight, thanks!

[@rumplstiltztinkerstein]

No wonder the isekai genre is this popular in japan even with so many uninteresting entries. Escapism is in all-time high

[@bushy9780]

haha yeah. there are like 6? isekai out right now on anime alone. I don't read manga but i'm sure there are tons of it.

[@rumplstiltztinkerstein]

@@bushy9780 true. People just want to relax in another world surrounded by cute characters that care about them.

[@RodrigoSilva-wc6ew]

@@bushy9780 in manga there are at least 250, literally

[@arisaga822]

Fun fact: the intermission is basically the iconic moment from “Taken”. Lol.

[@highrise3924]

Insanely beautiful film. Truly amazing and captivating. This is the exact reason why I abandoned my dream of trying to go and live in Japan. It's a beautiful, beautiful country, but work-life balance is pretty much non-existent, apparently. I wouldn't be able to live that way.

[@titanic542]

Interesting insight on work culture in japan. Thanks for sharing!

[@schadenfreude6274]

My Uncle was a Salaryman for almost 25 years of his life. One day he just hanged himself in his apartment. Our family don't really mind as he was a nobody anyway. Even my Grandmother said he was a weakling that never amount to anything. Funny enough, a few years later my Grandmother hanged herself too. :)

[@dowlernatasha1396]

You talk like a psychopath

[@joshua_prime3743]

What's with the smiley face jeez

[@CaptainYokkiller]

I really wanna live in Japan but I dont know if I could work in Japan I have the attitude of "when I'm on the clock I do my job but my free time is my time." And from what I've heard a lot of Japanese business culture involves a lot of kissing up to your boss after hours. If I do my job and do it well that should be enough. I just started my career though so maybe I'm being unreasonable.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

The only way I'm working more than 8 hours a day is for my own business.

[@Quapadople]

There is so much sense and truth in what he says...yet for Japanese people is still difficult to stand up and say what they have on their mind and what bothers them, without worrying that they will be judged, and looked down upon. Thank you so much for this Studio Kronikeur.

[@scarlatti222]

This is supposed to be on cinemas ...it would definitly win the (Best short film) award 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@StellariumSound]

Jesus this cinematography

[@hikguru]

I worked there for 9 months. People would sleep on their desks during the lunch hour in full view of everyone. This would be unheard of in the US. I was told that it was perceived as a demonstration of how hard they were working so it was actually a good thing. I was happy to return to the US.

[@internethardcase]

This is what happens when unions have no presence or power. Unions create laws favorable to the workers. An absence of this leads to situations like in Japan.

[@SushiPlox]

Great video mate

[@evalangley3985]

Happiness cannot be found in work unless it is fulfilling. Unfortunately, the majority of the jobs we have nowadays will never provide that to the ones in those positions.

[@Nimbereth]

Great documentary about this topic.

[@IdealisticDog]

Comment to help drive the algorithm gods. This has been in my queue for awhile, awaiting the right day to watch it. Great piece, it's not often I pause to look at the shot framing.

[@chrisw7188]

well made documentary

[@irpanfauzi1160]

Wait What? its 7 Comment? i always the Late bird in youtube Comment Section what should i said "First"? ahh thats Lame.Well i think i should Grateful with my job for now, there is more people work like a Zombie out there

[@Hi-to-ri]

Very sad.

[@Mrdresden]

I am a software developer and work 7,5 hours a day, and due to legislation pending to come into affect soon, will in all likelyhood only "have to" work 7 hours per day soon. And I find it already to be too much. Not because I couldn't do more (have on occasion done weeks of 12 hour days), but I find it to be too much time spend working for somebody else. Though I get a salary, I am only receiving a smalll chunk of the value I create. And so I spend 4-5 hours each day working on side projects. So my working day is around 12 hours anyway, but slowly my side hustle is taking over more and more.

[@JMGEntertainmentify]

Any tip you can give this college kid going to school for Computer Science?

[@agoatlayingabout8536]

I cannot believe how few views this video has. What a beautiful and yet depressing story that you've told. Thank you for this. As someone that is learning Japanese, it's always interesting to hear all sides of a story.

[@TheCommunistColin]

This sounds absolutely horrific. Heartbreaking.