Once upon a time, retirement marked the end of the road— a quiet time to rest before the end of life. But today, it can last decades!!  

Whether you’re a foreigner looking for opportunity or a local seeking a shift in perspective, knowing these realities is key to thriving—not just surviving—in Japan’s corporate world.

Based on my own HR experience and interviews with foreigners who have worked in both American and Japanese companies, we identified five unique reasons why working for a Japanese company can be a rewarding experience.

April 1 is new hire orientation day for fresh graduates in Japan. And now, just two days later—on April 3, 2025—some of them have already quit.
Impatience—or instinct?

As Gen Z rewrites the rules of work in Japan, the real question isn’t “Why did they quit so fast?” It’s: When should you stay—and when is it absolutely okay to walk away?

This blog breaks down what workplace harassment looks like in Japan, what legal protections are in place, and real-life examples of how different cases were handled—what worked, and what didn’t.

I’ve interviewed tons of Japanese candidates—in Japan and the U.S.—and wow, some are stellar. Brilliant skills, high motivation, leadership vibes, resilience that’d make you cheer. I’d give ‘em top marks, ready for the next round. Then U.S. bosses hit me with: “No personality.”