12: The Japanese Work Ethic

Exercise 1.Look at the picture and talk about it.

Exercise 2. Read the Introduction.

There remains an enormous socio-cultural myth that the Japanese work ethic dictates that labor is all there is and little space remains for leisure. In fact, the Japanese are known for their severe attitude towards hard-work, which has even gained them a reputation for being hard-boiled businessmen. Much of it may be owed to the strict disciplinary system that they were born into. They’ve been industrious and hard-working since the beginning. Upon entering school, the Japanese develop a strong sense of priority akin to personal desires and life’s realities. For many decades, the Japanese labor force has played a critical role in making their nation one of the largest economies worldwide in spite of the recession they face.

Exercise 3. Answer the questions below.

1. How is the Japanese work ethic different from that of Westerners?

2. From where do the Japanese draw their sense of hard-work?

3. Is there truth in the notion that Japanese burn themselves out daily?

4. What is the average monthly wage in Japan?

5. What proportion of the work force is female?

6. Until what age may a Japanese businessman serve a company?