Latest news with #RachelCrane
Japan Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Japan Today
7 job interview red flags in Japan (and what to ask instead)
By Rachel Crane You've finally landed a job offer in Japan after weeks (or months) of searching. The interview went well, the contract is ready, but something feels off. Maybe it's the way the recruiter dodged a question, or the vague wording in the offer. Whatever it is, a red flag is waving. What are important job interview red flags in Japan? Did you just land a job with a black company? Understanding Japanese workplace culture is crucial, but it's rarely spelled out. Many expectations — like staying late, following rigid hierarchies or interpreting indirect feedback — go unspoken until you're already on the job. These unwritten rules can lead to stress, burnout and serious dissatisfaction. The good news? Many warning signs show up early — if you know what to ask and how to spot them. Here's how to recognize red flags before you sign. If you're looking for a job, check out the opportunities on GaijinPot Jobs. 1. Vague or Dodgy Answers About Work Hours 2. High Turnover or Constant Hiring 3. All Management, No Mentorship 4. No Work-Life Balance Policy 5. Poor or No Communication from the Team 6. Overly Fancy Office vs. Underpaid Staff 7. Overemphasis on 'We're Like a Family' Research the Company Reputation Online 1. Vague or Dodgy Answers About Work Hours 'We don't track hours — we track passion.' One of the most infamous aspects of Japanese work culture is the amount of overtime. While the Japanese government has tightened laws around how much overtime companies are allowed to demand, statistics show that the average worker in Japan still puts in 24.3 hours of overtime per month (2022, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). Under-reporting means the actual number is likely even higher. At the extreme end, karoshi (death from overwork) is also a sad reality for some. Japan's 2019 Work Style Reform Law (働き方改革法案, Hatarakikata Kaikaku Hoan) also set legal limits on overtime, capping it at 45 hours per month (with stricter penalties for violations). The system grants at least 10 days of paid leave annually to employees who have been continuously employed for six months and have attended at least 80% of working days during that period. Employers are also required to ensure that at least five days of paid leave are taken per year. If your recruiter can't clearly state the hours of overtime you'll be expected to work, they may not be following the rules. What To Ask During The Interview Ask: 'What's the average overtime here?' Red flag response: 'We work until the job is done,' or 'It depends on the season.' Japanese term to listen for:* **Sabisu zangyo* (サービス残業), unpaid overtime 2. High Turnover or Constant Hiring 'He wasn't a team player.' If a company is constantly advertising jobs online, it could be a sign of high employee turnover. Take a look at job boards like GaijinPot Jobs and keep an eye on how often the company is posting ads. While some companies will advertise regularly when expanding their workforce, others are simply struggling to hold onto staff. Make sure to ask in your interview how long most employees choose to stay, and pay attention to whether they're able to give a clear answer. What To Ask During The Interview Ask: 'How long do team members usually stay?' Red flag response: 'It varies from person to person.' Tip: Use review sites like OpenWork (formerly Vorkers) or Glassdoor Japan for clues about employee satisfaction and management style. 3. All Management, No Mentorship Japanese work culture can prioritise following the leader over developing leadership skills. Promotions are often handed out based on age and length of tenure, not merit, and those below are expected to follow instructions without questioning authority. However, reputable companies understand the value of nurturing talent. Use your interview to find out if the company has staff development programs in place, and what kind of skills you'll have the opportunity to learn should you accept the job. What To Ask During The Interview Ask: 'Does the company have any onboarding or training programs?' Red flag response: 'We expect you to figure things out.' 4. No Work-Life Balance Policy One of the most infamous aspects of Japanese work culture is the amount of overtime. While the Japanese government has tightened laws around how much overtime companies are allowed to demand, statistics show that the average worker in Japan still puts in 24.3 hours of overtime per month (2022, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). Under-reporting means the actual number is likely even higher. At the extreme end, karoshi (death from overwork) is also a sad reality for some. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
17-06-2025
- Japan Today
Sakurayama Shrine a spiritual ‘power spot' drawing visitors seeking protective blessings
By Rachel Crane Sakurayama Shrine, located in the center of Morioka, remains an essential part of daily life. This shrine, along with the Iwate Museum of Art, makes the perfect stop on a tour of Morioka. In 1749 the Edo lord Nanbu Toshimi established the shrine on the grounds of Morioka Castle, enshrining his ancestors as gods. All that remains of the castle itself are the foundational stone walls, but Sakurayama Shrine has endured. The earliest members of the Nanbu clan are still worshipped as deities to this day. This shrine is now considered a spiritual 'power spot', and visitors come from far and wide to seek protective blessings. Priests can perform ceremonies for the health of children and protection for people said to be entering difficult years. They will even enact rituals to bestow safety on newly purchased cars! Worshippers can also purchase omamori (talismans) and small Shinto shrines to protect the home. One notable feature of the shrine complex is the Eboshi-iwa (Guardian Rock). The rock was deemed auspicious when it was unearthed during the construction of Morioka Castle and locals continue to revere it as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Beyond its spiritual function, the shrine serves as a community event space. The Sanshuden Hall within the shrine complex features Western and Japanese-style rooms that can be hired for occasions including banquets, meetings, lectures, and exhibitions. Shrine Festivals Sakurayama Shrine comes to life most vibrantly during several festivals throughout the year. Two festivals in particular represent the shrine's unique history and traditions. The first is the annual Sakurayama Shrine Festival, held from May 25-27 each year. On the first day, warriors parade through the streets of Morioka on horseback, following the mikoshi (portable shrine) and crowds can enjoy traditional performing arts. On the second day, offerings of local seafood, mountain produce and poetry are made to the shrine. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
26-05-2025
- Japan Today
Kamioka is a charming Showa-era time capsule nestled in Japan Alps
By Rachel Crane Kamioka is a charming Showa-era time capsule nestled in the Japan Alps. Part of Hida City in Gifu Prefecture, Kamioka was once a mining town. While the industry and population have declined, Kamioka's old-world charm and fascinating history continue to draw visitors. The best way to experience the town is to take a guided tour. A local guide will lead guests along the river via retro shops and teahouses, while narrating stories from the town's rich history. Some guided tours specialise in sampling regional delicacies, while Nordic hiking tours take adventurous visitors out to the surrounding mountains. Kamioka's signature product is sake (alcohol), so be sure to sample the fine spirits the town has to offer. The neighboring Furukawa area of Hida City specialises in the production of traditional Japanese candles, making the area a perfect place to shop for unique handmade gifts. For nature lovers, the best time to go hiking in Kamioka is summer, when the mountain air is at its mildest. In winter, the town gets an average of three meters of snow, and is a great base for skiers looking to enjoy the powder on the Japanese Alps. History, Science and Culture Kamioka is home to a collection of interconnected museums and cultural sites that tell the story of the town's fascinating transformation through the years. The most impressive relic of the town's past is Kamioka Castle, which is in authentic Sengoku period style. A climb up to the castle's viewing platform offers views over the beautifully landscaped grounds and the rooftops of the old town below. The scenery is particularly enchanting in early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
08-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Should you work for a haken dispatch company in Japan?
By Rachel Crane There are many reasons why foreign workers in Japan choose to work for a haken gaisha (派遣会社, dispatch company). These companies make it easier to find a job in Japan, especially for those without fluent Japanese or a local network. It might even make your Japanese resume look better. Working as a haken rodosha (派遣労働者, dispatch worker) can also offer more flexibility and freedom to explore different industries — something that's harder to do in traditional full-time roles. That said, dispatch work has its drawbacks. Employment can be unstable, with limited job security and few opportunities for advancement. Still, many foreigners — especially English teachers, IT professionals and office staff — find the system appealing. So what rights and benefits can a haken worker expect in Japan? And how can you advocate for yourself while working under a haken contract? What Is The Haken System? Pros of Working at a Dispatch Company The Dark Side of Haken Legal Protections for Haken Workers How to Make Haken Work for You What to Do If You're Treated Unfairly What Is The Haken System? The haken system in Japan is similar to temp staffing in other countries. Haken workers are employed by a dispatch company but are assigned to work at separate client companies for limited periods. Here's how a haken contract compares to other common employment types in Japan: Seishain (正社員, regular employee): Full-time, permanent staff hired directly by the company. Seishain enjoy the most stable working conditions and receive benefits like paid vacation, health insurance (kenko hoken), pension (kosei nenkin), and unemployment insurance (koyo hoken). (正社員, regular employee): Full-time, permanent staff hired directly by the company. Seishain enjoy the most stable working conditions and receive benefits like paid vacation, health insurance (kenko hoken), pension (kosei nenkin), and unemployment insurance (koyo hoken). Keiyaku shain (契約社員, contract employee): Hired directly by a company for a fixed term. They usually receive paid leave and social insurance, but may not be fully covered by unemployment insurance. (契約社員, contract employee): Hired directly by a company for a fixed term. They usually receive paid leave and social insurance, but may not be fully covered by unemployment insurance. Haken contracts are signed with the dispatch agency, not the client company. Workers typically take on short-term assignments across multiple workplaces. While conditions vary, most are eligible for social insurance (shakai hoken). The haken system is governed by Japan's Worker Dispatch Law (**Rodosha Haken Ho, 労働者派遣法)**, which regulates the dispatch industry and protects workers. Haken roles also create a dual employment structure — dispatch companies manage contracts and payroll, while client companies supervise day-to-day work. This can lead to confusion over who is responsible if problems arise, such as harassment or contract disputes. Industries that rely on dispatch workers include IT, manufacturing, admin support and English teaching. Contracts usually last between one and twelve months, and foreigners with the right visa or skills are often recruited through this system. Pros of Working at a Dispatch Company Like any type of employment in Japan, haken work comes with trade-offs. Some advantages include flexibility, easier access to jobs and the freedom to explore other work. Here are some pros to working for a dispatch company: Higher Hourly Wages One of the biggest draws of haken work is that hourly pay is often higher than what full-time or contract employees earn, particularly in fields like IT, customer service, and English education. Flexibility Shorter employment contracts allow workers to change jobs more easily, take breaks between assignments, or try out different industries. This makes it easier to balance work with personal goals like travel, language study or creative projects. Easier Access to Jobs Landing a full-time role in Japan can be difficult, especially if you don't speak Japanese fluently or don't yet have relevant experience. Dispatch companies help connect workers to roles they might not be able to get through direct hiring. Less Pressure Than Full-Time Roles Full-time employment in Japan often involves overtime, company transfers, and strict social expectations. Dispatch workers are generally not subject to these pressures, which can make the work environment more manageable. Visa and Language Support Some dispatch companies sponsor work visas and provide English-speaking support. They may also act as go-betweens during contract negotiations or workplace conflicts, and some even offer career counseling to help you plan your next steps. The Dark Side of Haken Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
