Japanese Work Culture: What Indonesian Workers Need to Know

Japanese Work Culture: Different from Indonesia

Japanese work culture is famously unique and very different from Indonesia's. For Indonesian citizens who have just started working at a Japanese company, adapting to the work culture can be more challenging than adapting to the language. Understanding the expectations and unwritten norms will greatly help your career.

Hierarchy and Seniority (年功序列)

Japan highly values seniority. Some important norms are:

• Senpai-Kouhai (先輩・後輩): Senior-junior. Respect your senpai, and they will guide you.
• Seating order: In meetings and meals, there is a seating position based on hierarchy (kamiza/shimoza).
• Top-down decisions: Although there are discussions, the final decision usually comes from upper management.
• Don't go directly to the boss: Report through your direct supervisor (直属の上司) first.

Working Hours and Overtime

Positive changes: Since the work style reform (働き方改革/hatarakikata kaikaku) in 2019, excessive overtime has been increasingly reduced. Many companies now encourage employees to go home on time and take their leave.

First Day of Work

• Arrive 15-30 minutes before the start time
• Bring your meishi (business cards) if the company has already printed them
• Prepare a jikoshoukai (自己紹介/self-introduction): Name, origin, hobbies, and a word about your commitment
• Introduce yourself to everyone in the department by bowing and stating your name
• Take note of everyone's name and position - This is important for hierarchy

Communication in the Workplace

HouRenSou (報連相)

The most important work communication concept in Japan:

• 報告 (Houkoku) - Report: Report your progress regularly without being asked
• 連絡 (Renraku) - Contact: Inform about changes or problems immediately
• 相談 (Soudan) - Consult: Consult before making a decision on your own

For Indonesian citizens: In Indonesia, we are used to taking initiative and making decisions ourselves. In Japan, always consult with your superior before taking action, even for things that seem small. It is better to over-communicate than to under-communicate.

Meeting Culture

• Meetings in Japan are usually longer than you might expect
• Decisions are often already made before the meeting (nemawashi/根回し - informal lobbying)
• The meeting is for confirmation and to ensure everyone agrees (合意/goui)
• Do not criticize directly in a meeting - convey it privately or through a superior

Nomikai and Office Socializing

Nomikai (飲み会/drinking parties) are an important part of the work culture:

• Bounenkai (忘年会/year-end party) - December, almost all companies hold one
• Shinnenkai (新年会/new year party) - January
• Kangei-kai (歓迎会/welcome party) - For new employees
• Soubetsu-kai (送別会/farewell party) - For those who resign or are transferred

Tips for Muslim Indonesians: You are not required to drink alcohol. Order oolong tea or a soft drink. Japanese colleagues will understand. The important thing is to BE PRESENT, not to drink. Your presence shows you are part of the team.

Rights of Foreign Workers in Japan

• Minimum wage: Varies by prefecture (Tokyo: 1,163 yen/hour in 2026, lowest is ~960 yen/hour)
• Overtime pay: 125% for regular overtime, 135% for holiday work, 150% for late night (22:00-05:00)
• Paid annual leave: 10 days after 6 months of work, increasing each year up to 20 days
• Maternity leave: 6 weeks before + 8 weeks after childbirth (paid through insurance)
• Paternity leave: Available (ikuji kyuugyou/育児休業), although still rarely taken
• Cannot be fired without reason: Japanese labor law strongly protects employees

Differences in Work Culture: Indonesia vs. Japan

Tips for Success in a Japanese Company

• Learn keigo - Polite business language. At a minimum, memorize basic office phrases.
• Don't say "no" directly - Use "chotto muzukashii desu" (it's a little difficult) or "kentou shimasu" (I will consider it).
• Arrive before work starts - 5-10 minutes beforehand is standard.
• Join nomikai - At least the mandatory ones (bounenkai, welcome party). This is a social investment.
• Don't take frequent leave at the beginning - Build credibility first, then use your leave rights.
• Pay attention to "kuuki wo yomu" (空気を読む) - "Reading the air" or understanding the situation without it being said. This is the most important skill.

Working in Japan indeed requires significant adaptation, but it also provides valuable experience. The discipline, attention to detail, and work ethic you learn in Japan will become valuable assets wherever your future career takes you.