#nomikai

100 YEARS of WORK in JAPAN

A SEGA Genesis-like pixel art video by Motocross Saito, depicting the work culture in Japan throughout the years called, Hataraku no Hyaunenshi or 100 Years of Work in Japan. 

1920s, when the term, “salaryman” first emerged.

1930s, where women first joined the workforce known as  “shokugyo fujin” or lady professionals.

1940s, transitioning into the post-war era.

1950s, working towards an economically stable society after the war.

1960s, the launch of Shinkansen bullet train marks the beginning of a new era.

1970s, becoming a developed country means overcrowded trains of workers.

1980s, the emergence of “kigyo senshi” or “company warrior”, who worked overtime long after the sun has gone down during the “Bubble Economy”. This is where, “Karoshi” or “Death from Overwork” began. Japan's rise from the devastation of World War II to economic prominence and the huge war reparations they have paid in the post-war decades have been regarded as the trigger for what has been called a new epidemic.

Still 1980s, even if work finishes late at night, there are still after work events like “Nomikai” or “After Work Drinking” as part of the company’s solidarity building and networking. 

1990s, mobile communication devices and more women entering the workforce become permanent part of professional life in Japan.

2000s-2010s, laptop devices creates a breed of “nomad worker” who spend their time working outside of their office. Workers smoking at their work desks may have been a common sight in the 80s, but now it is even rare to see smokers in public spaces as there are “no smoking” signs almost everywhere.

2020s, Japan adapted to a new normal after WWII and now it is adapting again to a new normal after the coronavirus pandemic breakout.

2020s, now working from home has started becoming a new normal.

My Thoughts:

To me, the 80s is the most interesting of all, as this is where the bad work culture of Japan that we know of today, first started. In an attempt to build a better future to avoid the errors of WWII, Japan is seen as an advanced technology powerhouse with its electronics and manufacturing products scattered around the world. 

Despite being seen as an advanced society, it is also fast becoming a souless one, as "company warriors” dedicate their lives to the companies like a Samurai to a clan, working extremely hard at the expense of their social lives and health, which explains, how or why cyberpunk films are based and inspired by this era of Japan.

I was told during training that Japanese drinking parties are something that we really should to go, at the very least the first time we are invited to show friendliness. More importantly, it was said that if we are invited it is a sign from the other staff that we are well liked and accepted. Seeing as my Japanese isn’t good enough to read news letters or ease drop on people’s conversations they could had simply not told me and I would have never known.

                                                                    They invited me to the very first one of the year.

For the entire first two weeks I have been hear crippled with fear that I am not well liked or that I come across too odd for many of the other staff to get along with. Come to find out they actually like me?! The fuck??? Only 4.5 people can barely talk to me!

Never have I enjoyed beer at home. All beer in America tasted bland and bitter like cough medicine, without the refreshing feeling after you swallow. In Japan the best way to describe beer is that it is basically salty soda. Some even have fruit flavorings. It’s oddly refreshing and tasty.

As nice has it had been to talk about simple things like the weather and Disney movies at school, everyone little drunk gives us all the leeway we need to just talk about whatever and not let it be a huge fight. For example: whale sashimi was served and I explained to a few how whale meat is actually illegal in America, and so I had never tried it.........I want more whale meat in my mouth right now.

If nothing else, I think the most joyful moment of the evening was a PTA member coming up to me after introductions and just speaking to me...and I in no way understood her. However, Hiroshi-sensei was able to translate for me. Apparently she said “You’re Kogaa-sensei, right? My daughter talks about me everyday. She loves you. I love you, too. You make her so happy.”