An Indian professional who has spent the last 10 years working in Japan has gone viral after sharing insights into the country’s workplace culture, highlighting how Japanese companies prioritise punctuality, discipline, respect and work-life balance. His video has resonated with thousands online, reigniting conversations around employee burnout and the importance of respecting personal time.
What is the viral video all about?
In an Instagram reel, Ankit Purohit shared his decade-long experience of working in Japan, saying that while getting a job in the country is possible, adapting to its workplace culture is what truly makes the difference.
According to Purohit, Japanese offices are built on punctuality, mutual respect, teamwork and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
“In Japan, time is given a lot of respect. So if you are going to the office and your office is at 9 in the morning, then you will have to reach your office before 9 o’clock,” he said.
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He also highlighted how workplace hierarchy is rarely visible in daily life.
“In Japan, the company’s CEO also comes to the office by train. So there is no comparison between who is coming by car, who is coming by bike, and who is coming by train at Japan’s office,” Purohit explained.
Managers don’t call employees after work
One of the biggest takeaways from the video was Japan’s approach to respecting employees’ personal time.
Purohit said managers generally do not contact employees with work once they have logged out for the day, allowing them to completely disconnect from office responsibilities. He added that employees are also not expected to work on weekends or their scheduled days off, except in rare emergencies.
Another workplace practice that impressed viewers was the treatment of overtime.
“If you are doing overtime for 15 minutes, then the company also pays you for it,” he said.
He further explained that lunch breaks, usually between 12 pm and 1 pm, are treated as employees’ personal time. He also pointed to everyday etiquette, such as the person standing near the elevator controls holding the door open until everyone exits before stepping out last.
‘Working in Japan is more than just having a job’
In the caption accompanying the video, Purohit reflected on his decade-long journey in Japan.
“Working in Japan is more than just having a job; it’s about becoming part of a culture that values discipline, respect, responsibility, and teamwork.”
He added that Japanese workplaces encourage communication, prioritise teamwork over individual competition, value quality over speed, and promote continuous learning and skill development.
Reflecting on his experience, Purohit wrote:
“After living and working in Japan for 10 years, I’ve realised that these small habits not only make you a better employee but also help you grow as a person.”
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Social media reacts
The video has struck a chord with social media users, many of whom praised Japan’s workplace culture for respecting employees and promoting a healthier work-life balance.
One user commented, “Yes, it’s my dream to come there.”
Another wrote, “People in Japan still value and respect each other.”
Sharing a personal experience, another user said, “Yes, I have worked in a Panasonic company, so I am very aware of the same…. Additionally, the main aspect is respect.”
Several others noted that practices such as respecting employees’ personal time, paying for every minute of overtime and encouraging work-life balance could help reduce burnout while improving productivity and job satisfaction.
FAQs
What did the Indian man say about working in Japan?
He said managers generally do not call employees after they log out of work.
Why did the post go viral?
It highlighted Japan’s respect for work-life balance and sparked comparisons with workplace cultures elsewhere.