AB Japanese Culture

 AB: I was not expecting my work time in Japan to be that interesting.  But it was a great experience learning about a new culture.  I was amazed at the loyalty to the company.  They are like family to each other due to their long work hours and tenure.  No one is ever laid off, and no one quits.  They have little time for family outside work, so having kids is difficult.  I really enjoyed seeing their day-to-day life, eating meals together, hearing their goals, listening to the cultural differences (strong social safety net, collectivist mindset) and answering their questions about American culture.  A few examples:    

Japanese: "During time at uw, I asked my roommate what that smell?  They said uh that’s marijuana.   I was so shocked" 

AB: Is marijuana use not common?"

Japanese: "No it’s illegal"

AB: It’s illegal in the us 

Japanese: I mean here it’s really illegal 

AB: I like how safe it is here, 

Japanese: In America anyone can get a gun?

AB: Pretty much

Japanese: Shocked look

Have you ever had a scared sitatuation with guns?

AB: Well once my neighbor started shooting people 

Japanese: Mouth agape 

Other workers laughing 

AB: Most people in office jobs overweight

Japanese: No way, really most people?

AB: yes, our diet is very bad

AB: what is a stereotypical american?

Japanese: Honest and direct 

One coworker cried when friend quit

The Japense get 1 week long vacation once per year, one 2 week vacation every 5 years. You can’t open your computer on the weekend or vacation to do overtime rules.  It's improper to add vacation to a work trip, or bring kids. But they understand that foreigners do so

One coworker gave a farewell speech in Japanese at 5pm on his last day as is custom.  He transferred to NY.  THye typically transfer teams every 3 years.

At the end, they told me: "you inspired us to have more balance on lives, not focus so much on work."

Was not expecting to come t with coworkers , was excited just have hotel . But really miss each other . They are family since spend so long together, so welcoming to me. Even lunches with other teams , lots of mutual curiosity about cultures.