I am a 20-year-old student in Tokyo. My father works in Japan, and my uncle works in the United States. I hear their stories about jobs. Work in Japan and America is very different. They have different ways to hire people, work hours, rules, and ideas about jobs. I want to learn more about these differences. How do people get jobs? What is work life like? Why are the systems not the same? I write this to understand employment in America and Japan. It is interesting to see how people work in both countries.
In Japan, getting a job is serious. Many students start looking for jobs in their last year of university. This is called job hunting, or “shukatsu.” Companies visit universities to meet students. Students wear black suits and go to many interviews. They write resumes and take tests about math, language, or general knowledge. Big companies hire many new workers every April. They like young people with no experience because they can train them. For example, my cousin applied to ten companies and got a job at a bank. He studied for months to pass the tests. In Japan, companies want workers who are polite, work hard, and stay for a long time.
In America, getting a job is more flexible. People look for jobs at any age or time. They use websites like LinkedIn or Indeed to find jobs. Resumes are important, but they are short, one or two pages. Interviews are less formal. Companies ask about skills and experience, not just tests. In America, people change jobs often. My uncle in California worked at three companies in five years. Companies hire people with experience, not just new graduates. For example, my uncle’s friend got a job at a tech company because she knew computer coding. In America, companies want workers who are creative and show results.
Hiring is different. In Japan, big companies hire once a year. They take many steps, like group interviews, written tests, and final talks. They check if workers fit the company’s culture. Loyalty is important. If you get hired, you start with training for weeks or months. In America, hiring is faster. Companies post a job, interview people, and hire in days or weeks. They focus on what you can do now. Training is short, and you start work soon. I think Japan’s way is slow but careful. America’s way is quick but practical.
Work culture is different. In Japan, work is like a family. Workers stay with one company for many years, sometimes their whole life. They call this “lifetime employment.” Companies care about workers, giving them jobs until they retire. Teamwork is very important. People work together and share ideas. Meetings are common, and everyone agrees before deciding. My father says his company has meetings every day. Workers respect bosses and older workers. They bow and use polite words. In Japan, work comes first, before family or hobbies.
In America, work is more individual. People change jobs to get better pay or new skills. Lifetime employment is rare. Workers focus on their own tasks and show their success. Meetings are fewer, and decisions are fast. My uncle says his team emails more than meets. Workers call bosses by first names, not titles. Respect is there, but it is less formal. In America, life outside work is important. People want time for family, sports, or travel. I like Japan’s teamwork, but I also like America’s freedom.
Work hours are different. In Japan, workers stay late. Overtime is common. My father comes home at 9 p.m. many days. Workers show they care about the job by working long hours. Some companies expect this. Lunch breaks are short, about 30 minutes. In America, work hours are shorter. Most jobs are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overtime happens, but not always. My uncle leaves work at 6 p.m. Lunch breaks are one hour. Some workers eat at their desks, but many go out. In America, leaving on time is okay. I think Japan’s long hours are hard, but America’s hours give more rest.
Job security is different. In Japan, jobs are safe. Big companies don’t fire workers easily. Even in bad times, they keep workers or move them to new roles. My father’s friend worked at the same company for 30 years. This makes workers feel safe, but they work hard to thank the company. In America, jobs are less safe. Companies fire workers if business is bad or if they don’t do well. My uncle says his company cut jobs last year. Workers must always learn new skills to stay hired. I like Japan’s safety, but America’s way pushes people to grow.
Pay is different. In Japan, pay is based on years worked, not just skills. Older workers get more money than young workers, even if they do the same job. Bonuses are big, given twice a year. My father gets a summer and winter bonus. In America, pay is based on what you do and how well you do it. A young worker can earn more than an older one if they are better. Bonuses are smaller or not given. My uncle gets a small bonus if his team does well. I think Japan’s pay is fair for older workers, but America’s pay rewards hard work.
Benefits are different. In Japan, companies give many benefits. Workers get health insurance, paid vacation, and money for travel to work. Some companies give houses or money for rent. Retirement money is good. My father’s company pays for his train every day. In America, benefits depend on the job. Big companies give health insurance and vacation, but small ones may not. Workers pay for their own travel. Retirement money comes from workers saving, not just the company. My uncle pays for his bus to work. I like Japan’s benefits, but America’s way teaches saving.
Vacation is different. In Japan, workers get about 10 to 20 vacation days a year, but many don’t use them. My father takes only five days because he feels bad leaving work. In America, workers get 10 to 15 vacation days, and they use them. My uncle takes two weeks every summer. Some companies give more vacation for good workers. In America, taking vacation is normal. I think Japan’s workers need more rest, but America’s vacation time is nice.
Work clothes are different. In Japan, most workers wear suits. Men wear dark suits and ties. Women wear skirts and jackets. Some jobs, like shops, have uniforms. My father wears a suit every day. In America, clothes depend on the job. Office workers wear suits, but many jobs allow jeans or casual shirts. Tech companies let workers wear T-shirts. My uncle wears a polo shirt to work. I like Japan’s suits because they look neat. But America’s casual clothes are comfortable.
Women at work are different. In Japan, fewer women have big jobs. Many women work, but they do office tasks or part-time jobs. After having babies, some women stop working. My mother works part-time at a store. Companies are trying to help women work more, but it is slow. In America, many women have big jobs, like managers or doctors. Women work full-time, even with children. My uncle’s boss is a woman. I think Japan needs more women in big jobs, but America’s way is good for equality.
Training is different. In Japan, new workers get long training. They learn company rules, skills, and teamwork. Training can last months. My cousin learned how to talk to customers at his bank job. In America, training is short. Workers learn on the job. My uncle learned his job in one week. I like Japan’s training because it teaches a lot. But America’s way is fast.
Rules at work are different. In Japan, rules are strict. Workers must be on time. They can’t use phones much. They follow bosses’ orders. My father says being polite is important. In America, rules are more relaxed. Being late sometimes is okay. Workers use phones or email freely. They can give ideas to bosses. My uncle says his team shares new ideas. I like Japan’s rules for order, but America’s rules give freedom.
Culture makes work different. In Japan, work is about group success. Workers help each other and stay loyal. Respect for older people is big. In America, work is about personal success. Workers want to be the best and move up. Respect is for skills, not just age. I like Japan’s group feeling, but America’s focus on you is exciting.
Problems are different. In Japan, long hours make workers tired. Some get sick from stress. Young people want more free time. In America, job loss is a problem. Workers worry about being fired. Health insurance is expensive. Both countries try to fix these. Japan makes rules for less overtime. America helps workers find new jobs. I hope both get better.
I learned a lot about work in Japan and America. Japan’s jobs are safe and kind, but hard. America’s jobs are free and fast, but risky. Both are good in different ways. Japan teaches teamwork and respect. America teaches creativity and change. If I work, I want a job with Japan’s safety and America’s fun. As I write this, I think about my father and uncle. Work is different, but people want the same thing—to be happy and help others.