5 Reasons to Work in a Japanese Company
Based on my own HR experience and interviews with foreigners who have worked in both American and Japanese companies, we identified five unique reasons why working for a Japanese company can be a rewarding experience.
Yes, Japanese companies have their challenges—but they also offer stability, values, and long-term perspective that many professionals appreciate.
As for foreign companies in Japan: if their leadership includes more expats, the company culture often leans toward American or Western norms. For example, Goldman Sachs Japan has many international employees and everybody collaborates with global teams daily—so the culture reflects that. On the other hand, when the Japan office is mostly Japanese-led, the culture is often a 50/50 blend of domestic and foreign values. In this blog, I’ll focus on traditionally Japanese companies.
Summary
Calmer company culture
Less internal politics
Clients come first (not just shareholders)
Stronger long-term focus
A company with heart
1. Calmer Company Culture
Have you ever heard someone in a meeting say, “I wasn’t finished yet!”? You won’t hear that in Japan. People are generally patient and respectful—interrupting is rare, and even quiet participants are often invited to share their thoughts. In Japan, being quiet doesn’t mean you have nothing to say—it often means you’re still thinking.
(By the way, In Japan, people tend to be quiet during meetings, but when they’re thinking, you might hear soft sounds like “Uuun” or “Aaah.” It’s a cultural quirk—many Japanese process ideas out loud in a subtle way. I once saw a Reddit post where someone was puzzled by a colleague who kept mumbling while working. Totally normal in Japan—but it might take some getting used to!)
In the U.S., I once joined a training where we were asked to raise our hands if we were introverts or extroverts. Out of 14 people, only two of us said we were introverts. That’s not a judgment—just an observation. In Japan, company culture tends to be less high-energy and more introspective.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to think carefully before speaking, you might find yourself more comfortable in a Japanese work environment.
2. Less Drastic Office Politics
Yes, politics exist everywhere—including Japan. But compared to U.S. companies, it’s often less extreme. In American firms, it’s not unusual for entire leadership teams to be replaced. In Japanese companies, such shakeups are rare. Leadership tends to be more stable and predictable, and transitions are less abrupt.
As a result, the overall corporate environment can feel more secure and less politically charged.
3. Clients First > Shareholders First
In the U.S., shareholder value is king. Wall Street drives decision-making. But in Japan, the primary focus tends to be on the client.
Of course, this is changing as more foreign investors enter the Japanese stock market. But outspoken activist shareholders are still rare here.
While U.S. companies clearly define ownership through shareholders, many Japanese firms operate with a top-down mindset, where leadership feels responsible for the direction of the company as a whole.
4. Long-Term Thinking
Because of the emphasis on clients over short-term profits, many Japanese companies prioritize long-term sustainability.
Take Bell Labs, for instance—once part of AT&T, then spun off into Lucent, later acquired by Alcatel, and eventually folded into Nokia. Meanwhile, legacy Japanese firms like Hitachi, Panasonic, NTT and Sony have experienced ups and downs but continue to evolve and survive over decades.
There's a saying: Win the war, not every battle.
In Japan, slower decision-making and cautious planning are cultural traits. They can feel frustrating at times—but they also reflect a focus on sustainability over volatility.
5. A Company with Heart
An American friend once worked at a Japanese firm that lost two major clients. Layoffs seemed inevitable. But at an all-company town hall, the president said he wanted to save the business—without letting anyone go. He proposed a temporary salary reduction, starting with himself.
The employees, grateful for the stability, united around his decision. The company survived the crisis, and eventually, full compensation was restored.
This gesture meant the world to my friend—especially since his wife had just been diagnosed with cancer, and job security became even more important.
Bonus Insight from an HR Perspective
As a former HR head at a foreign firm in Japan, I often interviewed candidates from traditional Japanese companies. They frequently asked, “Is it true that foreign companies lay off employees easily?”
That question told me everything. In Japan, terminations are rare because labor laws offer strong protections. In many cases, CEOs would rather reduce costs in other areas before turning to layoffs.
Final Thoughts
No company is perfect—but if you’re looking for a workplace with calmer culture, long-term vision, and a human touch, a Japanese company might surprise you in the best way.
Let me know your experience working in Japan—leave a comment or check out my other blogs on navigating careers, relocation, and daily life here.