RE: Top 3 Excuses by Japanese Employers When They Ignore Contractual Obligations to Foreign Employees (Notes from Under the Tatami Mats–29 … My Adventures in Japan)
I have lived in Japan for over 20 years. I have worked for several massive companies (not English schools) and have not seen the abuse of power you are suggesting. However, I am in a specialized field and not general labour.
I do know this does happen to some foreign general labourers. And a recent news article about foreign interns working beyond legal over-time, and mentally abused, is shocking but not surprising.
I have also been an employer of both Japanese and non-Japanese staff. The labour laws here are enforced, but if you are a small company it seems like its worse. If you are a large company, I feel you can get away with anything, and just bow when caught breaking the law.
I had one former American employee go to the Labour Board and they came to visit me. When asked why I didn't pay that former staff, I said he caused me a huge amount of money in refunds to a client, and that I was not going to pay him. That LB person said I must pay him first, and then seek for damages. I ignored the LB person's constant requests, and the problem went away. Bit of a joke.
I had one Employment Office staff call me at tell me that if I didn't pay them, I would be thrown in jail. I went to meet this jack-ass, and made a rather strongly worded statement loudly in his office. He also backed down when I said that I have already consulted a lawyer (true) and that what he was saying is a lie. He dropped his threats...
I hate dealing with Japanese bureaucracy. But I love being in Japan otherwise.
Thanks for your input and insights.
I lived and worked in Japan for a long time, so I witnessed and heard of quite a few stories of horror. At the same time, I know that there are also many places with wonderful work environments. To a certain degree, it all depends on who's in charge – a decent person, or a psychopath.
And while this particular post reflects rather negatively on an aspect of Japanese employers and maybe society, I must say that I had many, many positive experiences in Japan.
I worked at Honda Motor Co in Tokyo and my direct manager was ok. He treated me slightly differently than the Japanese staff, but my job was something no one else could do. I have to admit, I took advantage of my 'difference' whenever I could :) . The rest of the people in my office did overtime every day. I was told to leave at 6pm (It may be due to my much higher-than-average salary too).
When I was an employer, I did not encourage overtime, and treated my staff fairly and with respect. They gave me respect in return.
But you are right, its all about who you report to. I have seen first-hand some idiot managers (not in my department) but also slacker-employees.
And you are from Canada. I would laugh if we know some of the same people. I am from Toronto but lived in Edmonton, Sackville NB and Montreal as well.