I work here in the field of software here in Japan. We have projects with top Japanese companies, so I work with Japanese and also people with different nationalities that came here for business trip. I also always attend social gatherings like sports or language practice so I had chance to meet a lot of foreigners and talk with them. Here are the common things that I always hear from foreigners and also Japanese 1. The culture is about creating and protecting their public image, so they will do it at all costs. If you notice something strange about their culture and ask them about it, they will try to cover it up 2. Foreigners that came from developing countries will be treated worse than those who came from developed country. Exploitation, bullying and harassment also occur in well-known Japanese companies, but nobody is daring to complain because of the pressure that they need to maintain the harmony of the group and their relationship with their bosses 3. The lifestyle of Japanese people are so stressful starting from a young age, so mental health is really an issue here. Some will just let their stress out of you even if you did not do anything wrong. That is why bulying and harassment is common in school and workplace. 4. They have the old mindset that the longer you work the better employee you are. It creates an image that you are so busy doing a lot of things that will contribute to the company. That is why you will encounter a lot long non-sense meetings where nothing much is being tackled. They will pretend to be busy in the morning, start actually working in the afternoon, then do overtime. Working efficiently is not much appreciated here. 5. One of the most common first impressions of foreigners that came here to Japan, then realized that it was exactly the opposite after living here long enough and being good at the language is ''Japanese are kind and polite'' These are not only for foreigners but for Half-Japanese. Even if someone looks like a Japanese, with a Japanese name, raised here in Japan, fluent in the language and completely blended into the society. The moment they knew that the person is only Half Japanese, that person will be treated differently Here are tips for people coming here: 1. If you are going for business trip for only few months, then no need to worry at all. You will experience the kindness, hospitality and politeness of people here. 2. If you are planning to work here for 1 year or more, look for companies that are dominated by foreigners, so the toxic work culture is somehow lessen 3. Make Japanese friends, especially those who have experienced living outside of Japan or have foreign friends, they are more open minded and easy to get along with 4. Forget the mindset that Japan is a perfect country and don't expect things to be fair for you. At the end of the day, we are just guests here, so we need to accept both the good sides and bad sides of the country, the people and the culture

I always wanted to work and live in Japan. After I realized that Japan has an extreme working culture (working more than 12 hours, no free time, being obedient to the Boss even he treats you like an animal). They treat Asian foreigners much much worse than white foreigners, I decided to keep working in my country and visit Japan as a tourist.

Being a southeast Asian with brown skin, I'd never work in Japan. Too many relatives of mine have experienced abuse just because being not being the right kind of asian. Being called dirty and poor just because I'm Filipino is not my kind of thing.

I understand that the abused Vietnamese has reached the media and is now calling out the companies and employers involved. Sigh of relief! But to all foreign workers in Japan who are experiencing maltreatment or abuse, do not hesitate to report to your respective embassies and consulates. Do not even wait for the 2nd, third time to happen before you report it.

I taught English in Japan for about 9 years. All of my adult students hated their jobs and bosses. The Japanese do what they are told and they don't want to stick out and look different from all the rest of the sheep there, in the west it is quite the opposite.

One thing for sure is Japanese companies don’t pay enough no matter your qualifications and language abilities. It’s always about how much they can squeeze out of you, not the other way around. Most of these so-called trainees end up working in dubious companies tied with Yakuza gangs. I am glad their voices are aired and heard.

Hello. I am Japanese. Japanese companies easily bring in clueless young people from overseas as a solution to manpower shortage. I cannot understand the video properly because I cannot hear English, but many foreigners flee their workplaces because they cannot stand unfavorable employment contracts and poor working conditions. However, they cannot flee Japan to repay the large sums of money they paid to brokers in their home countries and eventually turn to crime to make ends meet. Many Japanese companies are exploitative, and even young people develop depression and eventually commit suicide or become NEETs. The Japanese government does not punish corporations full of crooks. It is a fact that Japan has become an unsafe immigrant nation.

I've been working here in Japan for 14 years as a blue collar job from different factories. I can say it's hell (stressful and depressing.)

Japan is incredibly popular among the young adults here in Western Europe, who overidealize it due to manga/anime. The landing can be tough, when they discover the social hardships and sometimes violence of being a low paid disposable workforce... If they don't hold a high end degree in a well sought field, they end up as underpaid English teacher assistants in schools, at best. Until recently, Japanese felt they did not need those foreigners and were doing them a favour by hosting them in their country, but they'll soon realize they have no choice if they want to keep their country running.

Basically being a trainee in Japan = being disposable/replacable cheap slave labor especially if you're from SEA region. And don't get me started on the "did you visit?" thing, cause some of my relatives work there, and oh boy being called in racial slurs and other nasty words is their breakfast and working unpaid overtime is the norm..Not mentioning that "karoshi", and harrasment is not that uncommon in a Japanese company, so the point is if they can stomach their own citizens dropping like flies due to overwork and/or harrasment, how much would they care for these foreign trainees/slaves.??

Working environment in Japan is not of this planet. First, you have to take an interview where they will ask you redecuedelous questions like what is your blood type and what does your father do for a living. Even if you pass the interview, they will ask you to work for free for a few months, claiming we are giving you free training, so you should be happy. They will eventually pay you minimum wage and will make you work until midnight without paying any overtime. During those long hours, you are not allowed to talk, and you also have to ask for a permission to go to the toilet. They will complain if you go to the toilet "too often". One time my boss asked me to come to his office because I left my desk at 11:59, claiming that I left my desk too early for lunch. They have to explain to me that lunch break starts at 12:00. Just 1 minute, they were acting as if it's the end of the world. This is how most companies are in Japan. Do you still want to work in Japan? Of course, these agency will say this not true. But if you look at the actual numbers of karoushi (death by working 24/7) and suicide rate because of the harsh Japanese working environment is top class. In one word, Japan is a cult religion where they make you ware a old fashioned black or gray suit year around and make you work until you die. It's hard to believe Japan is considered a first world country. In fact Japan is the most backward county you will ever experience. In conclusion, if you are looking for a prison, mental institution, military environment and willing to sacrifice your health, love life, family, general well being of life, Japan is the perfect place for you!

Really hard to look at VIetnamese workers being treated like that as a Vietnamese myself :< they just trying to find a job that can support their family and maybe find a better way for themself in life as well

Being Vietnamese-American and living in Japan for the past 2 years, I've witness some of the most racially biases and racism towards anyone that doesn't speak Japanese or English. I had high hopes before living in Japan, but this is the only country that I would never go back, even as a tourist.

Singapore family living in Tokyo now with young kids. Superrr tough to settle here in many aspects, finding a place to stay, handling the never ending paperwork in Japanese only, adapting to local work culture. But! Recreational activities are in abundance and beautiful 4 seasons anywhere in the country. Will try to enjoy this part more before we leave 😅

This must be the true face of Japan? In fact, not only in Japan but also in other countries are like this. As a migrate worker, YOU WILL NEVER GET AN EQUAL TREATMENT AS THEIR CITIZENS. You will always be treated as a lower class.

One harsh reality of working in japan, you will never get to the upper management level if you are not Japanese, no matter how long you have worked, unless you work in a foreign own company.

A lot of focus placed on Japanese language ability but frankly even if you have N1 level proficiency, if you think living and working in Japan as an Asian foreigner is going to be a bed of roses you will be sorely mistaken. Singaporeans shun Japan for a reason, unless they are there purely for holiday and shopping/eating.

I'm from South East Asia and have visited Japan as a tourist. I experienced a lot of racism there.

I used to live and work in Japan. In one of the many jobs I had. My Japanese boss kept calling stupid several times a day . That’s all I’m gonna say.

If there's a foreign employee you should ask, that is a Filipino. Filipinos work everywhere and they could easily adapt to any country or culture. If a Filpino says, "it's a hard workplace", it is a hard place to work. I have relatives amd friends working in Asia, Europe and N. America, and I can definitely see which ones have extreme stress levels. One of them is in Japan.

Bullying is a huge part of Japanese social interaction. Teachers bully students, sempai bully kohai etc. Always the "lower" person on the totem pole, and in Japan people sadly see the lowest of the low as non-Western gaijin.

Japan is an aging country. Where on earth are they supposed to get qualified workers. robots can't do it all. I imagine in the USA in the future it would create its own guest worker program where it would also develop its own technical training program.

Big props to these foreign workers who brace tough working environments and potential workplace bullying, and low wages in a new country. They work very hard and sacrifice their comfortability to help Japan's workers shortage.

You know you could work for 40yrs to have $1M in your retirement, meanwhile some people are putting thousands of dollars in a meme coin and now they are multimillionaires.

I work here and it’s so stressful, some Japanese are bullied and depressing because of power harassment. Need more patience 😢

I’ve been in Japan for 7 years and work for a trade company in western Japan. In my personal experience Japan is a beautiful, amazing country with like anywhere good and bad people. Japan definitely has a tough work life however how you’re treated at work greatly depends on the company, again like anywhere else. I personally love Japan. The only thing I will say is the Japanese do however have a VERY weird attitude towards foreigners.

外国人にとって日本の労働環境がいかに厳しいかを世界に示してくれてありがとう。 一部の人々は文化を軽視し、日本の経済や社会に対する外国人の貢献を軽視している

hmmm Guess I won't be traveling to Japan anytime soon. I'm Vietnamese-Usa and really sad to see news like this. There were stories in history where beware Japanese use used to murder Chinese and Vietnamese from my parents days so I guess no much has changed.

Let's just hope that japan is not repeating the migration mistakes of europe. This would be a waste of security.

[1]Please note: Japan wants foreign worker migrants to work for them 10 years or more(to forever) but by thier LAW, they will give pension only 3 years equivalent. [2]they hire engineers with experiences all over southeast asia too but they pay them like any staff working in a farm or kombini staff [3]many japanese businesses pay salary per hour, so take note of the minimum holidays in japan per month---3days/mo only plus 4Sat & 4Sun no work. 11days no work no pay (so no eat) every month average.

Still find some restaurants in Tokyo that don't allow foreigners to enter and when I was living there the local barber refuses to cut gaijin hair and my Japanese is quite sufficient for daily life. That's just the way it is, if you don't like it move along or go home, simple.However, the treatment of those Vietnamese workers is next level and the guys doing that deserve a good hard kicking themselves.

Hi, I am Prasadha, one of the worker in Japan 08:53

Some colonizer brutalism still runs in the blood after generations, sadly.

From someone who worked here for 4 years and is preparing to escape here, DON'T WORK IN JAPAN! Come as a tourist, enjoy and LEAVE. You can read other comments on why. Just don't come here. My major was Japanese, I loved Japan, I spoke the language fluently, I knew the culture and rules, I am married to a Japanese person. Even these and they kept giving me 1 year visa for 4 years. They don't give a sh.t about you. You have much less rights then a Japanese person. Someone may accuse you or something you didn't do and you can get arrested for a month and they can ruin your life.

Very light on detail. More of a puff peace. We all know about the exploitation of agencies and on top of that poor cheap labour is a problem everywhere. Japanese cannot treat their own well, but everywhere labour exploitation is a problem, not just Japan.

Filipino men and women have been working in the Japanese entertainment world since the 80's. They work as singers, dancers or hosts. Kudos to their hard work!!!

Singapore has daily news of slaves... sorry, servants.. sorry, maids... sorry, I think the current accepted term is "domestic helper" being abused and hurt, and sometimes maimed, blinded, disfigured and even killed. That and we too have a crippling addiction to cheap foreign laborers from viet- oops, Bangladesh that too suffer crippling injuries from lack of safety apparatus and transport equipment. How about CNA make a documentary about Singapore's own backyard before doing foreign correspondences like these? :)

Not all places are like this, keep your mind open, good places and bad places exists everywhere, depending on lucky and your language skills.

if you want to work in japan no.1, you must be a fighter dont get yourself bullied

The 新卒一括採用 system is a major deterrent for hiring foreign talent and hinders Japan's growth. I am a Japanese American seeking to move to Japan.

My uncle works in Japan. He told me visit as a tourist, it's not worth it to immigrate. Canada, Europe, USA are so much better.

All I want to say about Japan. as someone living here for 20+ years now is this: Japan as a holiday or a place to live for a digital nomad or someone working in an international company? Heaven, absolutely the best place on earth. Japan as a work destination? I'd rather clean toilets in london.

(13:25) It will be difficult to start a family in Japan. He would have to find a dating app in Japan for foreigners. It would be difficult to convince a local girl to marry him.

The stories of how people in countries were horribly treated during the Japanese invasion has put many off working inJapan! The older generation who suffered atrocities never forget and shun visiting Japan!

i had experience live in Japan for 6.5 years, 4 years as student and another 2.5years as workers.. what i can say, dealing with Japanese, requires lots of trust.. how to gain that? show them your capability and strong will.. also foreigners need to understand Japanese culture in order to have good relation at work.. as foreigners, don't ever expect you will be given special treatment.. some Japanese may accept you, some may not.. believe me, once you have their trust, the rest are history..

Really Japan have no other option there population is almost dying.. Cheap foreign labor are the only option left for them..

ベトナム人技能実習生を受け入れました 日本語は6ヶ月研修してる割にはうまいし仕事は指示したことは丁寧にやるし日本人より働き者です 週1日の休みも働きたいと懇願されることもありました ディズニーランドや北海道に遊びに連れて行ったり好きな料理は焼きそばラーメンとからあげでした ただ畑の野菜や果物を日常的に窃盗していたことがわかり問題になりました、ベトナムでは当たり前らしいです、これも毎日家庭のゴミを橋の上から川に落としていて警察に捕まりました 途中で帰国したけどその後本当にびっくりして、、、自宅の１室の備品があれもこれも無くなってた 管理団体の闇も相当だけど検討してインドネシア人に変えました

I talked to Japanese who left the corporate world to start a small business, they hated the stress and above all the shouting, insulting and bullying by (middle) management. these guys had left the pharmaceutical industry, left good salaries but wd never return there. You can imagine how much worse it is for immigrants. Also these people do not learn any skills.

so much bullying to foreign workers in Japan

My blood is boiling for watching this video and reading all the comments. So disturbing! Never thought such thing would happen in country like Japan! I thought Y’all would be different! I traveled to Japan once. But couldn’t see this coming. As Vietnamese American, I can’t accept this! And y’all don’t make comments like: “Go back home”, “don’t come here”, “it’s still better than your country”, “Vietnamese treat Vietnamese poor too” Don’t use that as excuses to cover up your bad actions! I call that is Bull***t. Common, y’all are better than that!

Now we can tell the difference between jobs and careers. Jobs you can quit, careers are contracts.

I think Korea has a better foreign employment system (non skilled) than Japan. It is called the Employment Permit System It is far from perfect but at least in terms of security, freedom, and protection it is way ahead vs Japan. Both countries offer jobs that are 3D (dangerous, difficult, dirty and sometimes delayed salary). And I wouldnt say that there’s no abuse or discriminations. That still exists in general esp in the SME’s which make up the bulk of employers. But there are laws placed to protect foreign workers. I think Japan should study the Korea’s EPS. Innovate the system to make it better.

Good to see Japan is moving forward with mixing with other race and culture. As a Singaporean, I wouldn't be surprise even if the person is from North pole or even a Vikings.

But it still Filipinos are flooding in Japan under thr training visa. I agree that those trainees don't come back in the PH to apply what they learned. Some for sure but most of the time they will ended up finding another job or going to other developed countries.

why CNA insider never talk about china working environment....

Shocking ! I came from Switzerland and a few years ago became a Singapore citizen. I 'm living and working in Tokyo in IT & Finance sector. Been living here for almost a decade and so far never had any racist & abusive treatment. Infact, my Japanese coworkers ( incl my staff ) always treat me respectfully. I just want to say that not every companies in here treat their employee like that, and it is NOT true that they look down on Southeast Asian..after all, Im a Singapore citizen and they always treat me with nothing but respect.

If you wanted to go to Japan for work, try to find work at Restaurant. It is industry with less pressure compared anything else. Still not easy though. It even better if you can find work at Restaurant that serve your native country foods, cause usually your coworker speak same language.

That's terrible dude...I feel bad for the vietnamese....

As someone who worked for at least 14 hours a day, 4 days a week for an IT company during the pandemic for 1 yr as WFH, I can't imagine how Japanese men and women my age could stomach being employed by a black company. That's why their birth rates are dropping; their country's culture is sucking them dry of motivation.

This is not the first time I learned about maltreatments of some Japanese employers.

I’m on Japanese. In Japan, prices and apartments prices are really reasonable now. For example, in the USA eggs are 4 dollars but in Japan, 1 dollar. But be careful, also salaries are cheaper there. Foreigners can get job as an English teacher but you should be able to speak Japanese. Because a lot of foreigners are trying to become English teacher but the positions are less. Managers choose foreigners who can speak Japanese if there are foreigners who can speak Japanese and foreigners who can't speak Japanese. And you should know Japanese manners. But if you are programmer maybe get job without Japanese because there are not so much programmers in Japan. If you have online job in your country and live in Japan, it really better.

keep Japan Japanese

White color here, been working in Japan as a Robotics Engineer sense 2017. If you know what you are getting yourself into, then you will have a good time. I do not mind working 8-12 hours sense I like my job. If you hate your job, then you are pretty much screwed. Also no Over time pay, comes included in your paycheck, I believe its like 1/2 hours a day. Sometimes you do not need to OT but other times, 4-5 Hours of OT a day is normal. The pay is sht but you gain a lot in return. Super safe to live here, everything is clean, piece of mind. People are nice to you n sht.

The reporter talk like having a 25mt2 house is a luxury lol. It's like the Japanese did a favor by giving them a low paying job.

Considering Japan's aging popultion and low brith rate, Japan is gonna need a lot more immigration if they wan to keep their economy afloat. It will be a tough pill to swallow but a necessary one.

Uhh isnt this similar to Singapore

Not so glamorous when it's not through the lens of a westerner doing KZfaq videos about life in Japan.

Japan is like Dubai beautiful outside when you are short term tourist but very ugly people inside on their heart.

These men came to Singapore. They would had been serving in the Singapore defense forces after being there for awhile.

you came to japan for experiencing the culture , I think it is ok but for working to make money is totally different. Salary is super low compared to america and other engish speaking countries. Low salary and toxic culture are the most bad thing that are happening here.

Glad for them! The majority of them are abusive employers. Most of the heavy works were passed on the migrant workers while the majority of them are just sitting around talking :)

IF THE WORKING CONDITIONS ARE SO BAD,THERE ARE OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD TO WORK,AND EASILY TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE,AND THERES A LAW PROTECTING THEM,NO ONE WILL BEAT YOU LIKE THERE IN JAPAN.

I am a Japanese who is a farmer. I employed Vietnamese people who were stealing my crops and selling them on the Internet. There are many crimes committed by foreigners in Japan.

1:49 ohhhh that headphone 💙

i dont hear much abuse on indonesians or maybe im simply ignorant or maybe most indonesians really reluctant to tell and keep things to themselves, more stories needs to be revealed.

Singapore started the process of inviting foreigners much earlier... it's a tough on-going process.

I start Japanese language but job can't interview in Myanmar. I can't afford Angency price . my experience are car maintenance and electronic engineering in Malaysia 6 years . I comeback Myanmar COVID case.Now I want go Japan for support my mother . 💪💪💪

"Japan has no other options." Totally bs propaganda

On my gosh, I thought Japanese people are polite, gentle, peaceful and friendly people.

I’m a Japanese. I don’t recommend you to work in Japan definitely. Japanese work environment is awful. Low wage, long work. You can’t also get long vacations. If you wanna work in Japan, I advise you to find a job among the foreign companies which are in Japan.

It's still Japanese dreams staying alive

Good news is that the yen is finally crashing. Hopefully there will be less foreign slaves in the coming years so the corps will finally raise the Japanese dirt cheap salary in the year 2050.

Very interesting documentaries! The Indonesian who go to Japan are most likely well prepared with Japanese language proficiency, while the Vietnamese are not.

i wonder whats the salary is like

I wouldn't be surprised if most of foreigners in Japan work as trainies for as long as they are employed there

And whose fault is this attribute to? Dwindling population.Foreigners undoubtedly contributed very much to the economy of the country.

I m 39 already can I still work as a trainee in JP???

I’m Japanese and wish Japan would adopt the English language

Not surprised considering the atrocities they committed in the past.

I hope not exploited… they say they like Filipinos but the discrimination is high

If Japan doesn't need foreigners working for them then it is going to be tough. It reminds me of a story in America where farmers needed Mexicans to work with them but with the strict law, they had a hard time employing them because some of them got deported.

4:29 looks like he had a lot of sake at lunch.

This could be ideal for to say about Russian migrants in Japan escaping Russia who are against the Russian government on the situation of Ukraine also Japan should open the doors to Ukrainian migrants and probably Japanese fashion companies will hire Ukrainian women and yet they get higher pay than their African, and South East Asian and East Asian counterparts. An example an young Japanese woman gets the same paycheck to model as her Ukrainian migrant, but a migrant from Africa and the Philippines and from Vietnam gets a lower salary pay than the local from Japan and the Ukrainian migrant. The migrant from Ukraine gets paid about $500 for modeling while the Vietnamese woman gets paid $100 for modeling. That is how it works.

Halo CNA, you must colab with neo japan, he is foreign worker from Indonesia and have Japan wife and one son.

Japanese should relax and be more accepting to foreign workers especially bec Japan’s population is degrading...most of their workers are retirees and their population isn’t going up.

I went to Japan almost 20 years to the day to teach English. The salary was 250,000. If I went now the salary would be 250,000. As a child in 1990 it was my dream to go to the richest most advanced nation on earth. These days sadly it is far from being that. And just look at those stupid masks they insist on when the rest of the world has moved on. Sums it all up.

we asian shall bow over our overlord! the sun empire!

Japan needs workers but they treat the foreign workers like sh.t.

If you are yellow or brown foreigners in Japan, good luck of finding a Japanese treating you right.

pride in homogeneity sounds a little messed up