Ah, the Japanese salaryman . This everyday hero in a suit and tie, armed with a briefcase, able to survive endless meetings, endless overtime, and impromptu drinking sessions with his colleagues, all while keeping a smile on his face. But is it really as glamorous as it seems? Between coffees to stay awake, karaoke at all hours, and naps on crowded trains, we dive into the world of a Japanese salaryman , where the corporate dream often turns into a survival marathon.
Who are the salarymen?
The salaryman (or サラリーマン, sararīman) is the embodiment of the Japanese office worker. Suit and tie required, briefcase in hand, always ready to face a new day of work. But don't let their chic appearance fool you: beneath this air of respectability often hide work warriors, addicted to overtime and sleepless nights.
The term "salaryman" refers to those employees who devote their heart and soul to their company, often for salaries that never seem to really justify the effort. Salarymen are everywhere: in Tokyo's skyscrapers, in train carriages where they doze between stations, and especially in izakaya (Japanese bars), where after-work drinks with colleagues are just as important as the day's meetings.
Overtime: Japan's Unofficial National Sport
If you thought Japan's national sport was sumo, think again. For salarymen, it's clearly marathon overtime . Here, it's not about leaving the office at 5:30 p.m., no, no. Leaving too early is taking the risk of being seen as someone " not dedicated enough ." And yes, the later you stay, the more you show your commitment to the company (or your ability to avoid real life outside of work).
The salaryman often finds himself stuck in a vicious circle of late meetings, files to finalize and emails that never stop arriving. Result? The 40 hours per week turn into 60, even 80 hours. Which sometimes gives rise to surreal scenes: salarymen asleep on their keyboard or, better yet, dozing standing up on the train, with an impressive mastery of the "power nap".
Karaoke: The post-work outlet
After a long day at work, what better way to let off steam than to sing at the top of your lungs in a karaoke booth with your colleagues? For salarymen, it is almost a must after a " nomikai " (drinking party with colleagues or bosses).
Here, it's not just about having fun, it's also a way to strengthen team bonds. There's nothing like seeing your boss go wild with a cover of "Let it Go" to feel like, after all, everyone is human. Be careful though: even if the unspoken rule of "what happens at karaoke stays at karaoke" exists, it's best to avoid letting yourself go too much. The next day, you have to go back to the office.
Trains, or how sleeping in public becomes a vital skill
There’s one skill that every good salaryman must master: napping on the train. In Japan, public transportation is a training ground for perfecting the art of the power snooze. After a day of work (or a night of boozy karaoke), the train becomes the only refuge to recharge your batteries, often just before heading home for a short night.
But be careful, it's not about sleeping any old way. Salarymen often sleep sitting upright, sometimes even standing up. And they wake up as if by magic at their stop, without even glancing at their watch. The trick? Intense fatigue combined with a sixth sense acquired after years of repetitive journeys.
The connection with holidays: It's for the weak (or almost)
Vacation is great. Well, except for salarymen. Here, the idea of taking time off is often viewed with some hesitation. Asking for vacation can be seen as a sign of weakness, or worse, as a betrayal of the company. If you go on vacation, who’s going to answer those midnight emails? Who’s going to finish that project that wasn’t urgent until the boss decided it was?
And when they do take time off, it’s often only for a week, two at most, and never continuously. Salarymen rarely disconnect completely. In fact, a good portion of them stay connected to their email (in case something goes wrong). After all, you never know when an urgent meeting might pop up on the agenda.
Conclusion: The salaryman, an everyday hero
Being a salaryman is a bit like being in a play where drama and comedy are constantly intertwined. Between the endless overtime, the wild karaoke nights, and the naps on crowded trains, the life of a salaryman is a real marathon. So, glamorous? Maybe not. But resilient? Oh yes!
