Dont get me wrong. | Don't mess it up. 11. Business Meetings without Decisions. Unspoken rules guide group harmony in Japanese business, and those who fail to understand them are often labeled KY. But its time for a change. Japanese people really respect time. Japan spends 3.2% of total GDP on education as of 2017. spend 2.6 times more on healthcare Japanese office-workers tend to dress more formally than Americans. However, this rarely happens. But when it comes to working culture, I often hear about the common overworking culture in Japan/Japanese companies - Karoshi(,Karshi) which can be translated literally to "overwork death" inJapanese. Although most people feel like working in Japan is not the best, I do miss our special bonds between colleagues. Another core concept underpinning Singaporean culture is that of. This metric reflects the overall quality of life. Well, as I turned 40, I still had plenty of doubts! Thus, you should show up early enough to make that possible. Of course, thats not to say that sleeping every day, during every break at work is acceptable. So, always remain open to the idea of meeting new people and learning new things! Attaining F.I.R.E (Financial Independence, Retire Early) in Japan? Kayla Wong Also, you must have heard of the rumour that in Japan, workers can't leave before their bosses do. What was the most surprising fact that you learned today? Contact us Were making progress here, but we need to do more. Male employees no longer face embarrassing hazing. Staying back until your manager leaves have been a long-standing unspoken rule in the workplace that many employees still abide by today. Here we can also see the second key principle of the Confucian teaching: The family is the prototype of all social organizations. 1. And of course, I made a bunch of good friends who I am still in contact with. Ive also published several books, which have sold 1.7 million copies. Working culture in Japan and Singapore is quite different. Kono: Oh, yes. Now we just need more people behind the movement to help it happen faster. Japan might also present better opportunities for them than if they were to go back to their home countries, where job prospects and the economy might not be particularly good, or if jobs there do not offer a salary that is on par with those in Japan. The Japanese practice of sleeping at work is a phenomenon that only exists in Japan, and isoften referred to as inemuri. Insights: It sounds like your negative Dentsu experience really dealt a blow to your worldview. Rather than being viewed as laziness or bad work behavior, its applauded as being a sign of dedication to work, pulling long hours, and self-sacrifice. Japanese companies are also well known for not allowing many foreigners to take up managerial positions. A friend of mine working at a Japanese trading company actually developed an alcohol addiction after having to go for these gatherings almost every day with either his colleagues or clients. Toilets in Japan are also super clean, some with bathroom slippers available - unlike some places in Singapore where even toilet papers might be unavailable. This, inevitably, results in overwork in many workers. Especially for a software engineer, a more useful comparison might be San Fran vs SG. The culture of Singapore is a melange of Malay, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Eurasian culture and influences. You dont have to join office parties if you dont want to, and youre no longer expected to stay later than the boss. Take Japan as example, the workplaces are very formal. 7. So much so, that sleeping or napping at work is considered acceptable! Because I doubt the Japanese corporate culture, which is incredibly resistant to change, will be overhauled anytime soon. In fact, a Nikkei Asian Review article from 2018 placed the number of foreign directors in Japan at under one percent. To a certain extent, I experienced that myself too when I working part-time as a student in Japan. Japan's highest rates goes up to 45% . Teamwork over individual achievements Collectivist Mindset, 10. is the quality embedded in most Asian cultures that indicates a person's reputation, influence, dignity and honour. The average life expectancy at birth is the number of years that the population of a country is expected to live. In todays society, though, this type of commitment impedes on a companys ability to be dynamic, flexible, and adaptable. If youve been considering a career in Japan, take this quick quiz to see if youre ready! Moreover, when exchanging your business name cards, it is important to take a few seconds and look through the details of the name card. Singapore actually has the longest working hours in the world. These checks can and will likely include the full range of health checks including hearing, eyesight, blood pressure, and blood and ECG tests. I hope my comics will help more foreigners to understand Japan and Japanese better, as well as to increase awareness and change how we behave. In western countries, time is considered to be the most important factor while at work. Kono: Theres a saying by Confucius: At fifteen, I set my heart on learning. Do you know that the Japanese lead a more structured way of life compared to Singaporeans? After quitting his job, he stopped working for two years, during which his wife supported him and his family financially. Id earned my place. Otsukaresama desu has many different meanings and can be used in many contexts, in this case when you are leaving, it will mean good work and when your colleagues respond, it will mean thank you for your hard work or you have worked hard!. There are bound to be cultural differences as long as you are brought up in a completely different place, and though adaption is the key to these differences, discovering new cultures will greatly enrich your life as it widens your perspective of the world. Insights: How do we push Japans working culture and strict business practices forward? The only reason I worked overtime is because I don't like getting my work tasks done halfway, so I would rather finish it before I go off. This has created a unique environment where urban designs meet nature and allow for a healthier and less polluted megalopolis to function. We're going to focus on ethnic makeup. I would be forced to face many differences and setbacks. All rights reserved. They tend to do everything as efficient as possible. Japanese working culture is notorious for rigidity, lack of transparency, and slow decision-making. The working culture in Japan is slowly progressing towards a healthier version. I left around 8-9PM everyday, and most of the time, my boss and . Eitaro Kono is one such individual. Completed Elementary 1 lesson at Bunka Japanese language school around start of January and wanted to start Elementary 2 in March/April but plans got cancelled due to COVID-19. There are many foreigners working in Japanese companies, and Im sure some of them do like working in Japan. which was very successful and made KFC popular for the Japanese during Christmas! Try out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to understand the difference, as well as when and why each skill is necessary for motivation, communication, and value. These cultural themes bring about unwritten cultural rules and regulations that govern the way Singaporeans act in a place - and in this case, your workplace. I get the rough idea and the main point, but i feel that if i am well-versed in Japanese or if they are in English, the true meaning of what was being conveyed will be totally different. Like most Singaporeans, I have always had a romantic idea and ideal perception of Japan. This shoe placement and arrangement culture does not only apply to homes, but also most restaurants, temples, and many more! But the cons is, if you do not know him well, you might not be able to decipher what he truly thinks/wants/feels. Second, break down Japanese employment practices, such as lifetime employment and seniority systems. So i thought i will just try out first, take one step at a time, and see how it goes! A survey by JobsCentral stated that 75 percent of Singaporean employers believe it's important. Millions of Indonesian parents abandoned a measles vaccine in 2018 when it was declared haram. And that is when you wouldnt feel reluctant to go to work or any sort of negative vibes because work would feel like a really happy pastime. Some of them have been translated into other languagesChinese, Taiwanese, Russian, Mongolian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean. Karoshi literally meaning to work to death, 2. The total number of cases in Singapore stands at 57,915. of C halre Associates, Richard Mills, presented at the most recent Leading HR Summit in Singapore. Effort and merit are not particularly celebrated or acknowledged. With that in mind, I can guarantee you Singapore is still cheaper, rental-wise, than SF. Your newsletter subscription with us is subject to the GLOBIS Privacy Policy. like to be micromanaged right down to the time you enter the office and leave for lunch, dont mind apologising even though its not your fault, and. Four seasons that we dont get to experience in Singapore, beautiful Sakura sights and Autumn foliages, the outdoor skis you can do during winter, a good soak and dip in a natural onsen, the wide variety of authentic Japanese food makes the country an idealistic place to be. Write to us at hello@nani.sg. I have personally worked in Asia for more than 10 years and have a strong understanding of business culture in this region. East meets West would probably be the phrase to describe the diversity of its inhabitants. ; Long working hours are part of the Singapore business culture due to the market competitiveness. Toru Hanai/Reuters. The most common form of after-hours socializing is eating and drinking at izakayas (Japanese bars with food).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',184,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-184{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Here's whyand why the future is finally looking bright. It was as if they were saying to me, Go home, you country bumpkin!. Your email address will not be published. The Japanese are conditioned at a young age to perceive getting a job after graduating as extremely difficult. In Japan, the job hunting process during your University period is called shushoku katsudo, where all the graduating students will do job hunting right after their 3rd year of studies. Christmas Feast in Singapore vs Christmas KFC in Japan. December 15, 2019, 09:49 AM. Third, reexamine worker privilege systems. Utilizing gamification in the workplace can help boost employee engagement and keep your KPIs on track. Singapore has seen over 50 years of major road projects, from the PIE to the North-South Corridor. Salarymen are expected to socialize after-hours, 7. Theres still a long way to go, but if you look at the labor market now, I think the efforts of people like me are already making progress. Woodlands had dinosaurs before it was cool. No. While there exists various communities and friends to help you from time to time, you are mostly pretty much on your own. The first hour after they reach work, that too an hour late, is spent socialising and talking about what has changed in the past 15 hours since they saw each other. If Dentsu showed the extreme of the Japanese work environment, IBM was the cutting edge of the world. Insights: What was so terrible that you only lasted three months? What this means is that students can be trained for the specific work they are expected to do at the company like robots, as us non-Japanese like to joke among ourselves. The business culture of Asian people expects a reasonable level of social interaction when building a business relationship, it isn't just about business for them they like to get to know who they are dealing with on a little more personal level. The culture in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of an American workplace . Japanese business culture really can change with the right determination and leadership. The Japanese working culture is currently all this and more. Or follow us on our Instagram and Telegram for exclusive deals! I can frankly say, I was only offered below SGD $1,800 for a full time position. Japanese companies tend to assign project-based work to teams, rather than individual tasks. How did you recover? +1 Bonus - Japanese people nap at work, and its acceptable! Singapore, with a score of 20 is a collectivistic society. It may seem so extreme that its almost funny (dark humor, anyone? These people can see what empowered employees are capable of, what autonomous thinking can do, and how rewards based on merit can accelerate a companys progress. If youre sitting through extensive meetings, participating in all workplace activities, or showing up to work exhausted have a nap and youll be saluted. Work stability. Whereas Chinese Singaporeans shake hands with both men and women, Indian Singaporeans and Malays tend to shake hands with members of the same sex only. like to work in an environment where structure and consistency are prized above everything else. Sometimes in life, unfortunate things happen to lead to better things - and ta-Dah - here I am in my current job, and almost 2 years in! This means, for example, if your work shift starts at . Organisations tend to have a strong management, in which the highest positions are held by a small group of the most experienced . Here are the 4 most important ones to bear in mind: When you arrive in the office, you are expected to greet everyone loudly (if your office is small and everyone can easily hear you, or else you can personally greet each colleague one by one) - Ohayo Gozaimasu which means Good Morning! Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game. Toru Hanai/Reuters The culture in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of an American workplace. It has perplexed observers for decades as life expectancy at birth for females. Extreme pressure, exhaustion, and frustration from seniors have led several Japanese people to pass. Advertise with us I had had a good career at IBM and was on the so-called elite course. But I wasnt feeling satisfied. Face. I was given the opportunity to go for business trips to Japan last year, and also got closer with my colleagues in my companys headquarters in Tokyo. At the other end of the scale to Japan, IWG found that Australian businesses are much more accepting when it comes to flexible working. The job-hunting process, or shuukatsu, is something that university students in Japan start as soon as they are in their third year. This decision, however, was not made without me first starting on the job hunting process like everyone else, because FOMO. Ok , for all purposes , we shall assume that you will be working solely as a foreigner status in Japan and you are a SG citizen. ), but karoshi has been a long-standing issue within the Japanese workplace culture for decades. But I think most of them are untrue for me. Show Up Early. Because ultimately, as with life in general, no one is going to be responsible for you other than yourself. The famous Merlion overlooks Singapore's iconic Marina Bay Sands. Is this really true? (Please dont think that google translation would work for everything, you will realise it only helps 60% haha). They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. It is the busiest time of year for fast food restaurants with fried chicken, especially KFC, and this was because there was an advertisement by KFC in 1974 called 'Kentucky for Christmas!' While handwritten resumes might not be such a big deal, it was certainly enough to make me seriously rethink my interest in working in Japan. Also, why not? Working in the PR industry was one of the top on my bucket list of jobs that I wanted to try in my 20s, so I was really excited when I was offered. Be prepared to be branded as an antisocial person, or see your colleague who entered the company the same time as you get promoted quicker. A studio apartment in SF is US$2.5k a month. Duration Tokyo work hours are shorter than in Singapore. The Business Relationship. It is not surprising to see workers work 10-14 hours a day. Lifetime employment within a single company is extraordinarily common within Japan. For business and politics, English is the language of choice. Meanwhile, many people in Hong Kong are moving away from speaking English, although it is widely spoken because . Gathering after work hours and socializing is seen as an opportunity to get to know colleagues better, but its also an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder and build credibility with your bosses. Today, Kono is involved in three very different companies. Tel: +44 (0) 7767 455889 Email: Become an expert in working cross-culturally with Grab your 12 month subscription today for only 25.00 and get access to: Essentials of Business Culture online courses That is the difference of close to $1,000 a month, and reflects the disparity in salaries between the two countries. | Top Japanese Etiquette Tips You Ought To Know. I studied in Tokyo during the 2010-2014 and noticed a lot of cultural differences between Japan and my country so I started to draw these comic strips about them to deal with my culture shock. Naysayers might say I wasted my time in Japan because I did not at least try to find work there first before coming back to Singapore, but I beg to differ. Japanese companies in Singapore tend to resemble Japanese operations far more than Singaporean operations, and vice-versa. Singapore compared to Japan - MyLifeElsewhere Business Culture. However, I was working way too long. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. Kono: Actually, I always expected to work in HR. The basic idea of punctuality in Japan is that you should be ready to go with whatever is planned at the starting time. If he really feels that you have done really well, he would repeat it again and again in gatherings, in meetings with you, and even offer tangible rewards. That relieves a lot of work-related stress. Cloud hosting by Vodien. In terms of emotional fulfillments, i think ive definitely gained a lot confidence in my own ability and competency through this job and role. . The mentality that you will still get paid despite simply blending in with your colleagues means that most people wont feel the need to try and exceed in their role. Job security means that youre able to provide for yourself and your family. Working Culture in Japan vs Singapore Working culture in Japan and Singapore is quite different. While I can't say this is true for all Japanese companies, at many traditional Japanese firms, I observed the culture is such that it is better to be seen working (staying behind and working long hours), rather than actually getting work done but leaving on time. Although most people feel like working in Japan is not the best, I do miss our special bonds between colleagues. Seniority, not merit, is rewarded. Overtime work is pretty normal, but it is not expected in my company. ; Since globalization is becoming more common, the work culture in Singapore will experience . The average Japanese fresh grad earns $2,668 a month. Theyre making waves in the country and around the world, and their progress is bringing hope to the dated rigid structure of Japanese workplace culture. By defining "competitiveness" as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level . Warm and clean towels will be available on the table for you to wipe your hands or face. Experiencing the two extremes greatly broadened my horizons. Kono: Not an example, but many examples! Entrepreneurship in Japan (and the startup ecosystem in general) has struggled for decades. In Singapore, it is more clinical. Journalists, Exploring the Benefits of Gamification in the Workplace, Why Japans Startup Ecosystem Has Struggled (Until Now), How to Pitch a Business Proposal: 4 Tips to Get Started. Are your colleagues animals in this corporate jungle you call your 'office'? If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates. But if I were to knock off on the dot, it is perfectly fine. Hierarchy. For some cultures, such as for Americans, Canadians, Germans, Australians and British, the Japanese culture can seem a little alien. And would I have had a better time elsewhere? It is encouraged and even expected that they apply their knowledge and skills to problem solve and only reach out to management if they have issues. So much more will be expected - a really good Japanese language proficiency, knowing the etiquettes and culture even better, and many more. Tough work culture notwithstanding, the locals I met treated me with a kindness that I will never forget. About Contact Follow Contribute. However, on the other hand, working in a Japanese company, my boss is less straightforward. Duration Tokyo work hours are shorter than in Singapore. So he did something a lot of Japanese employees still hesitate to do: He quit. Here are just 12 reasons why you should consider doing it! Work culture in Singapore is of a high-power distance, which means there are clear authority structures and social status is defined by your position in the society and workplace. The company that was meant to care for him in the decades ahead was instead making him miserable. So much more will be expected - a really good Japanese language proficiency, knowing the etiquettes and culture even better, and many more. Much like any other person who lived abroad on their own, I learnt to be independent, to figure things out, and deal with problems myself. I would say that this is a partial thing. I wanted to work in Tokyo, where Id gone to university. This is a fantastic method to look after your employees, and one that we wish more companies around the world adopted! Learning how to pitch a business proposal can make or break your entrepreneurial journey. I think this is one of the biggest challenges even up till today. I gave up before even completing my first resume, let alone making it to any face-to-face interview. But unlike many of my foreigner friends, I chose not to stay there and work, and came back to my home country, Singapore, almost immediately after my graduation. South Korean Work Culture. Since I was already in Japan, I might as well try my hand at working there for a while before going back home. This is the same thing as eating, do not start sipping on your drink when it arrives. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. I have always wanted to throw myself into many tough situations in my 20s to learn and grow. The advancement of women in society has changed a lot, tooeven for men. Years after the war, Singapore finally gained its independence on . Tokyo Tower within a single company is extraordinarily common within Japan speaking English, although it not! For men Singapore finally gained its Independence on special bonds between colleagues of punctuality in Japan Singapore! Asia for more than Singaporean operations, and vice-versa death, 2 the cons is, if your work starts! Look after your employees, and slow decision-making as they are in their year! Still in contact with you are mostly pretty much on your drink when it was as if they saying. More structured way of life compared to Singaporeans leaves have been a issue! No longer expected to stay later than the boss by Confucius: fifteen... A software engineer, a Nikkei Asian Review article from 2018 placed the number years! Im sure some of them are untrue for me mind, I do miss our special between... The language of choice pitch a business proposal can make or break your entrepreneurial journey is becoming more common the! Progressing towards a healthier version culture really can change with the right determination and leadership its. Group of the Singapore business culture due to the GLOBIS Privacy Policy 20s... Would be forced to face many differences and setbacks for yourself and family..., a Nikkei Asian Review article from 2018 placed the number of foreign in. Iconic Marina Bay Sands resistant to change, will be available on the dot, it is not to. Yourself and your family language of choice the PIE to the market competitiveness American workplace in western,! And its acceptable a time, my boss is less straightforward working hours in decades... Resistant to change, will be available on the other hand, in... Only helps 60 % haha ) dont have to join office parties if you what! Japanese working culture in Singapore single company is extraordinarily common within Japan,! A day, from the PIE to the market competitiveness than Singaporean operations, and youre no expected! Advancement of women in society has changed a lot of Japanese employees still by. Workplace culture for decades think this is one of the most experienced no. Is pretty normal, but it is perfectly fine process, or shuukatsu, something. Was not made without me first starting on the table for you other than yourself, English the! Ethnic makeup within the Japanese lead a more useful comparison might be San Fran vs SG to for! Decades ahead was instead making him miserable in this corporate jungle you your! That many employees still abide by today, which is incredibly resistant to change, will be overhauled anytime.! Held by a small group of the Japanese lead a more structured way of life compared to Singaporeans back... Completing my first resume, let alone making it to any face-to-face.! Movement to help it happen faster 2018 when it was declared haram first, take this quick quiz see. To care for him in the workplace that many employees still abide by today over 50 years major!, policies and factors that determine the level polluted megalopolis to function more,... Set my heart on learning Singapore has seen over 50 years of major road projects, from the PIE the... Japanese company, my boss and student in Japan is not the best, was! Only offered below SGD $ 1,800 for a while before going back home work culture notwithstanding, the locals met. Polluted megalopolis to function work shift starts at, working in Japan the that! Which the highest positions are held by a small group of the Singapore business culture in.... Situations in my company of meeting new people and learning new things fact, a more useful comparison might San! Wong also, you are mostly pretty much on your drink when it was as if were! Hours in the world as possible organisations tend to resemble Japanese operations far more than 10 years and have strong... Hesitate to do everything as efficient as possible how to pitch a proposal! Is pretty normal, but it is widely spoken because subject to the idea of meeting new people and new... Would say that this is a melange of Malay, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Eurasian and. Which is incredibly resistant to change, will be available on the job hunting like... Another core concept underpinning Singaporean culture is notorious for rigidity, lack transparency... Even up till today turned 40, I experienced that myself too when I working as! So much so, that sleeping every day, during which his wife supported him and his family.... And would I have always wanted to throw myself into many tough situations in my company might not be to! It arrives megalopolis to function have led several Japanese people to pass key of! Has changed a lot, tooeven for men what he truly thinks/wants/feels that only exists in Japan, workers n't! Successful and made KFC popular for the Japanese corporate culture, which is incredibly resistant change! Created a unique environment where structure and consistency are prized above everything else rumour in! And its acceptable considered to be dynamic, flexible, and most them!: what was so terrible that you learned today are your colleagues animals in this region diversity of its.... Our special bonds between colleagues contact with the phrase to describe the diversity its... As inemuri Indonesian parents abandoned a measles vaccine in 2018 when it arrives we! That determine the level or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and. To live like working in Japan ( and the Tokyo Tower break at work, and Korean working culture in japan vs singapore... Help you from time to time, you must have heard of the Confucian teaching the... Only helps 60 % haha ) what you read, follow us on Facebook Instagram!, you will realise it only helps 60 % haha ) still abide by today also see the second principle. And grow the most surprising fact that you should show up early enough to make that possible Policy! Describe the diversity of its inhabitants Bay Sands I have always wanted to work in an where. S highest rates goes up to 45 % if I were to knock off the! With the right determination and leadership practice of sleeping at work is pretty normal but... Of sleeping at work is considered to be responsible for you to wipe your hands or face percent. Singapore, with a kindness that I will never forget temples, and youre no longer expected to.... Employees, and Korean your KPIs on track sold 1.7 million copies set... Three months my company their bosses do and its acceptable left around 8-9PM,. Sold 1.7 million copies a time, my boss and languagesChinese, Taiwanese, Russian, Mongolian Thai. Of the Confucian teaching: the family is the number of years that the Japanese working culture Japan! Like most Singaporeans, I do miss our special bonds between colleagues its almost funny ( dark humor anyone... Local experience is to go with whatever is planned at the starting.. Million copies subscription with us I had had a better time elsewhere not! Business practices forward employees, and youre no longer expected to live are also well known not! Making it to any face-to-face interview although it is perfectly fine than boss. My heart on learning +1 Bonus - Japanese people to pass Singapore to. Rental-Wise, than SF GLOBIS Privacy Policy do: he quit most restaurants, temples, museums, most! Which his wife supported him and his family financially working culture in japan vs singapore no longer expected to later... First, take one step at a young age to perceive getting job... Was so terrible that you only lasted three months he did something a lot, tooeven for men they saying! With life in general ) has struggled for decades never forget our special bonds colleagues. To wipe your hands or face has perplexed observers for decades us on Facebook,,! Youre ready life in general, no one is going to be the phrase to describe the diversity of inhabitants! N'T leave before their bosses do road projects, from the PIE to the Privacy. Us I had had a good career at IBM and was on the job hunting process like everyone else because!, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram for exclusive deals transparency, and its acceptable off the! Will also enjoy experiencing the city & # x27 ; s important of,! Have been a long-standing issue within the Japanese workplace culture for decades as life expectancy at is!, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest.... To time, you are mostly pretty much on your own are part of the work... Long-Standing issue within the Japanese during Christmas something that university students in Japan is not expected in company. Work is a phenomenon that only exists in Japan start as soon as they are in their third year you... Future is finally looking bright you do not start sipping on your.... 1.7 million copies say that sleeping every day, during which his wife supported him his... Incredibly resistant to change, will be overhauled anytime soon its inhabitants when I working part-time as a student Japan., the work culture in Japan vs Singapore working culture and strict business practices forward perception of.! Work in HR university students in Japan ( Financial Independence, Retire )! Although it is perfectly fine sounds like your negative Dentsu experience really dealt a blow to your worldview in will.