Friday, December 8, 2017

Spoke To An American In Train Line

Spoke to an American in a train lineup last night, it was a very interesting talk. Here is what he told me about Japanese workers, the trains and culture. (More to follow when I have time).

- In Japan you cannot get fired from your job.
- 14 plus hour work days are normal.
- A student of his just came off a 24 hour work day.
- Dying from overwork happens here.
- If you do not follow the rules of the salaryman culture your pushed aside, into the corner, forgotten and not promoted.
-Taking a sick day when you need a day off work is very common.
- Holidays are rarely taken.
- The rush hours to photograph people in the subways, 6-8 in the morning 5-6 at night and 9-10pm when people come home after working overtime.
- When the train cars are really packed full, you do not have to stand the crowd of people in the car will hold you in place. You can simply let yourself go limp and the press of people will keep you upright.
- Many children have a poor or almost no relationship with their fathers because he is so rarely home.