Work culture in India has been debated for years, particularly regarding long hours, weekend calls, and the notion that being “always available” equates to dedication. The discussion often flares up whenever
senior leaders talk about working 70 or 72 hours a week. Amid this, two IIT graduates now working in Japan have shared their real-life experiences, offering a clear comparison between Indian and Japanese work environments.
Their stories give a grounded view of how work life can feel very different across borders. For many, their accounts sparked fresh conversations about balance, respect, and burnout.
How Does Work Feel Different In Japan?
An IIT Delhi graduate currently working in Tokyo said his biggest surprise was the lack of “workplace toxicity”. Talking about his workplace, he mentioned in the clip, “No, I have never faced any toxicity in the team,” describing it as a supportive environment.
He said people in Japan work seriously, but tasks are planned clearly, and deadlines are discussed calmly.
Can Employees Really Switch Off After Work?
An IIT Hyderabad graduate spoke about something she values deeply, the ability to disconnect. She explained that once work hours are over, colleagues rarely message or call unless it’s urgent.
“It’s a lot more different from India. Like, I have seen my friends there, and they attend calls at odd times, but here I can just switch off my latptop and I don’t need to respond after my work hours. So that’s one good thing about here,” the woman said in the video.
She said Japanese offices expect full focus during working hours, but in return, personal time is respected. This balance made her more productive and less mentally tired.
What Did They Say About The Cost Of Living In Japan?
Both graduates spoke openly about how expenses changed after moving to Japan. The man shared that his monthly spending went up soon after he shifted to Tokyo.
“When I came to Tokyo, my expenses from a lakh just doubled to 1.50 lac yen. I only eat lunch outside; I cook my dinner daily. But still the expenses are not coming down,” he said. He added that housing costs were not a worry for him as his company pays the rent.
The woman explained that costs depend a lot on living arrangements. According to her, sharing a home with friends helps keep expenses under control. “If you are on your own, and you are okay sharing with your friends, then around Rs 1.5 lakh (264,279 yen) is enough for a month,” she said.
How Did People React Online?
A user commented, “I also want this kind of life,” while another joked, “I can agree Japanese skies are brighter than my future.”
A person wrote, “His lifestyle is so cool,” and another added, “This conversation is so insightful.”
Others focused on expenses. An individual said, “Even if we convert it to yen, it comes out to around 255,000 yen. After income tax, residence tax, rent, groceries, and other basic expenses, most of that money is already gone. This isn’t sufficient for future expenses, especially considering how prices for almost everything are increasing every 2–3 months.”
Another defended the calculation, writing, “For her lifestyle, that’s enough. How much do you think is the salary of a new graduate in Japan? She also mentioned that if you can share an apartment with friends, so that brings down rent to half. She is being very realistic.” Many users agreed that productivity improves when employees are allowed to rest and disconnect.
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