Salaryman

Definition

A salaryman is a Japanese term for a male office worker who typically works long hours for a corporation and is often seen as devoted to his job. This concept embodies the cultural expectations of loyalty, dedication, and hard work within Japanese society, especially during the post-war economic boom when urbanization and social transformations were occurring rapidly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Salarymen typically work for large corporations in Japan, where they are expected to show absolute loyalty to their company, often at the expense of personal time.
2. The phenomenon of the salaryman emerged prominently during Japan's post-World War II economic expansion, reflecting the values of dedication and hard work.
3. Salarymen often participate in after-work socializing, known as 'nomikai', which strengthens workplace bonds but can also contribute to excessive drinking and social pressures.
4. The traditional image of the salaryman includes wearing a suit and commuting via crowded trains, symbolizing the busy urban lifestyle of modern Japan.
5. Changes in Japan's economy and society have led to a decline in the traditional salaryman model, with younger generations seeking better work-life balance and questioning corporate loyalty.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of salaryman reflect broader social transformations in Japan during the post-war period?
  • The concept of salaryman emerged as a significant representation of Japan's rapid industrialization and economic growth following World War II. It reflects societal values that prioritize dedication to one's company and long working hours as a means to contribute to national prosperity. This role was instrumental in shaping urban lifestyles, fostering collective identity among workers, and facilitating Japan's transition into a modern economic power.
• In what ways do cultural expectations surrounding salarymen impact their personal lives, particularly concerning work-life balance?
  • Cultural expectations surrounding salarymen often result in them sacrificing personal time for work obligations, which can lead to issues such as burnout or strained family relationships. The norm of long working hours and after-work socializing emphasizes loyalty to the company over personal well-being. Consequently, many salarymen struggle to find adequate work-life balance, causing increasing concern about mental health and family dynamics as societal values shift toward prioritizing personal fulfillment.
• Evaluate how globalization has influenced the traditional role of salarymen in contemporary Japanese society.
  • Globalization has significantly altered the traditional role of salarymen by introducing new work cultures that prioritize flexibility and personal well-being over the rigid corporate loyalty that once defined them. The rise of remote work and gig economies challenges the long-standing expectations associated with being a salaryman. As younger generations embrace these changes, there is a growing movement toward redefining workplace values in Japan, leading to shifts in how success is perceived beyond mere corporate allegiance.

Related terms

Honne and Tatemae: The distinction between a person's true feelings and desires (honne) and the behavior and opinions one displays in public (tatemae), which is particularly relevant in the context of salarymen navigating workplace culture.

Keiretsu: A set of companies with interlocking business relationships and shareholdings that often employs salarymen, creating a sense of corporate family and loyalty among workers.

Work-life balance: The concept of maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, which salarymen often struggle with due to their demanding work schedules.