Handbook of Japanese Labor Practices
Changing Perceptions
1st Edition
Published on 26. May 2026
Book
Hardback
238 pages
978-1-041-27877-1 (ISBN)
Description
This volume examines the three pillars of Japanese management-lifetime employment, seniority-based wages and promotions, and enterprise unions-from the viewpoint of both Japanese and non-Japanese scholars. Multiple chapters revolve around the themes of labor practices found in Japan including unveiling the concept of internal sensitivity through gemba walks. The diversification of the Japanese salaryman stereotype is addressed by authors focusing on the issues faced by women, non-Japanese employees, and migrant workers in the Japanese labor market. Additional authors examine the challenges of globalization facing Japan in the 21st century including the need to understand work and social organization in Japan as an input-driven society. Five personal reflections interspersed throughout the book encourage the reader to put theory into practice and determine if and how perceptions are changing in regards to Japanese labor practices.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Postgraduate and Undergraduate Core
Product notice
Laminated cover
Illustrations
5 s/w Zeichnungen, 11 s/w Tabellen, 35 s/w Abbildungen, 30 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder
11 Tables, black and white; 5 Line drawings, black and white; 30 Halftones, black and white; 35 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 244 mm
Width: 170 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
610 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-041-27877-1 (9781041278771)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2026
Routledge
€67.49
Available for download
E-Book
05/2026
Routledge
€67.49
Available for download
Person
Robin Sakamoto serves as the Dean of the Graduate School of International Cooperation as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Studies both at Kyorin University, Tokyo. She received her PhD in Comparative and International Development Education from the University of Minnesota and has participated in projects in the Ukraine and Uganda. She co-edited Cross-border Partnerships in Higher Education: Strategies and Issues with Dr. David Chapman.
Content
Introduction 1. Beyond the Enigma of "Lifetime Employment": Clarifying Japan's Working Rules of Employment Relations and Exploring their Comparative Implications 2. A Critical Look at Lifetime Employment in Japan 3. The Landscape of the Japanese Labor Market Reflections: Creating a Society Where People Embrace Their Dreams and Actualize Greater Well-Being 4. Labor Unions in Japan 5. Young People's Precarious Transitions in Japan Reflections: Embracing the Unconventional: How a Clueless Student in Iwate Finds Strength in Enforced Optimism 6. Gender Gaps in Japan and Why They Exist at the Workplace Reflections: Choose the One You Love 7. From Genba Walks to Organizational Insights: Unveiling the Concept of Internal Sensitivity 8. Migrant Workers and the Future of Japan: Why the Technical Intern Training Program Didn't Work 9. Global Talent in an Aspiring "Country of Choice": Skilled Migration into Japan Reflections: Finding a Place Elsewhere 10. Agents of Globalization? Foreign Employee Roles in Japanese Corporations 11. The Input-Driven Society: Understanding Work and Social Organization in Japan 12. Strength as a Source of Weakness: Why Japan Struggles to Meet the Digital Challenge 13. Diversity Issues in Japan: Education of Future Workers and Leaders Reflections: Japanese Style: Working in Both Japanese and American Organizations 14. Making Friends with Godzilla Appendix 1: ChatGPT 2023 AI Explanation of Japan's "Lifetime Employment". Appendix 2: Japanese Labor Laws.