My best bud who works in a certain prefecture away from Tokyo told me one story which he confirms to be truthful. About one of the big Jap companies sending their workers to the US subsidiary to learn our ways. I think it was Honda.
Once 5 PM struck, everyone packed their gear like clockwork. The Japanese dude continued to work, and was shocked why everyone left on the dot. His American co-workers had to explain to him that in America, work stops at 5. Over there, it is frowned upon to leave at 5 or 6 pm, depending on the company hours which they see as rude.
"Over there, it is frowned upon to leave at 5 or 6 pm, depending on the company hours which they see as rude."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tjoz_0I4Gk
Reminds me of the movie “Gung Ho” with Michael Keaton trying to save the car factory.
“Oh yeah!? Well if your way is so great, how come you lost the big one!?”
It’s worse even - based on what I’ve been told, one does not leave the office until the boss leaves.