On Japan's unique employment system.

The Japanese Employment System

In Europe, changing jobs after a few years seems to be the norm. In Japan, I think it is a minority.

In manufacturing, long experience and skills are invaluable assets. Tradition is precious. Succession is very important. We are well aware that there are histories and industries that should be passed on.

This is my personal opinion about the general employment system in Japan. I myself joined a company by luck, without conviction, and worked for one company for 20 years. I never imagined that I would be a freelancer in the future.

Working styles vary greatly from country to country. I'm Japanese, so I speak based on my home country.

Most Japanese companies have a seniority system and a retirement age. Once you become a full-time employee, you can work until retirement without being fired unless something happens.

In addition, due to the seniority system, the number of years of service and salary increase proportionally. It doesn't matter whether you contribute to the company or not. In a sense, this fact may inhibit employees' spirit of challenge. They are sometimes called "window people".

The idea of a retirement age

Japan has a Trade Union Law. This is a law that protects the rights of workers. Under this law, companies cannot fire employees without permission. This also applies to employees whose productivity has declined significantly. If the retirement age is abolished, companies can have positive discussions with employees about the length of employment based on productivity.

In conclusion, I agree with the idea of abolishing the retirement age, I think it would be great if people could decide their own retirement age.

I think this will allow employees to face their own lives instead of being satisfied with a stable income until retirement, which is protected by law.