This must be why there are a gazillion vending machines in Japan selling an infinite variety of canned coffees. Endless caffeine is what keeps salarymen and other workers going.
I snapped this photo of a typical canned coffee machine in a hotel near Mount Fuji. BOSS COFFEE / COFFEE BOSS says it all, really. Drink coffee, work harder, keep your boss happy!
In this ancient land of tea, tea houses and the tea ceremony, coffee is marketed as a hip foreign American drink. In advertising, Japanese canned coffee imagery often uses western spokespeople and English words or phrases.
[First photo from the internet; second photo by Debra She Who Seeks]
I was reading that the subway is a nightmare to travel on at certain times because millions of people squeeze themselves breathless to get on it. I would hate to have to be that deferential to my boss.
ReplyDeleteI admire Japanese discipline and hardworking efforts.
ReplyDeletethe work ethic and loyalty is amazing isn't it.I find i fascinating the way coffee has taken hold in Japan, I have a few favorite Japanese blogs and they always love to show photos of their coffee and pastry for morning meals, they all seem to take cream too, the green tea would be healthier.My friends who live in Japan say thats why the young are getting fat, western pastries and coffee!
ReplyDeleteto be that diligent is a matter of honor for the Japanese....and I love that about their thought process. So many here in the US just got to work for the paycheck not to do the job and think that is good enough. They have no honor. I find that hard to comprehend. A days slacking for a days pay vs work hard and make a living.
ReplyDeleteI had heard the work ethic of the Japanese is very important to them, but this is ridiculous!!
ReplyDeleteAgree with Jane... I still have a part time gig and it amazes me to watch this young group of "workers"...They really don't work!!! But that's a subject for an entire blog...
ReplyDeleteBeing the boss, I have nobody to thank me for looking so tired.
ReplyDeleteI can however smell the distinct aroma of this mornings coffee, beginning to waft through the house.:)
You know, I had to read this twice.
ReplyDeleteI believe in hard work, but not to the point of physical wipe-out....maybe because I have been there so often and know what it does long term to the body.
It is rather sad that Japanese culture is moving into more Western things.....I am a coffee fiend and like nothing more in the afternoon than green tea and time to rest.
I guess things evolve.
XXOO~~
Anne
I've never been on subway that felt safe enough to merit me sleeping. How odd.
ReplyDeleteAlso, COFFEE BOSS IS THE BOSS OF THEM ALL. What a strong tagline. I want to buy this coffee already and I know nothing about it.
Oh, to be praised for looking tired LOL! I'd be a hero for sure!
ReplyDeleteI should snap a picture of the crew here on my job at the end of the day. We'd fit right in. (Chuckle).
ReplyDeleteMary
My husband would love workers like that! He has mostly slackers,lol
ReplyDeletegood they're into coffee... just hope they keep their trad tea ceremonies... exquisite, from pics i've seen....
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Japan some day. Their culture fascinates me.
ReplyDeleteThe saying, Live to work or Work to Live comes to mind.... I wonder what their work/life balance is?
ReplyDeleteThis is actually quite sad. :(
ReplyDeleteNot long ago I watched the movie Happy, which had within it a little about Karōshi, or death from overwork. http://www.thehappymovie.com/
ReplyDeleteSo when I see this, I think of that. It's a very sad thing.
I've found that making sure my boss has coffee keeps both of us happier!
ReplyDeleteMy son has this lifelong connection with Japan. I will tell him that if he goes to live in Japan he has to get used to being tired and pleasing the boss! My boss always tells me I look tired. I am going to explain to her why now....
ReplyDeleteThey have a reputation for being hardworking and disciplined, but this seems like a little much. I wonder how it affects their health.
ReplyDeleteFascinating culture. Black or white, not much grey. Wonder if hard working women are praised for looking tired??
ReplyDeleteI love Japonese culture. My aunt's husband, Uncle Nelson, is nisei, or first generation born outside Japan (secind generation). I spent some holidays with Bachan and Dichan. I would love to visit it one day....
ReplyDeleteI think this is very interesting! I give them credit for working so hard, but I think it's kind of sad in a way too.
ReplyDeleteOh my, being praised for looking tired? I am in the wrong country!
ReplyDeleteI always thought tea had more caffeine than coffee,
ReplyDeleteSomebody in this house would really be interested in trying BOSS!!! Interesting phenomenon and a 'cultural twist' from here.
ReplyDeleteSOme people just can't keep their lips zipped...gimme a BOSS please!
ReplyDeleteNot sure, I'd like to work in Japan. And it is a shame coffee is getting more popular.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting compliment. If I were an employer I would want my employees to look awake, not tired. Awake people are probably more productive.
ReplyDelete