Herbie Murray
In Japan, it is not uncommon to see people napping in public places such as cafes, malls, restaurants, public transport, and even sidewalks. This phenomenon is known as inemuri, which translates to sleeping while present or present while sleeping. Japanese workers tend to sleep for just about six hours on work nights, which is less than the global average. As a result, it is socially acceptable to fall asleep at work in Japan, and it is often seen as a sign of diligence and dedication to one's job.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Average Sleep Time | 6 hours 22 minutes |
| Culture | Inemuri, or "sleeping while present" |
| Work Culture | Long hours, overtime is common |
| Nap Locations | Office, public transport, cafes, malls, restaurants, sidewalks, parks, coffee shops, bookstores |
| Rules | Must remain upright, sit as if listening intently, be able to contribute to conversations |
| Perceived as | Sign of diligence and dedication to the job |
| Industry Impact | Daytime sleep services, public napping facilities, nap cafes |
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What You'll Learn
Inemuri, the art of 'sleeping while present'
Inemuri, or "sleeping while present", is a common phenomenon in Japan, where it is socially acceptable to fall asleep at work or in other public places. The term inemuri refers to the act of being present while sleeping and is often seen as a sign of dedication and hard work in Japanese culture.
The practice of inemuri is believed to have originated during Japan's post-war economic boom, when people worked long hours to rebuild the country and had little time to sleep. This culture of working overtime and committing to long hours is still prevalent in Japan, with office workers often pulling ten-hour days or more. As a result, it is not uncommon to see people napping on their commute, in public places, or even during meetings and social gatherings.
There are certain rules and etiquette associated with inemuri. For example, it is generally considered acceptable for older or more senior employees to indulge in a quick nap, while newer or less senior employees are expected to stay awake and engaged. Additionally, those practising inemuri are expected to remain upright and maintain a posture that suggests they are listening intently, even if they are dozing off.
While inemuri is widely accepted in Japan, there may be a shift in this attitude in the future. Some companies are already developing systems that detect snoozers in the office and blast them with cold air to keep them awake. Despite this, Japan's culture of long work hours and sleep deprivation continues to make inemuri a common occurrence in the workplace and beyond.
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Long working hours and sleep deprivation
In Japan, it is not uncommon to see workers sleeping in public, be it on the subway or at work. This phenomenon is known as "inemuri", which translates to "present while sleeping". It is considered socially acceptable to fall asleep at work, and it is believed that this culture came about due to the long hours Japanese workers endure, with many averaging only around six hours of sleep per night.
Japan has a strong work culture, and overtime is a common practice. Most office workers put in more than ten hours a day, and some even choose to work 'voluntary' overtime or 'social bonding time'. This leaves little time for adequate sleep, with many resorting to napping on the way to work or during their lunch breaks.
The practice of inemuri is not without its rules, however. According to Dr Brigitte Steger, a Cambridge University scholar, workers must still be able to contribute to any conversation when needed, even if they are napping. This means that workers must sit as if they are listening intently and only put their head down, rather than sleeping under the table.
The consequences of sleep deprivation and long working hours are significant. Studies have shown that participants who worked long hours (more than 51 hours per week) were more likely to report job-related near-misses or injuries than those who worked fewer hours. Fatigue due to long working hours and insufficient sleep has been found to negatively impact job performance, decision-making, and safety.
To address these issues, comprehensive protective measures have been suggested, including reducing total working hours, promoting sufficient sleep, and increasing awareness about the impact of overwork and sleep deprivation on workers' safety and well-being.
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Overtime work culture in Japan
Japan has historically been known for its rigorous work culture, with extended hours and minimal rights for workers. Working overtime is a part of the work culture in Japan, with most office workers putting in ten hours or more each day. This is partly due to the value placed on harmony and collective effort, as well as the expectation that employees show commitment through their actions. Loyalty to one's company is also paramount in Japanese society, and it was once normal to stay with the same company for one's entire career. This has led to a culture where extended work hours are viewed as a sign of dedication.
However, contemporary Japan has witnessed a shift towards global standards, with work hours and employee rights now protected by law. The Japanese government and organizations have made efforts to reform work practices, recognizing the negative impact of long work hours on mental health and work-life balance. These initiatives have resulted in a notable reduction in annual work hours, with the average employee working 1,903 hours in 2022 compared to 2,121 hours in 1980.
Despite these improvements, the issue of overtime remains prevalent, particularly in traditional corporate environments. The legal framework in Japan supports a standard 40-hour workweek, with any excess classified as overtime and requiring additional compensation. However, certain systems can obscure the true extent of overtime work by including a set number of overtime hours within the standard workweek.
The prevalence of overtime work in Japan has had significant consequences, with cases of "karoshi" or death by overwork, gaining media attention. Matsuri Takahashi, a 24-year-old employee at a major Japanese advertising agency, committed suicide in 2015 after working excessive overtime hours. Her death brought attention to the declining health conditions of Japanese workers and prompted policy expansion and reform by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.
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Rules of inemuri
Inemuri, or the Japanese practice of sleeping on the job, is a testament to an employee's dedication and hard work. It is a badge of honour that reflects Japan's hardworking spirit. Here are some rules to follow for the art of inemuri:
Posture of Engagement
Stay upright and avoid slouching or slumping over. The idea is to look like you are attentive and might spring into action at any moment. This is also a way to show that you are still socially engaged.
Hierarchy Matters
Inemuri is more acceptable for senior employees or low-profile juniors. For seniors, it is a display of confidence, while juniors can often nap unnoticed.
Serious Situations
Sleeping during important meetings or one-on-one time with your boss is a no-go. In these situations, sleeping can be seen as a sign of arrogance and may negatively impact your social standing.
Respect Boundaries
Be mindful of your surroundings and respect other people's personal space. Avoid sprawling under the table, taking up multiple seats on a train, or lying down on a park bench.
No Actual Sleeping
Remember, the goal is to achieve the "sleeping-but-not-totally-sleeping" state. Avoid full-on napping and don't bring pillows or sleeping bags. Use your bag as a headrest, and if you must set an alarm, keep it quiet and discreet.
Friends to the Rescue
If you notice a friend dozing off in public, be a good companion and wake them up if they need to get off at a certain station or if someone they know walks by.
Inemuri is a unique aspect of Japanese culture that showcases the country's disciplined work ethic and unwavering commitment to responsibilities. It is a subtle way to communicate exhaustion while still appearing engaged and dedicated to one's duties.
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Inemuri in social situations
Inemuri is a unique aspect of Japanese culture that is considered acceptable in a variety of social situations. The term refers to the practice of napping in public places, such as on trains, in restaurants, or even during meetings. While it may be frowned upon in other cultures, inemuri is respected in Japan as a sign of dedication to one's work and the ability to balance a busy work life with personal time.
The practice of inemuri is deeply rooted in Japanese work culture, where long work hours and overtime are common. Japanese workers often endure hectic schedules, filling their days with work and leisure activities, which results in reduced sleep time. As a result, inemuri is seen as a necessary means to combat fatigue and maintain productivity throughout the day.
In social situations, inemuri is considered acceptable as long as it does not disturb the social situation at hand. Those practising inemuri must be able to return to the social situation when active contribution is required and maintain the impression of fitting in through body posture, body language, and dress code. For example, in a meeting, one must sit as if listening intently and only put their head down briefly.
The acceptance of inemuri in Japan is influenced by the belief that tiredness is a result of hard work and dedication. By taking a nap in public, individuals signal that they have been working diligently but still have the strength and virtue to keep themselves and their feelings under control. This subtle form of non-verbal communication is highly valued in Japanese culture, where modesty is considered a virtue, and overt boasting about one's diligence is discouraged.
Inemuri is not limited to the workplace but is also observed in other social contexts, such as in the nightlife districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya in the early morning hours. After a night of socialising or drinking, it is common to see people sleeping on public benches or floors while waiting for the trains to start running again. This aspect of inemuri reflects the fear of missing out (FOMO) that is prevalent in modern society, where individuals strive to balance numerous commitments and activities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is common for people in Japan to sleep at work. In fact, it is considered a sign of dedication to one's job.
Japanese workers sleep for just about six and a half hours on work nights, which is less than those in any other country. This is due to the long hours they work and their hectic schedules.
Some companies provide sofas or beds for their employees to nap on. Otherwise, people sleep at their desks or on their commute to and from work.
No, there are rules to inemuri (the Japanese word for "sleeping on duty"). New employees, for example, are not supposed to sleep at work as they have to show how active they are.
It might not be long before sleeping at work becomes frowned upon in Japan. A new system is being developed to detect snoozers in Japanese offices and blast them with cold air.
