Do you usually eat dinner with your family? In Japan, many people work from early morning until midnight – an exhausting routine that leaves little time for family. We even have a word for this lifestyle: “社畜” (Syachiku), which literally means “corporate livestock” or “corporate slave.”
Many Japanese children and wives rarely have dinner with their fathers or husbands. Why? Because companies demand long hours and deep dedication, often at the cost of family life. It’s a quiet sacrifice – one made daily on crowded trains and under fluorescent office lights.
Business Trip
A Case of a Japanese Daddy My husband works from early morning until midnight. Since the pandemic, he’s been working from home—but that just means he’s chained to the computer all day, moving from one meeting to the next. We only see him briefly at lunch and dinner.
After dinner, he goes right back to his room to work until midnight. On top of that, he often travels for business, taking the Shinkansen or even flying. Sometimes he stays overnight in a hotel, but usually—can you believe it?—he comes all the way back to Osaka from Tokyo the same day. It takes three hours one way, and he returns on the very last Shinkansen and connecting trains.
Boxed meals for Busy Daddies
Many boxed meals are sold at train stations in Japan—not only for leisure or as a pleasant treat, but also for busy daddies rushing home from work. Luxurious boxed meals called ekiben often sit proudly in front of specialty shops, showcasing regional delicacies. But just around the corner, convenience stores quietly offer more affordable options.
It’s easy to spot tired fathers selecting a simple boxed meal and a canned beer, moving quickly before the train departs. They settle into their seats on the Shinkansen, eat in silence, and tap away at their laptops, catching up on work as the countryside blurs past.
After Coming Home
Many Japanese husbands return home after midnight, long after their children have gone to bed. Their wives often lie down with the kids to help them fall asleep. Once the children are resting, the wives quietly finish housework before heading to bed themselves, knowing they’ll need to wake up early to prepare breakfast and get everyone ready for school.
So when these daddies rush home in the middle of the night, they step into a silent house. The living room is empty. They take a quiet bath, then tiptoe to bed where their families are already sleeping peacefully.
Summary
This is real life in Japan. Japanese people work incredibly hard, yet life isn’t becoming any richer. Prices keep rising, but wages stay the same. It’s exhausting—physically and emotionally.
Still, a weekend spent happily with family offers comfort. In that time, we laugh, rest, and feel human again. Even just one warm meal together or a walk in the park brings peace and healing.
If you’re curious about what real working life in Japan looks like, feel free to check out my article. It offers an honest glimpse into everyday routines, long work hours, and how families quietly adapt to this lifestyle.
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