I'd have to agree. There's also this very ingrained habit of treating employees like subhumans. I mean, I see people at the convenience store putting on a performance for their entire shift that has to be absolutely exhausting--and ultimately completely unnecessary.

People get worked to the bone here, and seem to be always on. I honestly quite pity them for it when I see it.

Which part of Japan are you in, Tokyo or a different prefecture?

From what I've heard, it sounds like things might be a little more relaxed outside of Tokyo.