My experience (a few periods in the late 90s to mid 2000s) was high pressure for locals working for Japanese firms, less so for foreigners or locals working for

My experience (a few periods in the late 90s to mid 2000s) was high pressure for locals working for Japanese firms, less so for foreigners or locals working for foreign firms. The informal drinking (where junior workers can "say anything" to the boss and blame it on the alcohol) was a counter-balance to the formality of the work, where juniors would never contradict their seniors. For the formality to work, you need and outlet. It's the way the culture balances formality and relationships. Bosses are expected to be available to hear from their employees after hours. If they aren't, they won't be respected, or know what's really going on. In some cases the family relationships have a strict division of labor: Dad works and Mom raises the family. Two very distinct lives. In more traditional companies and families it can look bad to come home from work by 6. (Are you no longer important?) In other cases the forced socializing eases up somewhat over the years, or the parents find work in smaller or foreign companies.