In a lot of small/middle sized companies, you officially have paid vacation but it's badly looked upon to actually take them. It's the same as being the first o

In a lot of small/middle sized companies, you officially have paid vacation but it's badly looked upon to actually take them. It's the same as being the first one out of the office at the official ending time... In bigger multinationals like Sharp, it's a bit different. Some employees sued them over this a few years back, so now employees are forced to take their annual paid vacations. Of course, as foreigners you're allowed and supposed to be a bit lazy/eccentric/quirky so you can take day off more easily (plus they understand the argument of taking days off to go see your family)