This sounds very similar to the work places I've seen in Japan, too. Essentially those who don't work as much unpaid, voluntary overtime as others don't get pro

This sounds very similar to the work places I've seen in Japan, too. Essentially those who don't work as much unpaid, voluntary overtime as others don't get promotions, get shafted on bonuses, and very passive-aggressively "bullied." I'm surprised your boss tried to pressure you for info. Usually the companies that are more traditional ('non-mandatory' aka mandatory outside activities) will follow cultural norms and just do the punishment without the asking.