In Japan, there are 15 public holidays as provided for by national government law. Next year will see the introduction of a new public holiday, Yama no hi (Mountain Day) on 11 August. On the other hand, there are only nine public holidays in New South Wales, the home of our Sydney office.
In addition, Japanese usually celebrate the New Year with their families, much like Christmas for Australians and New Zealanders. As a result, many Japanese offices are closed not only on 1 January, they also take days off at the end of the year and on 2, 3 January. For example, the working days at Japanese local governments in December only fall on 21, 22, 24, 25 and 28 (23 December is the Emperor’s Birthday).
One of the reasons why Japan has so many public holidays is because the work environment, which is often strongly based on teamwork and interdependent relationships, makes it very difficult for most Japanese workers to take annual leave. I think that the system where all employees take time off together during public holidays or office holidays better suits offices in Japan. On average, Japanese workers take only nine paid holidays per year, despite the fact that most of them have 20 paid holidays a year.
The Japanese believe everything becomes fresh and new in the New Year. I sincerely wish that 2016 will be a prosperous and peaceful year for you and all in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
YOI OTOSHI WO! (Have a great 2016!)
Katsunori Kamibo
Director