Work Hard,Play Hard

After a day of grueling negotiations, Japanese workers are ready to cut loose -- way loose. Barhopping after work is a common, if not expected, tradition. If the workplace is stiff and ceremonial, the bar is where Japanese businessmen release the inner beast. A perennial favorite is the karaoke bar, where everyone is expected to sing along, even if they can't carry a tune. Besides being a place to balance work with fun, nightspots are where coworkers bond and share information, reinforcing affiliation with a team.

What it teaches us:
It's important to not let work dominate one's life. Leisure is just as important a part of one's day. It releases tension and soothes anxieties. When done with coworkers, it's a nonverbal commitment to remain part of the group.

How we can adapt it:
It's okay to forget about work once in a while, even among coworkers. Enjoy happy hour and attend office parties. Being social and informal with colleagues outside the workplace allows you to be human and to lower your guard for a bit.