A Typical Workday at a Japanese Hardware Tool Store [video]
10 comments
·May 10, 2025Calwestjobs
mitthrowaway2
Reuse and repair is also encouraged by having relatively more expensive, high quality but lower-production-quantity goods. When it costs less to buy something new, more gets discarded.
nemomarx
Population density and I believe relatively business friendly zoning to make it easier to be close to apartments and etc?
nervousvarun
Longtime Paolo fan, he does a great job with his "typical workday" series.
Not sure of the exact number he's done, but I personally estimate I've watched at least 20-25 of these across a wide range of industries (majority are in food preparation/service but he also covers construction, tech, animation, airlines, education, politics, and many more) and if there's one overriding takeaway it's the Japanese as a culture are extremely committed to maximizing product quality.
It could be selection bias (maybe he only films exemplary people) but it doesn't seem to matter if you're dealing with someone preparing food, fighting fires, or delivering packages these people seem to really care about the overall quality of the service or product they provide.
A few others worth watching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0RX59G2jaA (movers...as someone who only has experience with American movers this is ridiculously better than what I experienced)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8A_Hu_WqeQ (package delivery worker)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsLFm5SSJyQ (politician)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjCzavpZoZI (fire fighter)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCPZzEbhNJw (anime director)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m4UxbDgGhc (car repair shop worker)
Honestly if you like any of these you'll likely find they're all worth watching.
terhechte
I'm also a huge fan. Started watching him after a Japan trip. I like the format so much, I'd love to have something similar (day in the life) for various other countries.
lawgimenez
My favorite episode is this [1], the owner is very unique in a way that he is a rare collector of hardcore punk CDs/vinyl.
null
ape4
You can see how those workers would have a good job satisfaction.
chris_st
The kindest of interviewers.
aredox
NHK World is full of such interviews and documentaries:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/programs/
Highly recommended - even live (no ads).
Excellent example how population density can make even reuse/second hand markets viable.