Employees of a historic sake brewery in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, watched a Japan national-team World Cup match as part of their paid work hours.
The decision highlights a rare intersection of corporate flexibility and national sporting passion in Japan's traditionally rigid work culture. By designating the viewing as official business, the brewery prioritized employee morale and collective support for the national team.
The schedule change occurred after former Japan national-team player Keisuke Honda urged the brewery's owner to adjust start times [1]. The brewery president said he agreed to the request, allowing staff to gather in the company cafeteria to support the team [1].
Staff members began gathering in the cafeteria before 8 a.m. on the morning of the match [2]. In total, 12 people, including the president, watched the game together [3].
Because the president approved the arrangement, the time spent watching the match was officially counted as work time [1]. This allowed the team to support the national squad without sacrificing their personal leave or delaying their pay.
The brewery, located in the heart of Ueda City, is recognized as a historic establishment in the region [1]. The gathering served as a team-building exercise, while aligning with the broader national excitement surrounding the World Cup tournament [1].
“The brewery president agreed, making the viewing count as work time”
This incident reflects a shift in some Japanese workplaces toward 'well-being' and employee engagement, moving away from strict adherence to traditional hours. While a small-scale event, the involvement of a high-profile figure like Keisuke Honda to influence corporate policy demonstrates the cultural power of the national team to bridge the gap between professional obligations and personal interests.
