While many Japanese IT companies operate normally, certain segments of the industry-especially lower-tier subcontracting layers-are known for having so-called "black companies" (ブラック企業). These companies may impose excessive overtime, unclear job roles, or exploitative management practices.

It is important to note that it depends on the company and industries. Large tech firms, major vendors, and many modern startups rarely show black-company behavior. From my experience, you can rarely find black-companies in IT companies in Tokyo, Kanagawa. Problems tend to appear more often in:

• multi-layered subcontracting structures (multi-tier SES) ※I've had really good times in SES companies, though.
• small agencies with weak management
• companies relying heavily on dispatch or temporary contracts

Employees in black companies often face psychological pressure from management. Some companies contact employees outside working hours through LINE or phone calls, or imply that quitting will harm their future career. Because of this, many people feel unable to resign even when the environment is unhealthy.

In Japan, leaving a company quickly can be viewed negatively, and some people fear being labeled as:

• "mentally weak"
• "lacking perseverance"
• "unable to adapt"

These social expectations make it harder for employees to take action, even when the workplace is clearly harmful.

Japanese society often expects people to follow a fixed "rail" (レール) in life- a stable education path, a stable job, and long-term employment. People who step off this rail often face criticism or poor treatment, especially in rural areas where social circles are smaller and more conservative.

The tradition to be the same as others in society and not to differ from others is thought to be very important in Japan, but it can also create pressure on people in a bad situation.

Also, talking about their weaknesses or problems is often considered shameful in Japan, so people may feel like they have to endure difficult situations rather than seeking help or leaving.

That's one of reasons why some people chose to kill themselves rather than to quit a black company, because they think that quitting is a shameful thing under these social expectations.

Please see the references below for more information about this topic.

In large cities, people have more job options and more freedom to change careers. In rural regions, however, those who leave a company early may be treated almost like "outsiders" or "troublemakers," which increases the psychological barrier to quitting.

Some black companies go as far as refusing to accept resignation notices, delaying paperwork, or increasing pressure on employees who attempt to leave. Because of this, Japan has a unique service called "taishoku daiko" (退職代行), where a third-party agency handles the resignation process on behalf of the employee.

These services exist because many people cannot safely or comfortably resign on their own, and they have become increasingly common in recent years.