Somewhat exaggerated, and limited to experiences from large companies. However, not completely untrue either.

The work culture here has changed quite a bit over the past few years. Small and medium companies have their own styles of work, including flex time or even work-time (so long as your targets for the month are completed, you can be there for just 20 minutes on any working day).

I am sure it is changing, it must be changing. But I still hear first hand accounts of people not getting paid for sick leaves at large companies or being instantly fired for politely refusing to come and work on a weekend.

This is very common among the "Black companies" and also medium sized companies. Recently it was revealed that many employers who hire through the government's re-employing system (TownWork) do not keep their promises on salaries and vacation. Companies that have gone global and have published compliance policies (like Sony Group, Japan Airlines) are the best to join, for anyone who wants to work in a big company in Japan. Small companies are more flexible, though.