From the archive

Experiencing Japan’s Senpai-Kouhai System at Work

Experiencing Japan’s Senpai-Kouhai System at Work

In Japan, where seniority and experience continue to take precedence over qualifications or ability, the idea of “respect your elders” is at the forefront of daily working life. One of the ways this manifests itself in the typical Japanese working environment is the concept of a senpai (senior) and kouhai (junior) system.