Japanese Employees Avoid Parking In Spots Closest To Their Office | Why?

Last Updated:August 26, 2025, 14:28 IST

In Japan, punctuality is more than just arriving on time; it is a sign of respect.

Japan has a reputation for being very organised and thoughtful in everyday life. From spotless streets to respectful workplace habits, even small actions reflect the consideration people have for one another. Recently, a simple practice in Japanese parking lots has caught the attention of social media users.

In Japan, punctuality is more than just arriving on time; it is a sign of respect. An Instagram post highlighted that at many workplaces, employees who arrive early often park in the more difficult-to-access spots, leaving the closest and easiest spaces free for colleagues who arrive later.

“A small act of thoughtfulness that makes a big difference. Would you like to see this tradition adopted where you live?” the post asked.

Why This Matters

According to the post, this practice reflects two important Japanese values: wa, meaning harmony, and ki-zukai, which refers to consideration for others. By choosing to park farther away, early employees ensure that everyone feels welcomed and respected upon arrival.

What People From Around the World Think

The post quickly gained traction, drawing numerous comments from users who both admired the idea and shared their thoughts on potential challenges.

One user wrote, “Wow! What a great mentality.”

Another commented, “The culture of politeness in Japan is something the whole world should strive for.”

“Japanese people are so considerate,” someone else remarked, while a person added, “I was just in Japan. If the US would only pick up 5% of the Japanese culture, it would be a better country.”

However, some raised concerns about unintended consequences.

An Instagram user said, “That’s super cool, but I feel like there would be those who just take it as an opportunity to always be late.”

“I love this mentality… although it is an easy, clear way to identify late-coming fellows! You tag yourself from the position,” an individual pointed out.

“I get it, but this is silly and it would incentivise people to come late to work here,” read another remark.

Other Parking Rules In Japan

Parking in Japanese cities can be challenging due to strict regulations. According to Supercar Blondie, cars cannot be parked near intersections, bus stops, building entrances, or areas designated for bicycles and pedestrians.

One commonly overlooked rule is that vehicles must not block emergency points, such as fire hydrants. Violating these regulations can result in hefty fines or parking violation stickers. In many cities, street parking is generally prohibited, although some areas have parking meters that allow short-term parking, typically for about an hour.

Location :

Delhi, India, India

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