personal Life vs. Professional Life Family and personal time is the priority in the US. Work-Life balance is a must. There is some socializing outside of work but not as a group. In Japan, priority is on the work life. It is given work is the center of life. There are many traditions that re-enforce this. A newcomer to the company, hold the place for Hanami to enjoy the cherry blossom in Spring for drinking with co-workers. Also a common after-work event is Nomikai (drinking party) and is used as a very important opportunity to communicate with each other for work.