The Japanese Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), conducted a Community Service activity entitled “Introduction to Japanese Work Ethics” for students of SMA Negeri 1 Air Putih, Indrapura, Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra. The activity was conducted to provide students with an understanding of Japanese work ethics while introducing opportunities to work in Japan through government and private programs.

The activity was conducted in response to the increasing interest among Indonesian young people in participating in internship programs and working in Japan. This situation is driven by various factors, including employment opportunities and the demand for workers in Japan. In this situation, prospective Indonesian workers need to prepare not only their work skills but also understand the culture and work ethics of Japanese society.

During the community service activity, students were introduced to several programs that can serve as pathways for Indonesians to work in Japan. The materials discussed private programs or internships as well as cooperation programs between the Indonesian and Japanese governments through the Government to Government (G to G) scheme. The information provided students with an overview of the various opportunities available and the preparations required to work in Japan.

In addition to employment opportunities, the activity emphasized the importance of understanding the culture and work ethics of Japanese society before deciding to work and live in Japan. Several characteristics of work ethics introduced in the materials included hard work, friendliness and politeness, discipline, and an innovative attitude.

The material on hard work introduced Japanese society as a society known for having a strong work ethic. Workers are required to complete the work for which they are responsible. The discussion provided students with an overview of the importance of dedication and responsibility in carrying out their work.

Another aspect introduced was friendliness and politeness in Japanese society. The material explained the practice of respecting others, particularly older people or those in higher positions, as well as the use of ojigi as a form of respect. Students were also introduced to the importance of greeting others and apologizing when taking actions that may disturb other people.

Discipline and punctuality were also important parts of the community service materials. The materials emphasized that time discipline is highly valued in Japanese society and that the concept of “rubber time” is not recognized. Therefore, punctuality in daily activities and work needs to be a concern for Indonesian prospective workers who wish to adapt to the work environment in Japan.

Students were also introduced to an innovative attitude in Japanese work culture. The material associated innovation with a passion for knowledge and efforts to improve the quality of products and work. The concept of kaizen was introduced as one of the work ethics related to continuous improvement toward better conditions.

The community service activity was conducted through socialization in the form of lectures and discussions. The materials provided covered Japanese work ethics, government and private programs for working in Japan, as well as discussions and question-and-answer sessions regarding work ethics and employment opportunities in Japan. Through this method, students not only received information but also had the opportunity to discuss the materials presented.

The activity was held at SMA Negeri 1 Air Putih, Indrapura, Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 09:00 to 12:00 WIB. The activity was attended by students of SMA Negeri 1 Air Putih and supported by the school. Documentation of the activity shows the lecture session with students as well as interactions among the principal, teachers, students, lecturers, and students of the Japanese Literature Study Program.

The activity implementation team consisted of Adriana Hasibuan, S.S., M.Hum. as the team leader, with Rani Arfianty, S.S., M.Phil., Dr. Siti Muharami Malayu, M.Hum., Arwina Sufika, S.E., M.Si., and Murniati Br. Barus, S.S., M.Hum. as members. The activity also involved students Maya Sara Sihombing, Mikha Olivia Situmorang, and Hellen Estefania Lumban Gaol as members of the implementation team.

The activity received support from SMA Negeri 1 Air Putih. The activity report included a statement of willingness to cooperate from the partner institution in the implementation of community service, signed by the school. The documentation also showed the community service team with the principal and teachers, as well as the enthusiasm of students during the activity.

Based on the achievements stated in the report, this community service activity provided benefits by increasing understanding of Japanese work ethics and motivating students of SMA Negeri 1 Air Putih who are interested in working in Japan after graduation through government and private programs. Thus, the activity not only provided insights into culture and work ethics but also helped students identify the preparations needed to enter the workforce in Japan.

The Community Service activity “Introduction to Japanese Work Ethics” is one of the contributions of the Japanese Literature Study Program of FIB USU in providing the younger generation with insights into life and the world of work in Japan. Through lectures and discussions, students of SMA Negeri 1 Air Putih gained an understanding of hard work, politeness, discipline, innovation, and various opportunities to work in Japan. This activity is expected to broaden students’ knowledge and motivation in preparing for their future, particularly for those interested in pursuing further education or working in Japan.