Yeah, it&#x27;s true.  Read the article pkaye linked.  There are some odd (to US eyes) implied agreements when you take an office job in Japan.  The biggest is this:  the company is expected to keep you on until you retire.  In return you&#x27;re expected to not quit, ever.  To quit is to <i>betray</i> the company.<p>It&#x27;s not like nobody ever gets laid off or quits.  But that&#x27;s the expectation.