Summer Vacation

The concept of summer vacation is not a new one for the United States. It is normally associated with school children finishing their classes for the year and spending a month or two playing in the sun at the pool with friends. There is also the occasional family vacation, something that every kid looks forward to.

In Japan, summer vacation is not limited to students. Companies also engage in the mandatory practice. The time is normally set automatically. Everyone in the company takes a certain time off to go spend time with family. This leads to lots of closed restaurants at this time of year. Normally a skeleton staff will remain to answer phone calls and assist customers. In smaller companies, people will choose their dates and take off accordingly.

Companies normally try to give off during the week of the Obon Festival. This festival is for visiting the family grave. Although it varies slightly by region, it normally occurs in August.

This idea of paid time off is done for a couple reasons. First, it`s mandatory by law. This is to prevent the overworking of employees. Second, it gives everyone some spare time off to take a vacation and relax during the summer heat. Overall, it`s a pretty nice perk.