Day in the Life of a Japanese Hotel Worker

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Summary

This video follows Yohei, an assistant manager at APA Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, through a typical workday. It highlights his daily routines, the unique aspects of Japanese hotel operations, and the cultural nuances of service and work ethic in Japan.

Highlights

Starting the Day and Commute
00:00:27

Yohei wakes up in his Tokyo apartment, checks his temperature as a company requirement, and prepares for work. He lives a 5-minute walk from the train station and has a 15-minute train ride to work, which is considered a good commute in Tokyo. He discusses the high percentage of single households in Tokyo.

Arrival at APA Hotel and Morning Routine
00:02:03

Yohei arrives at APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoenmae, where he works as an assistant manager. APA is a large hotel chain in Japan known for its 'new urban-style' approach. His morning involves a traditional Japanese 'chorei' meeting, where staff recite company principles and practice customer greetings, embodying the 'omotenashi' hospitality custom.

Daily Tasks and Cleaning Protocols
00:03:56

Yohei starts his day by cleaning around the hotel, including public walkways, a common practice in Japanese companies. Due to COVID, he also sanitizes high-touch areas on all 14 floors. During peak checkout times, he assists guests with express checkout machines, which automatically notify cleaning crews.

Hotel Operations and Staff Roles
00:04:50

Yohei checks in with the head chef for the next day's breakfast menu and shows the emergency food storage, as hotels in Japan often serve as evacuation centers. He explains his passion for customer service and how it led him to the hotel business.

Fire Drill and Safety Procedures
00:05:30

The hotel conducts a monthly fire drill, selecting a fire location and practicing evacuation procedures for staff. This highlights the importance of safety and preparedness, with staff regularly undergoing first responder training.

Problem Solving and Leadership Responsibilities
00:06:41

Yohei responds to a guest issue, cleaning a spilled curry in a common area. He discusses his enjoyment of his leadership role as an assistant manager, which involves directing his team and increasing sales. He also performs office tasks like assigning rooms and adjusting prices based on occupancy.

Hotel Features and Lunch Break
00:07:55

The video provides a tour of some hotel features, including storage rooms, separate elevators for guests and staff, and a 'deluxe toilet' with special flushing features. Yohei then takes his lunch break, often eating alone due to rotating staff schedules. He enjoys the hotel restaurant but sometimes opts for convenience store food to save money.

Room Inspections and Bath Maintenance
00:09:34

After lunch, Yohei conducts quality checks on 10 random rooms to ensure cleanliness. He re-sanitizes rooms after inspection and then checks the chlorine concentration in the 'daiyokujo', a large shared bath area, which is a popular amenity in Japanese hotels, especially for salarymen.

Evening Check-ins and Customer Service
00:11:05

During peak check-in hours, Yohei assists guests with automatic check-in machines and the hotel's app. He also helps a guest with their package to their room, highlighting the Japanese custom of 'omotenashi' and the lack of tipping culture.

Staff Training and Lost & Found
00:11:44

As an assistant manager, Yohei trains new staff, providing guidance on procedures and guest services. He handles a call about a forgotten item, explaining the hotel's lost and found policy for different types of items.

End of Shift and Personal Life
00:12:53

Before leaving, Yohei sanitizes used room cards and does one last round of cleaning. After work, due to COVID, he goes straight home instead of dining out with friends. The video shows him making gyoza for dinner and playing the guitar, showcasing his musical talent and how he spends his free time.

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