Welcome to Tenshoku Sodan Bar in Japan’s Yokohama. Here those considering quitting their jobs get free drinks with a side of one-on-one career advice from professional counsellors
Japan is known for its intense work culture. In a country like this, an unusual new space has opened up for people — a bar. But many of you may be thinking, what’s so different about a bar? Here’s the twist: this bar is not an ordinary establishment, but for people who are planning to quit their jobs.
Welcome to Tenshoku Sodan Bar situated in Japan’s Yokohama. Tenshoku Sodan loosely translates to job-changing consultation bar in English.
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If your interest is piqued, read on to find out more about this unique establishment.
What’s different at Tenshoku Sodan Bar?
Located right outside Yokohama Station, the Tenshoku Sodan Bar is a venue for people mulling a change in job.
The bartenders at this establishment aren’t like your typical ones. They don’t just concoct tasty drinks, but are professional consultants who help advise people on the current job market.
The owner of Tenshoku, Shota Umemoto, told India Today that the idea of this bar came to him while listening to employees’ concerns while drinking at a pub. “That experience inspired me to create a place where people can openly talk about their careers over drinks,” he told India Today.
The bar, which only opened earlier this month, is already attracting attention for its fresh take on how career conversations can unfold.
So, why not directly go to a consultancy for job counselling? The answer is simple — the process to apply to these employment firms is extremely tedious. Meeting with a recruiting agency typically involves updating your resume and going through an interview that requires you to clearly outline your skills, short- and long-term career goals, salary expectations, and reasons for wanting to move on.
Meanwhile, at the bar, customers are invited to have a drink and talk one-on-one with bartenders who double as trained career counsellors from staffing firm LIA.
Why do people visit the bar?
At Tenshoku Sodan Bar, the vibe is deliberately casual, making it easier to talk things through without feeling pressured to decide.
Most people who visit the bar are confused about whether they like their job or want to switch as soon as possible. There are also those who fall in the grey area, as they do not hate their current roles enough to resign immediately, but are unsure if they want to stay long-term. In fact, a Live Mint report states that 60 per cent of those who have visited the bar already are not yet ready to change jobs.
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The bar gives people a neutral space to think things through, without the pressure or bias often associated with friends, family, or commission-driven recruiters. All discussions take place in private rooms, and reservations are required. Moreover, the consultations are free of cost. “Everything we offer is completely free of charge,” said the owner.
Sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes, although there is no strict time limit.
As of today, the age of the patrons visiting the bar ranges from early 20s to 60. Also, advice is being sought for various types of industries — ranging from restaurant managers to nurses, and senior executives at large companies.
How has the bar been received by the public?
Social media users have warmly responded to the idea, calling it thoughtful and much-needed in today’s burnout-prone work environment. Some likened it to ‘therapy without pressure,’ while others joked that free drinks help people speak more openly about their jobs.
One user wrote, “This is so healthy,” while another wrote, “I’d be there every day.”
Another netizen wrote, “I think they have to pay double if they don’t quit the week after.” Meanwhile, a fourth said, “Imagine meeting your boss there.”
With inputs from agencies
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