Why “The Nail That Sticks Out Must Be Hammered Down” Still Defines Japanese Society and Work Culture

In Japan, the phrase “The nail that sticks out must be hammered down” — or deru kugi wa utareru — is more than just an old proverb. It’s a mindset. It shapes behavior in schools, offices, public spaces, and even homes. The saying reflects Japan’s deep-rooted culture of conformity, where being different can often be met with rejection or pressure to fall in line.

This blog explores how the idea of the “nail that sticks out” influences modern Japanese society, especially in the workplace. It also takes a deeper look at how this cultural belief is both a source of harmony and a cause of individual stress, burnout, and rebellion.

The Origins of Conformity in Japan

The idea behind the nail that sticks out has its roots in centuries-old traditions. Although Japan isn’t a religious country in a Western sense, Confucianism has long played a role in shaping its values. Confucian thought, which became popular during the Edo period (1603–1868), focuses on harmony, loyalty, and the importance of knowing one’s role within a group. Putting the group before the individual is seen as virtuous.

This mindset was later echoed in modern Japan’s postwar identity. Article 9 of Japan’s constitution promises “international peace based on justice and order,” reinforcing a society where harmony is seen as essential. In such a system, any individual who disrupts the flow — any nail that sticks out — is seen as a threat to the group’s unity and must be hammered back into place.

Where the Hammering Begins: School

Japanese children start feeling the pressure to conform from the moment they enter school. Uniforms are strict. Hairstyles are regulated. In some schools, even naturally brown-haired girls are forced to dye their hair black. This insistence on sameness is how the hammer first strikes.

In 2022, a record number of elementary and junior high school students — 244,940 — skipped school. For many, this was linked to the stress of fitting in or facing humiliation for being different. Individuality is discouraged not just in appearance, but in personality and thinking. Students are often evaluated based on how well they follow rules or compete academically, rather than how they express creativity or think independently.

By discouraging students from being different, the system teaches that the nail that sticks out will always be punished. This can lead to long-term effects, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

The Salaryman: A Hammered Life

Nowhere is the proverb more visible than in Japan’s corporate world. The “salaryman” — a full-time, male office worker — is an icon of postwar Japan. He works long hours, joins colleagues for after-work drinks, and rarely questions authority. He is loyal to his company, sometimes for life, and expects loyalty in return.

But the system is brutal. If a worker refuses to stay late or skips social events, they may face silent punishment — being passed over for promotions, assigned to dead-end roles, or even forced to resign. Overwork is common, and unpaid overtime is often expected. Many even take pride in how many hours they work, seeing it as a badge of honor.

Again, the message is clear: the nail that sticks out — the one who questions the system or seeks work-life balance — must be hammered down.

COVID-19 and the Power of Conformity

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan’s collective mindset helped the country navigate the crisis better than many others. The government promoted the idea of avoiding the “3 Cs” — closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings. Almost without protest, the public followed.

Mask-wearing, social distancing, and compliance with restrictions were practiced with discipline. Companies that failed to follow the guidelines were publicly criticized in the media. In this case, society became the hammer — shaming those who deviated from group expectations for the greater good.

Here, the nail that sticks out was a real health risk. Conformity, in this situation, likely saved lives. Japan’s COVID-19 death rate was much lower than that of the U.S. or many European countries. It showed the positive side of Japan’s cultural unity.

Conformity Has Its Benefits

Despite its downsides, Japan’s conformity-based culture has contributed to a stable and orderly society. The streets are clean. Crime rates are low. Public transport runs on time. People are polite and considerate. These benefits come, in part, from a shared understanding that rules matter, and everyone has a role to play.

Would Japan be so efficient and safe if everyone was trying to stand out or break the mold? Maybe not. The nail that sticks out can disrupt as well as innovate.

But There’s a Cost

That said, the pressure to conform comes at a price. Mental health issues are rising, especially among youth. Overwork has led to karoshi — death by overwork. Creativity is often stifled in both schools and workplaces. People are afraid to speak up, share bold ideas, or challenge authority.

In some ways, Japan’s younger generation is beginning to push back. More young professionals are seeking flexible jobs, freelancing, or even moving abroad. There’s a small but growing movement away from “black companies” (those that exploit employees), and toward balance and individuality.

Still, change is slow. The old mindset remains strong. And for every nail that dares to stick out, the hammer is usually close behind.

Breaking the Pattern: Can the Nails Stay Up?

The phrase “the nail that sticks out must be hammered down” will likely continue to define much of Japanese society for years to come. But it’s important to ask — must this always be the case?

For Japan to thrive in a rapidly changing global world, encouraging diversity, creative thinking, and flexibility will become increasingly important. Companies that value mental health, work-life balance, and employee individuality are already beginning to stand out — and succeed.

Conformity built modern Japan, but individuality might shape its future. If the country can shift its mindset — even slightly — maybe some of the nails that stick out won’t need to be hammered down. Maybe they’ll be the ones holding up new, stronger structures for generations to come.