What It’s Really Like to Be a Construction Worker in Japan

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Meet Sai, a 39-year-old single mother of two teenagers living on the outskirts of Tokyo. As a heavy machine operator in the construction industry, she navigates a demanding career while balancing family life in an affordable danchi housing complex, where rent is just 23,000 yen ($160) per month—far below Tokyo’s average of 89,000 yen ($620). Here’s a glimpse into her daily routine.

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Morning Routine

Sai wakes early to prepare for her physically demanding workday. Living frugally, she spends only 30,000 yen ($200) monthly on food for her family of three, well below the national average of 81,000 yen ($560). Her breakfast is protein-packed to fuel her long hours. Before leaving, she prepares meals for her teenagers, leaving them on the counter since she departs before they wake for school. A quick hug goodbye is part of her routine, followed by a stop at a convenience store for frozen drinks—a summer staple in Japan’s scorching heat.

At 7:15 AM, Sai heads to a nearby construction site, though some projects require a two-hour commute. She wears a coo fuku, an air-conditioned jacket popular among construction workers to combat summer temperatures.

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Workday Begins

Sai has worked as a heavy machine operator for nine years, now as an oroyaka (independent contractor). Her specialty is operating yumbo (excavators), a term synonymous with excavators in Japan since the 1960s. To do her job, she holds four specialized licenses, including a large vehicle driver’s license for road use.

The workday starts with rajio taiso, a traditional group calisthenic exercise set to music, designed to prevent injuries. The crew then holds a brief meeting to align on daily tasks, followed by a safety inspection. Sai maintains her excavator, greasing its joints to minimize wear, and gets to work. Today’s task involves constructing a wall, requiring precision to avoid accidents, as even a minor distraction can be dangerous.

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Challenges and Triumphs

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Sai faced skepticism early on. Women make up only 2.3% of Japan’s 3.44 million construction workers. Initially struggling to secure a job, she persevered, earning her colleagues’ respect through skill and dedication. Inspired by her journey, Sai founded Lady Sight, a platform to advocate for better workplace accommodations for women, such as adequate toilets.

Sai discovered her passion for excavators in her late 20s while working as an office cleaner. Watching operators from her window, she dreamed of driving one. After sharing her ambition with an operator during lunch, she pursued and earned her licenses, eventually landing a job with his help.

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Breaks and Lunch

Construction workers get two short breaks and an hour for lunch. Sai often eats onigiri in her air-conditioned car, a common practice at sites lacking proper facilities. During one break, her senpai surprises her with ice cream, a small gesture of camaraderie. With some time left, she takes a quick nap to recharge.

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Afternoon and End of Day

In the afternoon, Sai switches to a more advanced excavator with a digital camera display and air conditioning. Beyond operating heavy machinery, she handles various tasks as part of the site’s hierarchical structure, where a zenekon (general contractor) oversees projects to meet Japan’s strict architectural and safety regulations.

Sai typically finishes her shift without overtime. On her way home, she stops at a supermarket to buy ingredients for dinner. Despite the grueling day, she dives into household chores, preparing meals and tending to her family’s needs. Her eldest son has been eating separately, so she brings food to his room.

Evening and Reflections

Dinner with her daughter is a quiet moment before Sai tackles dishes, laundry, and other chores. She winds down around 12:30 AM. On her days off, she enjoys family time or pursues hobbies like Japanese calligraphy, a skill she’s honed so well she can write it with her excavator arm. Her dream? To showcase this talent at an international exhibition.

Sai’s life as a single mother and construction worker isn’t easy, but she’s grateful for her healthy kids and a job she loves. Her resilience and passion inspire others, proving that determination can break barriers in even the toughest industries.

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