Japanese workplace hierarchy

Japanese workplaces are structured around clear hierarchical relationships — 上司 (superior), 部下 (subordinate), 先輩/後輩 (senior/junior) — with named tiers (係長, 課長, 部長, 役員) and clear promotion paths. Verbs like 昇格 and 昇進 differ slightly in what they track. Communication, decision-making, and social rituals are all shaped by this hierarchy.