Japan's Bar for People Thinking of Quitting Their Jobs

In Yokohama, Japan, a unique establishment has opened its doors to anyone feeling stuck, burned out, or quietly wondering whether it's time to walk away from their job. It's called Tenshoku Sodan Bar (転職相談Bar) — the "Job-Changing Consultation Bar" — and yes, the drinks are completely free.

Career Counseling on the Rocks

The bar opened in early January 2026 near Yokohama Station and operates by reservation only, booked through the LINE messaging app. But this isn't your typical after-work watering hole. Instead of bartenders mixing cocktails and making small talk, guests sit down one-on-one with trained career counselors from LIA, a Japanese staffing service.

Sessions take place in private rooms to keep conversations confidential. Most last between 60 and 90 minutes, though there's no strict time limit. Guests can choose from alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks while they talk — all of it free of charge.

Why Free Drinks?

The free beverages aren't a gimmick. They're a deliberate design choice. The goal is to make the experience feel like a casual conversation at a bar, not a formal interview or a recruitment pitch. When people are relaxed and comfortable, they're more likely to open up about doubts they'd normally keep bottled up.

There's no expectation to show up in a suit, bring a resume, or have a clear plan. The counselors aren't trying to place anyone in a new role on the spot. They listen, ask questions, and help people organize their thoughts.

Most Visitors Aren't Ready to Quit

Perhaps the most telling detail: around 60% of visitors say they haven't actually decided to change jobs. They're not marching in ready to hand in their resignation. They're people caught in the middle ground — not miserable enough to leave, but not fulfilled enough to stay.

One sentiment commonly shared by guests captures it perfectly: "It's not that I dislike my current job, but I don't know if I should continue like this."

The bar fills a real gap. Friends and family often give biased advice. Formal recruitment agencies assume you've already decided to move. Tenshoku Sodan Bar meets people right where they are — in the uncertainty.

A Response to Japan's Work Culture

The concept didn't emerge in a vacuum. Japan's relationship with work runs deep, and the toll is measurable. In 2025, the government recognized 1,304 cases of overwork-related deaths and health disorders — the highest number on record. Of those, 1,055 involved mental health issues, including 88 suicides or suicide attempts.

The Japanese word karoshi (過労死), meaning "death from overwork," has no direct equivalent in most languages because the phenomenon was first identified and named in Japan. Despite reforms — including the 2018 Work-Style Reform legislation capping monthly overtime at 100 hours — the cultural pressure to endure remains strong.

An entire industry has grown around this tension. Resignation agencies now exist specifically for workers who want to quit but can't bring themselves to do it in person. An estimated one in five Japanese workers have used such services, paying someone else to deliver the news to their employer on their behalf.

No Pressure, Just Clarity

Tenshoku Sodan Bar takes a different approach. Rather than helping people quit or pushing them toward a new job, it simply offers a space to think out loud. Some visitors leave feeling validated. Others gain perspective they didn't have before. And some just feel relieved after finally saying their worries to someone who's trained to listen without judgment.

The bar is open from 3 PM to 11 PM daily, and given that it went viral almost immediately after opening, getting a reservation may take some patience. But for anyone in the Yokohama area wrestling with career doubts, it might be the most useful free drink they'll ever have.