Japan is devoid of logic
This is not something that I have only recently noticed, but rather something I am continually reminded of.
Apparently the phrase, "This is just the way we do it in Japan," is enough of a reason to explain even the most unbelievably stupid and illogical action.
A recent example:
"Sorry Luke Sensei, we can't let you take nenkyuu (yearly leave) for the 12 days after you leave your school."
"Why is that?"
"It would mean that you would be working two jobs at once and as a Japanese civil servant, that is illegal."
"OK, fair enough. So you will just give me the money for the nenkyuu that I haven't taken then?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because this is just the way we do it in Japan."
"Ummmmmmmmm... What?!? It's my leave, and more to the point, my money."
"Sorry, I didn't make the rule."
Apparently, because Japanese workers are stupid, I mean don't use their nenkyuu, they won't pay me out. This basically means that because I can't use the nenkyuu, nor can I get paid for it, I have worked an extra 12 days this year, and will never see a red cent for it. If I had known that this would have happened I would have taken a bunch more holidays during the year.