リモートワーク

• Reading: リモートワーク
• Romaji: rimōto wāku
• Kanji breakdown: From English 'remote' (リモート) + 'work' (ワーク)
• Pronunciation: /ɾi.moː.to waː.ku/

Meaning

Remote work or working from home, typically using a computer and internet connection.

リモートワーク became an essential part of Japanese vocabulary during the COVID-19 pandemic when companies were forced to adopt work-from-home policies. While Japan was slow to embrace remote work compared to other countries due to its strong in-office culture, the pandemic accelerated adoption dramatically. The term is now standard in everyday conversation, though some companies have since returned to full in-office work.

Examples

1. うちの会社は週3リモートワークでめっちゃ楽。 My company lets us work remote three days a week — it's so nice.
2. リモートワークになってから通勤のストレスがなくなった。 Ever since we switched to remote work, I've had zero commute stress.
3. リモートワークだと仕事とプライベートの境目がなくなるよね。 With remote work, the line between work and personal life just disappears, right?

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, casual conversation, news

Tone: neutral, practical

Do Say

• 来週からリモートワークに切り替わるらしいよ。 (Apparently we're switching to remote work starting next week.)
• リモートワークの日は朝ギリギリまで寝れるのがいい。 (The best thing about remote work days is sleeping in until the last minute.)

Don't Say

• リモートワーク＝サボりと決めつけない (Don't assume remote work means slacking off — it's a legitimate work arrangement)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing リモートワーク with テレワーク — they mean essentially the same thing, but テレワーク is more official/governmental

Origin & History

From English 'remote work.' Became widespread in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the government urged companies to adopt remote working arrangements.

Cultural Context

Era: 2020 mainstream adoption during COVID-19 pandemic

Generation: All working-age adults

Social background: Primarily white-collar office workers

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Often shortened to リモート in casual speech (e.g., 今日リモートだから).