Japan Opens Free-Drink Bar for People Considering Quitting Their Jobs

Popular Bars

There are a lot of bars in most of the major train stations of Japan. Izakaya, wine bars, whiskey bars, and sake bars exist. Hostess bars are even found in some back alleys. However, closer to the Yokohama Station, there is a different bar. The place goes by the name Tenshoku Sodan Bar, also known as the Job-Changing Consultation Bar. The bar offers complimentary alcohol and focuses on meaningful, professional conversations. Staffing company LIA employees are career counselors. According to sources, the bar is not a normal recruitment office. It is a serene venue of free discussions.

Honest Career Talks

Most employees experience the feeling that they like and dislike their work. Biased advice may be provided by friends or family. The frequent recruitment offices are stressful, as you have to have a resume, the responses to the interview, and a formal outfit.

In Tenshoku Sodan Bar, there is no need for this. Tourists are able to communicate their skepticism. The light atmosphere makes one think clearly in regard to career choices.

Private Consultations

The bar will offer one-on-one and individual talks. Tourists do not have to carry resumes and suits. For example, many tourists openly say, “I like my job, but I’m not sure if it’s the right fit for me in the long term.”

It is not anticipated that one will switch jobs in the near future. Approximately 60 percent of visitors are not willing to stop yet.

Free Drinks

In addition, all drinks — including alcohol and soft drinks — are completely free of charge. Meetings take 60-90 minutes, and there is no tight deadline. The bar provides a secure place to think over career considerations. People feel comfortable there because no one pressures them to speak or make quick decisions.

Easy Reservations

Since each session is private and one-on-one, visitors need to book in advance. The Line messaging app provides people with the opportunity to make a booking.

The official website of the bar contains the instructions as well. In late January 2026, Tenshoku Sodan Bar was opened, and quickly caught the attention of many workers.

Creative Career Support

This bar is an exceptional illustration of employee support in Japan. In comparison with the usual recruitment offices, the visitors have the opportunity to share their thoughts and discuss career doubts.

The bar also offers a relaxing environment where visitors can openly discuss job satisfaction, career goals, and future plans with professional counselors. It demonstrates how workplaces may assist employees to be creative without straining.