The commitment of Japanese companies to lifetime employment has never been universal across the workforce, and it is weakening, but for salarymen (what most HN readers employed for salary at a megacorp would be), it is not unreasonable to expect the company to durably honor The Offer regardless of the company's financial performance, changes in management, etc.

The Offer -- which underpins a whole lot of social life here -- goes something like this: if you swear yourself to us body and soul (see my numerous posts about work/life balance here), we guarantee you against most forms of risk. You will receive steady paychecks, predictable raises/promotions, a suite of benefits, and the unwavering loyalty (and social support) of the company until the day you die.