[xanderlewis]

Some (myself included) would rather live a depressing yet productive existence than a carefree but ultimately meaningless one. Working hard is what life is about.

I’m not claiming that explains what’s going on in this case; just that what you point out isn’t necessarily as much of a contradiction as it might initially seem.

[laborcontract]

I don't disagree that I made a specious rebuttal. But parent stated that Japanese people had an innate appreciation for life that others do not. If I were to believe that, then I'd probably also think that their innate appreciation would reflect in a more uniform preferences for family and work over time.