Tokyo

HUNDREDS of thousands of Japanese started their first day on the job on Friday in an annual ritual born from the country's fast-disappearing jobs-for-life work culture.

More than 500 recruits pumped their fists in the air and shouted "yacchae, Nissan" ("go for it, Nissan") at the carmaker's welcoming ceremony, while Japan Airlines' new hires - clad in black suits and spotless white shirts - tossed paper aeroplanes inside a giant hangar.