In this episode, I talk about one of the most practical yet rarely discussed skills in Japanese corporate life: making excuses when you need to skip work or arrive late. From the safest option of claiming illness to more questionable reasons like family emergencies, I explore which excuses are believable and which can damage your reputation. I also explain cultural aspects such as train delay certificates, the unwritten rules after company drinking parties, and why some employees are forgiven while others are harshly criticized. Finally, I emphasize that true survival lies in choosing workplaces where excuses aren’t necessary.