Pros
The importance is set heavily upon WORK/LIFE Balance. We have the freedom to get off on time without the added pressure of needing to stay because your bosses are staying late. Most often than not the partners (if not your immediate boss) will be ushering you out the door as the Bell tolls for end of day (this bell thing is totally Japanese it rings twice a day morning to start, evening for end of day). As the down turn of the market suggest lack of "quality work" the work for consulting firms are limited. There is really no "real work" to be done as the company itself is struggling to get work with competition from PWC, KPMG, and E&Y. Our division in particular is also fighting to grab jobs pitting against internal departments. Overall, most of the time is spent idling by on the company issued laptops using our free time for studies (such as CPA, CFA, GMAT). The freedom to use time on your own is abundant and is greatly geared towards married women who want to earn extra income, struggling artists, or people who need a relaxing environment to suppor themselves before commiting to a graduate degree (although the pay is significantly small and lacking time is in excess). Job Security is impecable, as with most Japanese firms firing employees are frowned upon. It reflects badly upon the managers if an employee quit or are fired. No one is fired therefore, even if a perosn is caught sleeping on the side no downsides. Overall if you want job security of NEVER getting fired or need a 9-5 job to support your artistic or struggling main career or perhaps a house wife wanting to come back to the work force it is a very inviting place. They are even willing to take back employees who once quit more so than outsiders.
Cons
One will be eternally bored if you are use to working for your pay. The concept of work is used excessively and very loosely. No one seems to mind that new hires come in every month as the division is putting out losses. The no stress and no work environment may come to some as an upside, but for over achieving individuals who would like recognition for their work is lacking. Recognition is only given to those on higher levels (much like Japanese corporations) and not necessarily to the individual who achieved the load. No set career path. As with in most Japanese corporations, there is no "Set" career path for anyone. You are brought on as a generalist which is a good idea for developed groups, but not for a company who prides itself on specialist professionals. Without any direction junior personnel is bounced to and from numerous ares without much of a career in any one specific field. Which in return makes them an unfit candidate for jobs which require specialists with individual professional traits required for an Audit/Accounting firm. For individuals at a Junior Level this company is highly advised aginst unless you are content with doing multiple tasks that may not lead to a specialist area, and nothing to add to your CV.