Outside of the megacities, they're giving away free houses. Becoming a salaryman is the same kind of choice made by those deciding to live in any other expensive place. Japanese have their own version of 'the rat race', but choosing to run as a participant is an option that's not required.

Look at the work culture in Silicon Valley. It's hard to believe, but people choose that. To be fair, TPTSB have been brainwashing the weak to become consumer-workers for ages. So it's not like a being a corporate drone is their ideal version of life.