I worked at Honda Motor Co in Tokyo and my direct manager was ok. He treated me slightly differently than the Japanese staff, but my job was something no one else could do. I have to admit, I took advantage of my 'difference' whenever I could :) . The rest of the people in my office did overtime every day. I was told to leave at 6pm (It may be due to my much higher-than-average salary too).
When I was an employer, I did not encourage overtime, and treated my staff fairly and with respect. They gave me respect in return.
But you are right, its all about who you report to. I have seen first-hand some idiot managers (not in my department) but also slacker-employees.

And you are from Canada. I would laugh if we know some of the same people. I am from Toronto but lived in Edmonton, Sackville NB and Montreal as well.