First Interaction with Japanese Language and Culture
The first time I started learning Japanese was in high school when I had to choose between social studies and language courses. I decided to take Japanese, albeit somewhat reluctantly. However, over time, my interest in Japanese pop culture, such as anime, manga, and songs, grew, and I began to take my Japanese studies more seriously. My ultimate goal was to study abroad in Japan after graduating from high school, but unfortunately, I did not immediately enter college, so that plan didn’t materialize.
During the gap before entering college, I made an effort to engage in productive activities, and one of them was taking Japanese classes. I dedicated myself to studying, and I managed to reach N3-level proficiency during that period. There was a time when I had to temporarily quit learning Japanese to prepare for my college entrance examination. However, my passion for the language and culture has never waned, and I hope to pick up my Japanese studies again soon.
Experience of ASIA to JAPAN
During my third year of college, a friend of mine introduced me to a program that offered an opportunity to work in Japan. Intrigued by the idea of improving my existing skills and gaining valuable life experience, I became interested in participating. The prospect of learning new things in Japan excited me, and when I discovered that the program provided free Japanese lessons, as well as a chance to work there, I saw no reason not to take it. Consequently, I decided to enroll in the program.
Once I got into the program, I began revisiting the basics of the Japanese language, eager to prepare myself for the upcoming experience in Japan. My mentor played a pivotal role in my journey as a constructive and supportive person. During my final year project and interview preparations, their advice was incredibly specific and helpful, significantly boosting my confidence.
The staff at ASIA to JAPAN were also exceptional, with one person standing out for her professionalism and unwavering support. Even the interns demonstrated remarkable diligence and dedication to their work. Having such a supportive network was invaluable; I always knew that whenever I needed assistance, I could reach out to someone I could count on. This sense of community and assistance made me feel genuinely grateful and motivated to succeed.
First Interview and Challenges
One day, I received an offer for my first interview, but unfortunately, it didn’t go well. My lack of confidence made it difficult for me to express myself and answer the questions properly. I realized that I needed to work on my speaking skills, so I decided to practice speaking with a Japanese intern from AtoJ. Through consistent practice, my speaking gradually improved, and I performed better in the second interview, advancing to the second round. However, the third interview didn’t go as planned, and I failed to secure the opportunity.
Following that setback, FAST OFFER International provided me with top-notch Japanese classes that covered various essential aspects, such as self-expression, staying calm, and using proper Japanese etiquette. The classes proved invaluable as they equipped me with the necessary tools to convey my thoughts effectively and use polite language appropriately. Speaking was particularly challenging because it required conveying my feelings accurately. It took considerable effort and time to gain the confidence to speak freely in Japanese. When speaking a foreign language, there’s always a fear of inadvertently offending others or causing misunderstandings, making it even more crucial to cultivate the confidence to communicate effectively.
First Visit to Japan: Job Interview
Around late June, a staff member informed me about a remarkable opportunity – the chance to go to Japan and attend three interviews. At that moment, I realized I had some important preparations to make before I could embark on this journey. I lacked both a VISA and a passport, so I immediately set out to arrange all the necessary documents and requirements.
Eventually, on the 25th, I landed in Japan, ready to seize the opportunity that awaited me. During my time there, I made new friends who were also going through the interview process. Together, we practiced and supported one another, gradually building up our confidence for the interviews. The effort we put into preparing and encouraging each other was truly rewarding.
Finally, after going through the rigorous interview process, I received the news I had been waiting for – acceptance by the company I will be joining. It was an immensely gratifying moment, as it felt like all the hard work and dedication I had invested over the past year had paid off. The sense of achievement was unparalleled, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the new chapter that lies ahead of me.
Stay in Japan
My experience in Japan was not exactly what I was expecting, as it was primarily for my interview, not just sightseeing. However, I still had some unique and memorable experiences during my stay.
On the first day, when I landed at Narita Airport, I had a polite exchange with two Japanese passengers sitting beside me. They asked if I was in a hurry, and to their surprise, I answered in Japanese, saying “Daijoubudesu (大丈夫です).” It was a small but delightful interaction that left a positive impression.
During my time in Tokyo, I spent some leisurely moments exploring the Ueno area, which offered a different experience from what I had imagined based on the vibrant atmosphere of Shibuya. Ueno was quieter and pleasantly not as hot as I had assumed. I wandered around the city, strolled through Ameyoko streets, savored delicious ramen noodles, and even went souvenir hunting at Don Quixote. Throughout my journey, I found people to be incredibly helpful and kind, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
While staying at a hotel, I had a serendipitous encounter with an artist who was leaving Tokyo. He gifted me a museum ticket, though unfortunately, I couldn’t find the time to visit the museum. Nevertheless, the ticket became a cherished memento of my time in Japan and my interaction with Japanese people.
Another memorable experience was when a friend and I visited a taiyaki shop and inquired about whether the food was halal or not. The encounter was quite unique because the shopkeepers had no idea what halal meant, and we had a friendly, informative exchange with them.
One aspect that stood out to me during my stay was the sense of structure and adherence to rules in Japanese cities. Unlike my home country, people in Tokyo follow traffic signals and generally display a strong respect for rules. The city had an organized and calm atmosphere, with people not paying much attention or showing excessive curiosity towards others. It was a refreshing change from what I was used to back home.
Career goals and Message for Students looking for Opportunities in Japan
I landed a job as a design engineer, and I’m eager to take on challenging projects to further develop my skills in this field. Becoming a reliable expert is one of my ultimate goals.
During my time in the Japanese class provided by ASIA to JAPAN, I noticed some students who seemed to be on the verge of giving up on studying the language. While I understand that there are moments when it can be tough, I would encourage them not to give up. Learning Japanese is an opportunity for personal growth and development. With perseverance and dedication, their proficiency in Japanese will undoubtedly improve over time. There’s no need to rush; even after joining a company, they can take their time to explore and find the best fit for their career path.
I believe that continuous learning and a patient approach can lead to rewarding outcomes in both language study and career choices. It’s essential to stay motivated and embrace challenges as stepping stones toward personal and professional success.
