Changing Careers In Japan As A Foreigner: How I Did It

Falling in Love with Japanese Culture Through Learning the Japanese Language 

I began learning Japanese in my third year at university while studying electronics and telecommunication engineering at the recommendation of my professor. 

Since I didn’t have any Japanese acquaintances around me, I took online classes at a Japanese language school in India and also began studying with a friend. Of course, at first, I was overwhelmed by the difficulty of kanji and grammar, but by persevering, I gradually improved. Eventually, I was able to pass both JLPT N4 and N5. 

After that, I continued studying Japanese. After graduating, through self-study, I passed JLPT N3, and now I am preparing for JLPT N2. Since I started learning Japanese, I have been writing and memorizing 10 kanji every day. As I learned Japanese, I also became familiar with Japanese culture and values. This inspired me to pursue a career in Japan. Down the line, this has also been the inspiration that led me to change careers in Japan as a foreigner. 

Landing an Engineering Job in Japan: My Journey  

My job in India helped me improve my Japanese 

After graduating from university, my Japanese was still not good enough. And so, I got a job as a new graduate at a company in India. It was a company that collaborated with Japanese firms on projects, so I interpreted conversations during meetings between both sides. Since I majored in electronics and communication engineering at university, I made sure to interpret not just the words but also the technical aspects accurately. 

Working as a temporary employee in Japan 

As I worked in a Japan-related job and improved my Japanese, my desire to live and work in Japan grew stronger. So, four months after joining as a new graduate, I began searching for jobs in Japan. I researched various websites and found engineering positions that matched my university major. After going through interviews, I moved from India to Kumamoto Prefecture in August 2024 and started working as a temporary employee. 

The Positive Impact of Rural Life on Me 

Many might be more attracted to cities like Tokyo than to rural areas. However, for me, life in the Japanese countryside was very comfortable and fulfilling. There are two main benefits I experienced living in the countryside. 

My Japanese Improved Rapidly 

I had many opportunities to interact with people at work, in supermarkets, parks, and other places. Once, while shopping at a supermarket, I couldn’t figure out the price of an item, so I asked an elderly Japanese woman in Japanese. She looked at me speaking Japanese and asked, “Where are you from?” From there, the conversation took off, and I often visited her home afterward. 

Since I had no Japanese acquaintances in India, I was delighted to have such interactions. What is everyday life for Japanese people was extraordinary for me, full of discoveries. 

I think Japanese people are all very kind. For example, if you bump into someone on the street, they say “Sumimasen” (I’m sorry). Each encounter made me feel warm-hearted. Before I knew it, I had adopted Japanese manners myself. Feeling these changes in myself in a foreign country was fascinating. 

Enjoying Nature 

When I lived in Kumamoto, I obtained a motorcycle license and commuted by bike. Traveling to various places by bike, I was captivated by the beauty of rural nature. So far, I’ve traveled within Kumamoto, Hiroshima Prefecture, and Tokyo. 

Japan’s four seasons are incredibly beautiful. Cities have their charm, but I hope everyone experiences the beauty of the countryside too! 

From Temporary Employee to Full-Time: Changing Careers as a Foreigner 

Life in Kumamoto was very pleasant, but my desire to advance my career grew stronger, and I began thinking about relocating and changing jobs. As a foreigner working as a temporary employee, I couldn’t engage in tasks outside my assigned duties. Most of my work involves assisting full-time employees or completing given tasks. 

As someone who enjoys demonstrating leadership and turning my ideas into reality, I wanted to take on more advanced responsibilities as a full-time employee, such as actively proposing ideas and collaborating with team members. That’s when I began to feel the limitations of continuing as a temporary worker in Japan. 

Of course, it was possible to become a full-time employee from a temporary position, but it seemed like it would take time, so I decided to start job hunting. 

Using FAST OFFER to Transition to Full-Time Employment 

I signed up with the FAST OFFER international program to help me with my goal of changing careers in Japan as a foreigner. FAST OFFER usually supports hiring foreign new graduates, but in some cases, they also introduce jobs to people like me—young and with a few years of work experience. This is related to a unique aspect of Japanese culture called “Second New Graduate.”

It refers to people who, after working for a few years, want to change careers or feel their current company doesn’t suit them. Japanese companies often consider them under the same hiring framework as new graduates. Fortunately, I was able to secure an engineering position at a new company under this system! 

Becoming a Full-Time Employee Through FAST OFFER 

I received advice and etiquette tips for interviews from FAST OFFER mentors and proceeded to the job interviews. After thorough preparation with FAST OFFER’s support, I received an offer from the first company I interviewed with! This is how my long-held dream of working as a full-time employee in Japan finally came true. 

Advice as a Senior: What’s Important When Working in Japan 

Based on my experience, here are some things necessary for working at a Japanese company.

Actively Ask Seniors and Colleagues When You Don’t Understand Something 

When I worked as a temporary employee in Kumamoto, there were many things I didn’t understand about work and life in Japan. At such times, I didn’t hesitate to ask questions or seek advice from senior colleagues. 

For example, when my boss assigned me a task, and I didn’t understand the goal, I asked questions before starting the work to ensure I understood the task accurately. 

Even regarding daily life, I once brought an envelope from the city hall to my company and asked what it was for. 

Japanese people may seem shy, and you might feel it’s hard to approach them. You might also worry that asking too many questions will annoy them. However, many Japanese companies value teamwork and communication, so actively asking questions is encouraged. In Indian companies, it was harder to ask questions to superiors, but that’s not the case in Japan. 

Also, when you take the initiative to talk, people often help you, and it can lead to friendships. In fact, I went strawberry picking, ate Indian food, and attended parties with Japanese colleagues. Your Japanese skills will improve quickly, too! 

Get Used to Japan’s Lifestyle Rules 

Japan has many detailed rules for daily life. It took me some time to learn and get used to them. 

For example, how to separate garbage, standing on the right side of escalators in Kansai and on the left in other areas, and traffic manners when riding a motorcycle. 

You’ll learn these rules gradually as you live here, so don’t feel discouraged if you can’t do them perfectly at first! It took me time, too, and that’s normal. 

Japanese Food Might Not Always Suit You 

In India, meat is often boiled until tender. In Japan, meat is often grilled and eaten as is. When I ate yakitori and steak in Japan, I felt sick. So even now, I avoid grilled meat. 

Starting a new life in an unfamiliar country can involve food not suiting you or feeling homesick. At such times, try not to stress too much and enjoy these changes as part of the experience. 

My Future Career 

The company I’m joining next is in Niigata Prefecture. Niigata isn’t a big city like Tokyo, but it’s full of beautiful nature, with fireworks in summer and snow in winter, allowing you to enjoy the four seasons. 

As someone who loves Japan’s nature and changing seasons, I’m really looking forward to my new life in Niigata! Since I have a motorcycle license in Japan, I’m also excited to travel to various places around Niigata. 

Career-wise, I’m moving forward too. A year after achieving my dream of working in Japan, I’ve now fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time employee with FAST OFFER’s help. My life in Japan is full of challenges and changes. From here on, I want to do my best in this new place!