Finding a Way to Work in Japan All the Way From China
How to Find a Job in Japan as a Chinese National? It Starts with Learning Japanese
After the college entrance examination, I became a mechanical engineering major. As I furthered my academic education, I pursued a master’s degree in mechanical electronics. During this process, I gradually developed an interest in Japanese and began considering the possibility of working in Japan as a Chinese expat.
With the aspiration to work in Japan after graduation, I started self-studying Japanese. Initially, my goal was to reach the level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3. To achieve this, I chose the textbook “Minna no Nihongo” and watched related Japanese language video courses on Bilibili. I studied one lesson per day. Additionally, I watched Japanese dramas, listened to NHK news to practice listening and pronunciation. Learning a language is not difficult; the key is seizing every learning opportunity and persevering.
For students looking to follow a similar path to Japan, I’d like to share my perspective. While learning Japanese is important, living and working in Japan will present many other challenges, such as the loneliness of being far from family. In this context, learning Japanese is relatively easier. If you stay determined, persevere in your studies, and continually seek learning opportunities, you will master Japanese.
Finding the Ideal Work Opportunity in Japan through FAST OFFER International
Many platforms offering employment opportunities in Japan either provide dispatch-based roles or positions in industries that didn’t quite pique my interest. In that sense, FAST OFFER International stood out as they offer formal employee positions at companies that aligned well with my job preferences as a Chinese talent looking for a quality work opportunity in Japan.
Moreover, part of their service was that if selected by three or more companies, I would have the chance to attend offline interviews in Japan. This was a valuable opportunity I wanted to seize. As expected, this opportunity paid off. Not only did I secure the chance to interview in Japan, but I quickly received a job offer on the day of my second interview.
I learned a key difference between the Japanese and Chinese job market through my interview experiences. Compared to China’s job market, Japan’s employment environment is slightly better with more job opportunities and therefore exerts relatively less competitive pressure. This makes it favorable for Chinese international students. Japanese companies do not place exceptionally high demands on graduates’ skills; they value whether graduates’ personalities and styles can integrate into the company culture and are willing to provide training. Therefore, I believe that during interviews, showing one’s true self is sufficient. It’s a mutual selection process. I appreciate this aspect as a Chinese National navigating working in Japan–it’s a breath of fresh air.
Handling Uncertainty: Unexpected Challenges
As an international metropolis, Kyoto feels very similar to Shanghai to me. It was easy to adapt to life in Kyoto because there were no fundamental differences. The minimal cultural barrier is certainly an advantage for Chinese nationals looking to work in Japan. Additionally, I wasn’t too concerned because in my head, home was just a plane ticket away. However, life is always full of surprises. Just as I was about to start my new career, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my plans.
I had originally planned to start work in April 2020, but due to the impact of the pandemic, Japan suspended visa processing, and it wasn’t until October that I finally received my visa. During that time, I was following the latest updates on the pandemic every day, not knowing at all whether I would be able to go to Japan smoothly. To deal with this uncertain situation, I also tried to look for jobs in China. Fortunately, the visa was eventually processed, but then quarantine took another month of my time, and in fact, it was not until December that I officially started work.
There is no way for me to change this sudden problem on my own, so I chose to just accept it and try to do what I can during the change. Even through that time of uncertainty, I was confident about my decisions.
Insights and Experiences Working in Japan as a Chinese National
My Experience Working With a Japanese Company
Before moving to Japan for work, I was filled with anticipation for my first job. I tried to imagine what it would be like to be a Chinese expat working in Japan. I hoped it would offer work-life balance, a comprehensive training system, and stability from an established company. Fortunately, the company I joined was exactly the ideal one I had in mind. Although the starting salary wasn’t high, it did not dampen my enthusiasm for the job.
Extensive Training under a Japanese Company
In the first half year after joining the company, I took part in the company’s training program, which was divided into several stages. At first, I studied general knowledge with other new employees, such as company culture and business etiquette. Later, I received job-specific professional training, mainly focusing on software development. This was particularly valuable as my current position is in software development, which isn’t closely related to my major in university.
So far, I have been working at the company for three and a half years. Immediately after the training ended, I was assigned to a software development department. Last year, due to the company’s development needs, I changed positions but continued to engage in software development, albeit with different content.
Work-Life-Balance and Job Security in My Japanese Company
My working hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with about one hour for lunch. My department does not do much overtime, and I have hardly ever worked extra hours. I heard that other busy departments may have overtime, but the company arranges compensatory time off and pays overtime wages following legal requirements.
Up to now, my overall impression of Japanese companies is that they value the stability of their employees. Japanese companies very rarely lay off staff, and that means something you don’t have to worry about job security as you work hard at your company. This helps employees build a sense of belonging to the company.
Additionally, the company has a rich array of after-work activities, including sports events, various study sessions, and social gatherings. These activities are organized either by the company, by departments, or spontaneously by employees, happening almost every month. Activities organized by the company and departments are basically free, and if leaders invite us to join, they usually cover most of the costs. I personally do not favor lively occasions, but I will take part in some activities as needed. Privately, there is not much communication between department employees; everyone focuses on work, which is very comfortable for me.
Of course, there are also some issues with Japanese companies. For example, the management level is predominantly male, and there are hardly any female leaders in our company. Moreover, the company predetermines many things for employees, such as job assignments and dormitories, and I would prefer to have more choice.
All in all, I have enjoyed the experience of working in a Japanese company. I think I will continue to grow and improve in this business as time goes by.
The Cost-of-Living in Kyoto,Japan as a Chinese Expat
Renting in Japan
Working in Japanese as a Chinese talent has its perks. When I first joined the company, they didn’t provide accommodation but offered a housing allowance that covered half of my rent. Upon arriving in Japan, the company had prepared a temporary apartment for us, allowing me to comfortably search for a longer-term place to live while adjusting to the new environment. The process of renting was like my experience in China; I browsed listings on a rental app and contacted real estate agents to view properties in person. Setting up the furniture was also very convenient, with IKEA offering direct home delivery services.
However, Japan’s rental system requires a guarantor, which can be inconvenient for foreigners. Without a company to act as a guarantor, one must pay more insurance fees. Moreover, some landlords are reluctant to rent to foreigners, but that’s understandable.
I work in Kyoto and chose to live in a place half an hour away from the office. The rent here is cheaper than in Shanghai, with a monthly cost of less than 3,000 yuan, of which I personally pay about 1,500 yuan after the company’s subsidy. If I were in Tokyo, the rent might be between 4,000 to 5,000 yuan.
Starting from my second year at the company, they began to offer free accommodation for employees, which is quite convenient for departments that need to conduct experiments.
Japanese Transportation
My commute mainly relies on the subway. Transportation costs in Japan are relatively high, with a starting price of 11 yuan, and my daily round trip to work costs about 30 yuan. Fortunately, due to the high cost of transportation, the company usually reimburses this expense. People often buy monthly or semi-annual tickets that can be used even on weekends when not working.
Eating in Japan
Lunch is provided by the company at a much cheaper price than outside. As for dinner, I initially ate at nearby restaurants but later started cooking at home. The delivery fees for takeout in Japan are also quite high, with a single meal’s delivery costing between 100 to 200 yuan, so I rarely order takeout. The food in Japan is quite tasty, like Chinese food, and there are many Chinese restaurants near where I live, about one in every ten.
Medical Insurance
The company also provides us with medical insurance and other benefits following legal requirements. I have regular health check-ups every year, and I’ve seen a dentist in Japan before, only paying 30% of the cost.
Japan’s Pay-Raising System
About salaries, the company has a clear promotion and pay-raising system. Despite the current severe fluctuations in the value of the yen, the company continues to adjust the salary increases according to the environment to ensure that employees’ income keeps up with the cost of living.
What is it Life Like as a Chinese Expat in Japan?
Building Friendships and Support among Chinese Colleagues
My growing community in Japan of fellow Chinese expats is vital to the quality of my life and work in Japan. At our company, there are seven or eight Chinese or Chinese-descent colleagues. Among them, two or three are pure Chinese like me, and others are from Singapore, Indonesia, and can naturally speak fluent Chinese. I have a Chinese colleague who joined at the same time as me, and in the second year, our team was joined by two more Chinese individuals, one with a Ph.D. and the other a graduate student.
My Chinese colleagues and I occasionally have lunch together at the company. Outside of work, we also organize activities to deepen our friendships and share our life experiences and cultural insights. It’s nice to have this community around me as I adjusted to life in Japan.
The Adavantages of Being a Chinese Talent Working in Japan
As a Chinese working in Japan, I have certain advantages. With China’s economy playing an increasingly important role internationally, many Japanese companies are seeking cooperation with Chinese enterprises. Our company is no exception; we have our own factories in China and Chinese companies among our suppliers. This not only provides a broad platform for my personal career development but also adds common topics to my interactions with my Japanese colleagues.
In such a working environment, I can use my language ability and cultural background to ease communication and cooperation between the company and its Chinese partners. At the same time, I can receive support and encouragement from my Chinese colleagues, and we overcome work challenges together, sharing in each other’s successes.
I believe that as globalization continues to deepen, cross-border communication and cooperation will become increasingly important. As a Chinese employee in a Japanese company, I look forward to continuing to contribute my strength to promote economic and cultural exchanges between China and Japan, while also opening more possibilities for my career.
My Success Story: Living and Working In Japan Lets Me Explore New Life Experiences
In my spare time from work in Japan, I never forget to explore the natural beauty and cultural characteristics of this country. This just might be the best feature of being a Chinese talent working in Japan. Taking advantage of long vacations, I have embarked on many unforgettable trips. Japan has a generous number of holidays, including many public holidays, as well as extended breaks like Golden Week and Obon Festival, each lasting about a week. Additionally, the company provides 11 days (about 1 and a half weeks) of annual leave, which increases with each year of service. So far, I have visited places like Okinawa, Kyushu, and Tokyo.
What has been a particularly delightful surprise to me is the traditional Japanese fireworks display. In 2023, I had my first opportunity to experience this magnificent event firsthand. I visited Shiga Prefecture, around Lake Biwa, and the sheer scale and breathtaking spectacle of the fireworks was something I will never forget.
Today, I feel content and happy with my work and life in Japan. Thinking about the future, I do hope to one day have a more flexible workplace. My dream is to split my time evenly between Japan and China. I do miss my family and hope to have more time with them, but I don’t want to give up the joy of living in Japan. For now, I’m happy where I am and I’m hopeful that I’ll find a way to find that perfect balance one day.
Here’s a summary my advice for fellow Chinese talents on getting a job in Japan and thriving there:
- Learning Japanese is essential for Chinese graduates seeking jobs in Japan.
- Study with resources like Minna no Nihongo and Japanese video courses on Bilibili.
- Consider FAST OFFER International for finding suitable job openings in Japan.
- Expect less competitive pressure in the Japanese job market compared to China.
- Understand cultural differences: Japanese employers value personality and cultural fit.
- Navigate housing challenges by finding companies that act as rental guarantors.
- Take advantage of Japanese company benefits, such as health insurance and transportation subsidies.
- Build a community with fellow Chinese colleagues to ease the transition.
