A Challenge Sparked by Curiosity 

I originally majored in political science at university, but even after a year, I couldn’t find it interesting. So, I started thinking about changing my major. Around that time, I became interested in Japanese dramas that I saw in short clips on social media. I started watching more and more, and I got hooked. I even found a favorite actor—Kento Yamazaki, who you may know as the lead of Netflix hit Alice in Borderland (2020). That inspired me to learn Japanese and became a JLPT N1 success story.

Eventually, I decided to switch to the Japanese language department. I didn’t even know the basic hiragana and katakana characters when I joined, so catching up was really tough. But thanks to the kind and supportive teachers and friends, I gradually started enjoying Japanese. This led me to pursue Japanese studies at graduate school. 

The Story How I Succeeded Learning Japanese From Zero to JLPT N1

As an undergrad, I learned grammar and vocabulary mainly through classes. It was challenging because I was also a student leader and had a busy schedule. So, I only got serious about studying Japanese in my third year. When I decided to attend graduate school, I studied Japanese for 8 hours a day for half a year to prepare for entrance exams. That intense period also helped me pass the JLPT N1 exam. 

The Two Most Important Things To Successfully Get JLPT N1:

1. Build a strong foundation.
   • Grammar is essential. I struggled with JLPT N1 grammar, so I realized how crucial it is to build your basics early for success. 
2. Look for chances to speak
   • I love talking, so I improved my speaking by actively finding opportunities to use Japanese. I used apps like HelloTalk to speak with native speakers and took online lessons that cost only 400–500 yen for 30 minutes. I also spoke with Japanese professors and exchange students at my university. When practicing Japanese, focus on comprehension and conveying your point, not perfection. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes! I think saying a lot without worrying too much helped me improve. 

Exchange Program at Nagasaki University: Practicing My JLPT N1 Made My Trip a Success

I came to Japan for the first time as a graduate student through an exchange program at Nagasaki University. I spent six months there attending classes, joining clubs, and making friends. It was a great experience that made me think about working in Japan. 

Before coming, I only had online articles as a reference, so I was nervous. But life in Nagasaki really suited my lifestyle. It’s not too urban, and it feels similar to my hometown. It was so comfortable; it almost felt like being home. I seriously thought, “I want to live in Japan for a long time.” 

Finding Success Job Hunting was Tough Even with My JLPT N1 Certification

After my time at Nagasaki University, I started thinking seriously about working in Japan. But job hunting from China was challenging. I wasn’t living in Japan or enrolled in a Japanese university, so finding information was difficult. Many companies don’t list positions for foreigners on their websites, so directly contacting companies is tough, too. I fruitlessly looked for jobs in Japan for Chinese talents for four months.

Learning Japanese and even getting a JLPT N1 certification is not quite enough to successfully get a job in Japan. While it definitely helps, without the proper network, it’s still nearly impossible.

FAST OFFER International’s Opportunity for Face-to-Face Interviews

That’s when I heard about FAST OFFER International from a senior at my university who had used it and succeeded in getting a job in Japan. When I joined the program, my stagnant jobhunting suddenly progressed. I got selected for an in-person interview event in Japan during the Chinese New Year. Four companies wanted to interview me! I was suddenly overwhelmed with opportunities! I was nervous about having four interviews in one day, but I told myself it was a great chance and prepared as much as possible. Mentally exhausted from job hunting without assistance, FAST OFFER International turned my journey around. It boosted my morale, giving me hope.

Intense 3-Hour Prep with a Mentor 

My JLPT N1 fluency did not guarantee success, but mentorship did!

The interview prep with FAST OFFER mentors really helped me. Before the interviews, I had two meetings with a mentor. Each session was scheduled for an hour, but they spent more than three hours helping me each time. I was surprised at how passionate they were. 

The prep was tough, but the mentor’s energy motivated me to push through. We didn’t just practice questions—we talked about how to handle interviews mentally and how to approach them. Those six hours of guidance helped me survive the tough schedule of four interviews in one day. 

A Result Connected by Fate 

The interviews for the company that eventually gave me a job offer happened late in the day. It was my fourth interview on the first day, and I was tired. But I reset my mind and focused. The HR person listened carefully to my thoughts, future goals, and how I saw the company. I felt truly heard, and that made me really happy. 

On the second day, right before my final interview, I got rejected by a company I thought had gone well. I was feeling down and nervous. The final interview also started earlier than expected, and I was flustered. Honestly, I didn’t think it went well. 

So, when I got the job offer, I was stunned. Later, I checked the company’s website and discovered that someone from my university was already working there. I felt it must be fate. 

Finding My Path Through Challenges 

The company I got the offer from is very dynamic. They run many businesses and are always starting new projects. I’ll have to learn a lot quickly after joining. However, I want to actively share ideas and be part of many projects. 

To do that, I want to build strong business skills and improve my Japanese expressions now. Effort alone isn’t enough to get a job in Japan. It’s essential to keep your mind open and try different approaches.

Don’t Do It On Your Own

After learning Japanese on your own and getting JLPT N1, you might think it would be enough for success. But there’s so much more to job hunting! Don’t stick to just one way. Try different options. Keep your mind open, take on challenges, and gain experience. That will make your life richer. 

Initially, I put a lot of effort into job hunting. I even got help from different agencies, but none of that effort paid off. Meeting FAST OFFER International was a game changer who made all my efforts obtaining JLPT N1 worth it. I’m glad I decided to pivot with them! FAST OFFER International was the easiest—and the only one that worked for me. 

FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: JLPT N1 Tips for Success

Slow and Steady Practice

Carving out time to consistently study Japanese has paid off for many of our successful talents.

The Best Japanese Language Apps to Help You On Your Journey to Japan

Make sure to take advantage of the best Japanese language apps. Many of them are free! Plus, apps such as ANKI can be a big help in learning Kanji.

Watch Japanese News for Professional Japanese

Some of our talents make a point to listen to Japanese News, which not only helps them learn a high level of Japanese but also keeps them updated! If you’re studying for JLPT N1, the news is also the best place to increase your vocabulary.

Go Beyond JLPT N1 Success: Practice Japanese Conversation

If your goal is to get a job in Japan, then a JLPT certificate is not quite enough. JLPT N1 certification mainly measures your written fluency in Japanese. However, Japanese job hunting will mainly test your fluency in Japanese conversation! A common way our talents practice Japanese from whatever country they’re from is HelloTalk!

中文快问快答版

我的日语学习之路：从政治学转入日语专业，再到考研日语成功上岸 

我原本在大学主修的是政治学，但学了一年之后仍提不起兴趣，于是开始考虑换专业。就在那段时间，我在社交媒体上刷到一些日剧短片，对日剧产生了兴趣，越看越多，渐渐上瘾。我还迷上了一位日本演员——山崎贤人，热门日剧《弥留之国的爱丽丝》（2020）的主演。正是他在剧里的演出激发了我学习日语的兴趣。 

后来，我决定转入日语专业。刚转入时，我连最基本的平假名和片假名都不认识，虽然零基础开始的学习过程真的非常辛苦，但在老师和朋友们的关心与支持下，我逐渐喜欢上了日语，也下定决心要在研究生阶段继续深造。本科期间，由于还担任学生干部，学习时间常被压缩，我主要通过课堂积累语法和词汇知识。真正高强度投入学习是从大三决定考研开始的那半年。那段时间我每天学习日语8小时，最后不仅顺利上岸，还通过了JLPT N1考试！ 

留学长崎，初识日本，萌生赴日工作的梦想 

研究生阶段，我通过学校的交换项目，前往长崎大学留学半年。这是我第一次踏上日本的土地。出发前，我对日本的印象仅来自网络，心中既期待又忐忑。但在长崎的生活非常适合我，这座城市不算太都市化，和我的家乡很像，非常宜居，甚至有种“回家了”的感觉。那时我就开始有了想长期居住在日本的想法。 

在长崎的半年里，我每天听课、参加社团活动、结交朋友。这段宝贵的经历也让我开始萌生了“想在日本工作”的念头。 

赴日求职无门，FAST OFFER让我重燃希望 

从长崎大学回国之后，我开始认真考虑在日本工作的事情。然而，身在中国求职却非常困难。因为我不在日本生活，也不真正就读于日本的大学，想找到合适的求职信息极为困难。很多公司网站上根本没有面向外国人的职位信息，主动投递也几乎没有回应。我花了整整四个月找可以在日本的工作，可是毫无结果。 

就在我感到求职无门时，一位已经成功赴日就业的学长向我推荐了 FAST OFFER。网申注册后，我的求职进程突然加快有了进展。我在春节期间被选中赴日参加线下面试活动，竟然有四家日本公司向我发出面试邀请！机会一下子蜂拥而至，让我惊喜之余也倍感压力。 

虽然一天要接受四场面试让我十分紧张，但我告诉自己：这是一个绝佳的机会，我必须尽全力准备。 

N1之外，面试更需实战指导 

虽然我已通过N1考试，但那更多体现的是书面能力，面对真实面试，还远远不够。FAST OFFER提供的导师面试指导真的帮到了我很多。 

在面试前，我和导师进行了两次面试辅导会议。虽然每次原定只安排1小时，但导师实际上都花了三个小时以上辅导我，这份热情和用心令我非常感动。 

准备过程确实很辛苦，但导师的帮助让我有动力坚持了下去。我们不只是练习了常见问题，还谈到了如何调整面试心态、如何建立自信。正是这六个小时的高强度练习让我有底气成功应对一天内的四场面试。 

失落与惊喜交错，或者一切都是命中注定 

最终给我内定的公司，是第一天我参加的四场面试中的最后一场。那时我已经非常疲惫，但我告诉自己要重整心态、集中精神。那场面试中，HR认真倾听了我对未来的思考、我的目标和我对公司的理解，这让我感到被真正“倾听”了，内心非常高兴。 

第二天，在最终面试前，我还收到了前一家公司不合格的通知。那家公司原本我觉得表现不错，所以这封邮件让我情绪既低落又更紧张。而且这场最终面试还提前开始，让我非常慌乱，坦白说，我并不觉得那次发挥得好。 

所以，当我最终收到内定通知时，简直不敢相信。后来我在查这家公司的官网时才发现竟然有我的校友在那家公司工作，我感到这一切都是“命中注定”。 

我即将要去的这家公司非常有活力，业务范围广泛，常常开展新项目。进入公司后，我需要快速学习各种新知识。不过，我希望自己能积极提出想法，参与更多项目。为了实现这个目标，我现在开始努力提升自己的商业能力，也持续精进日语表达能力。 

求职路上，不必孤军奋战，感谢FAST OFFER的一路同行 

也许你像我一样，凭借自学取得了JLPT N1证书，会以为这样就足以在日本找到好工作。但其实，成功的求职远不止于语言能力！不要只执着于一种方式，要敢于尝试新路径、挑战新方法、积累各种经验，这才会让你的人生有多种可能性，走得更远。 

回顾我的日本求职旅程，起初，我在求职上花了很多精力，也尝试了不少中介服务，但都没有成果。是 FAST OFFER 的出现让一切出现了转机，也让我之前付出的努力得到了真正的回报。我很庆幸自己当初勇敢迈出了这一步，选择了与FAST OFFER同行，它是最简单、也是唯一真正对我有效的途径。