From 0 to JLPT N1 Success Story: I Didn’t Do It Alone!

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!