| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Biotechnology, VIT University |
| COMPANY |
| Japanese company delivering engineering and development services focused on embedded systems, software, and digital solutions for the automotive and electronics industries. |
| SUMMARY |
| She began learning Japanese at thirteen, later inspired by anime like Cardcaptor Sakura, which sustained her interest. She pursued biotechnology but shifted toward embedded systems through self-study. Taking a risk, she chose FAST OFFER over overseas studies, secured interviews in Japan, and ultimately received multiple offers, achieving her dream career there successfully. |
Making My Free Time Productive
I started learning Japanese because of my mother. One day, she thought that I looked a little too free at home, so she enrolled me in a Japanese language class, offered by a Japanese Institute near our home. I was 13, unoccupied, and inquisitive, so I gave it a go.
The first class alone made me extremely interested in Japanese culture and language. My sensei, who had been to Japan, would tell us stories about their culture and values. I was amazed that a place like that existed.
In that one year of learning Japanese, I was able to achieve JLPT N3. I fell in love with the language because I felt that you could really feel the words. Because it’s so context-heavy, it feels almost visceral; it feels alive, even. Knowing the language allowed me to think in a different way compared to how I’d been thinking my whole life.
Aside from the language, I also developed somewhat of an appreciation for their work culture and technological advancements. That Japan “is living 10 years ahead” is a statement that holds true before and now.
This experience would eventually result in my childhood dream of working in Japan.
From Cardcaptor Sakura Obsession to Authentic Connection with Japan
Around nine months after joining the classes, a senpai introduced me to anime. Prior to that introduction, I did not know it existed. I got into Cardcaptor Sakura, and only that. After I finished all its episodes, I would rewatch them all – five times specifically; so often that I could remember the dialogue at that point.
However, after the classes concluded, we had to move cities due to my father’s job. My mom tried looking for similar classes, but couldn’t find any. As a kid, I did not think much about continuing it anyway.
Thus, my connection to the Japanese language was cut. However I would still watch anime every now and then.
Meeting FAST OFFER Through a Language Institute
After four years in college, my mom found another Japanese institute, SSJLTC, through YouTube. She told me about it, and I enrolled. I had been learning N2 on my own, but it was nice to have structured classes as well. I had no problem with listening and speaking, but I still needed assistance with kanji.
The Institute told me all about FAST OFFER International. I wasn’t sure about it at first because it seemed too good to be true. I thought it was a scam. But even if it wasn’t a scam, it was still a gamble.
Encountering A Career Crossroad and Making a Gamble
I was actually supposed to go to Ireland for a Masters in biotechnology because I did not think that I would get a job in Japan. Going to Ireland would mean choosing biotechnology and letting go of my plans to work in Japan.
The reason I took up biotechnology in the first place was because I loved learning about it. I loved biology and mathematics in school, but I chose biotechnology. However, in my senior year I came across articles about ‘embedded systems’, electronics with robotics, and the like. I became extremely interested in it and regretted not taking it as my major. Although I loved biotechnology, I didn’t want to work in the field. I realized that I wanted to work with embedded systems instead. But, I did not major in it, so I worried that companies wouldn’t hire me.
To address this, I studied embedded systems on my own and worked on a personal project for hands-on experience. I did not have formal training nor materials, but I managed to make a very basic prototype combining electronics and prosthetics. Fortunately, the companies I interviewed with later on liked the project and the story behind it.
Choosing the Chance to Work in Japan Above All
Going back, I applied for FAST OFFER in July and had to make a decision. I had not met with my mentor yet, so I was not even sure if I got accepted into the program. Still, I took a gamble, and cancelled my Ireland plans. Even if it was the safer, more sure option, and I had no idea if my Japan plans would push through or not. I felt like I had to borrow bravery from Cardcaptor Sakura. I took the gamble.
The day after I cancelled my plans, I got a call from my mentor and had the meeting.
Until now, I am extremely glad that I took that huge gamble. I worried about my career plans for months, but it all worked out in the end. The real journey, though, had just begun.
Preparing for Interviews with FAST OFFER
The mentor meeting was productive. I had no idea how it would go at first. My mentor turned out to be really nice. I felt comfortable as he explained how the application process would go down. Aside from the requirements, he showed me a couple of companies, gauging my skills and interests.
After completing my profile, it was time to wait. In two weeks, I got interview offers from two companies. Weeks after, the number swelled to four companies.
It was at this point when my mentor called me on WhatsApp. He told me that since four companies wanted to interview me, I could go to Japan to give the interview. I could not believe it. Even with the visa in my hand, I felt that it was too good to be true. I needed the visit to actually occur before I could fully believe what was happening.
Enjoying FAST OFFER’s Smooth Service
The whole process was extremely smooth and enjoyable. I did not expect FAST OFFER to be so generous with information nor assistance. From obtaining a visa to arriving in Japan, at no point in time did I feel any burden. Aside from the impressive service, the people were so warm and accommodating.
The mock interviews were especially helpful. Prior to them, I had prepared an outline for my answers. After the mock interviews, and 10 drafts later, my outline changed dramatically. Despite the huge change, I was very satisfied with my final answers. I truly appreciated the detailed guidance they gave.
Experiencing Japanese Culture For the First Time
Japan itself was very nice. Actually seeing it in front of me felt unreal. As I walked along its clean streets, I felt that I was still watching a YouTube video. I didn’t even think I’d be able to come to Japan on a trip, but there I was, about to have interviews that could lead to my staying there long-term.
I enjoyed the mundane things as well. At the convenience stores, I was mindblown by the fact that they had automatic change machines, where you could just put in cash and receive your change automatically. It was something I’d never seen before. I was also impressed by how people followed the traffic rules. Even if there was no car in sight, people would still wait for the signal to cross. Noticing these small things proved beneficial to me because in the interview, they asked me what I liked about coming to Japan.
Going Through the Interviews Sick
Though I was selected by four companies, I decided to proceed with the interviews for three of them. I made it to the next round of interviews with two companies. The interviews went well. It wasn’t scary, and it just felt like a conversation.
Unfortunately, that night, I fell sick. Despite the throat pain and cough, I toughed it out.
Fortunately, the next day, the second round of interviews went great as well. The sickness didn’t affect them at all – I ended up with two offers from two companies! I had to choose between them within a week. Because I loved both of them, I needed time to discern. I retreated back to the hotel to rest some more, as I was still sick.
I had to choose which company I wanted to visit between the two that I got selected for. Though they were both Osaka-based, they were far from each other, so it was not possible to visit both. In a way, needing to choose one for the other helped me decide which one to ride the Shinkansen for and eventually join.
Appreciating Japanese Hospitality
The company I visited was amazing. The people I met were really nice and made me feel welcome and comfortable. We had lunch, then they showed me around the company. They were extremely sweet, too, because they were willing to go out of their way to help me. When I mentioned that I didn’t have time to buy omiyage for my family, they immediately offered to help me buy some in Kyoto. I was very surprised by their generosity.
Later that day, there was a special party hosted by FAST OFFER for the candidates. I did not expect it to be so fun. I had good food, made new friends with the candidates and FAST OFFER employees, and enjoyed tiny games. It was a good way to refresh after the grueling 2-3 weeks of interview preparation. I was even able to visit Donki for a bit with my newfound friends for some omiyage shopping.
I was sad to be leaving the next day. That whole stay in Japan made me feel very good. Everyone made me feel so welcome, comfortable, and warm.
Looking Forward To Exciting Things with my Company
In a few days, I will be going back to Japan for my job offer ceremony. In 5 months, I will be officially joining the company.
The training at my company is very detailed and exciting. In a few days, I will have access to online courses that would allow me to get started on studying topics necessary for the role. Once I officially join, I will undergo a training period, where I’ll get to work in different departments. I heard that there are even mini competitions within employees to keep them motivated and active. After the training, we get to choose the department we want. We can even change departments should we feel like doing so at some point in our career.
Overall, I feel that this company truly aligns with my goals. As a knowledge-driven person, I love the technical field, and I think that I’ll be able to learn a lot of different skills here. Because my company works with a variety of products, I am confident that I will be able to expand my knowledge and develop my skill set early.
My Tips for Aspirants
My path to Japan was not easy. Career-wise, I basically started from scratch on my own, and am set to take on a role unaligned with what I formally studied. Still, I persevered and pursued what I was truly passionate about. These challenges resonated with my interviewers, because now I have a company waiting for me in Japan. All this, of course, with the guidance of FAST OFFER.
- Enhance your skills. Once you identify the sector you want to work in, you need to upskill. Build your skills by studying or taking on a project. This applies to Japanese as well. Conversation is very important. Reading may be set aside for a later time, but speaking is essential to acing interviews. It is not enough to memorize as some interviews will not be structured. Because some could be full conversations, it’s important to understand the question and come up with answers on the fly.
- Structure your answers. When preparing for interviews, make sure your answers are not too long. You need to be able to concisely tell the interviewers what kind of person you are, and the like.
- Anime helps… but it depends. Watching the right anime can help improve your pronunciation. Of course, results will vary if you watch a battle anime full of informal language. You may also want to consider watching other types of videos or listening to podcasts for further immersion.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: Beyond Cardcaptor Sakura: Other Anime-Powered Success Stories
It’s not only Cardcaptor Sakura that captured the attentions of our candidates as evidenced by our story How To Move To Japan For Work: Otaku Stories. Here’s a few more relatable stories you may want to read.
- Dorameon: Doraemon Shinchan‘s Tech Inspired This Indian Engineer Bound for Excellence in the Workplace
- Attack on Titan: An Egyptian Engineer’s Journey: From STEM Education to IT Career Success in Japan & How This Attack on Titan Fan Got a Job Offer in Japan
- LoveLive! Superstar!!: LoveLive! Superstar!! Inspired Me To Work in Japan
- Naruto: How I Got A Job Offer In Japan As An Indonesian Engineer
- One Piece: How One Piece Helped Me Learn Japanese Accidentally
- Gundam: Securing a Japanese Job After Studying Abroad: From Mecha Anime to Mecha Engineer in Japan
