Passion for Technology Pointed Me to Enter Industry Leader Japan’s Job Market for Foreigners
I had an interesting journey entering the Japan job market for foreigners. It was full of twists and turns that have shaped who I am today.
From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by technology and how things work, which led me to pursue an education in Mechatronics engineering. My passion for technology and desire to understand it more deeply eventually sparked an interest in Japan—a cradle of advanced technology.
During my engineering studies, I attended numerous international events and summits. In these events, I was particularly impressed by the innovative products coming out of Japan. However, I quickly realized that to fully appreciate these advancements, I needed to overcome the language barrier. This realization motivated me to learn Japanese intensively from my first year at Astra Polytechnic. My goal was clear: I wanted to communicate directly with Japanese engineers and professionals, to learn from them, and perhaps collaborate on future projects. I was resolved to be an Indonesian engineer in Japan.
The Key to the Japan’s Job Market for Foreigners: Staying Motivated in Learning Japanese
The only way to enter the Japan job market for foreigners is to really learn Japanese. Staying motivated as an Indonesian learning Japanese was challenging, but I had several strategies to keep myself on track. My innate curiosity and passion for the language played a crucial role. Every new word or concept I learned felt like a small victory, motivating me to keep going.
I made it a habit to read Japanese newspapers, even if I could only understand a few words initially. I would note down unfamiliar kanji and look them up later. Setting clear, achievable goals, like aiming for the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) by the time I turned 20, also helped. The support from my teachers and peers, along with my long-term vision of working in Japan, kept my motivation high.
Although I haven’t visited Japan in person yet, my interactions with Japanese people online and during engineering events gave me valuable cultural insights. One of the most striking differences I’ve noticed is the concept of “omotenashi,” or Japanese hospitality. Japanese people are incredibly respectful and considerate, often putting the needs of others before their own. I also observed that Japanese people tend to avoid direct confrontation and prefer to communicate in a more subtle and nuanced manner. This was quite different from my experience in Indonesia, where communication is more direct. This was challenging at first, but over time, I learned to appreciate this aspect of Japanese communication and adapted to it.
Looking back, I wish I had started learning Japanese earlier. It took three years to reach the N3 level, and I believe I could have progressed faster as a foreigner in Japan’s job market with a more focused approach. Setting specific, short-term goals and being consistent in my studies would have made the learning process more manageable and rewarding. Participating in language exchange programs or finding a language partner to practice speaking with would have also accelerated my learning.
Anime is also a significant part of Japanese culture, and I watch it occasionally to aid my Japanese learning. However, I’m cautious about relying too much on anime due to its informal language. Instead, I also use textbooks, news articles, and formal conversations to learn keigo (Japanese polite language).
Podcasts like JapanesePod and Noriko-Sensei have been invaluable, providing cultural insights and helping me understand the natural rhythm and intonation of Japanese. Listening to these podcasts during my commute or while doing household chores made it easy to integrate language learning into my daily routine.
My perspective in Japan changed significantly after learning Japanese and understanding the Japanese mindset of consistency and skill-building. Instead of trying to master everything at once, I focused on building one skill at a time. This approach has helped me acquire the skills to achieve my goals.
Prepping for Japan’s Job Market for Foreigners
The biggest challenges I faced during my job search included adapting quickly and researching company requirements. Understanding specific programming languages or technologies companies use was crucial. It was important to adapt and fit the needs of the companies I was applying to.
The job market for foreign engineers in Japan is growing due to decreasing birth rates and the need for competent workers. Many companies now train foreign workers to help them integrate better into Japanese business culture. This shift towards a more foreigner-welcoming environment is encouraging for international job seekers.
Preparing for job interviews in Japan was a rigorous process. I read many success stories on the FAST OFFER website, which inspired me and provided practical tips. I practiced potential interview questions and answers extensively, including mock interviews with friends and mentors. Practicing keigo was essential to ensure I could communicate effectively and respectfully. My thorough preparation and continuous learning were crucial in successfully navigating the interview process.
Tips for Young Foreign Professionals Aspiring to Enter Japan’s Job Market
To students aspiring to work in Japan, I recommend leveraging platforms like FAST OFFER International. Stay consistent with language learning but remember that your Japanese skills alone won’t secure a job. Engage in extracurricular activities and experiences that add value to your resume. Your interview answers should be backed by personal stories and experiences, reflecting a well-rounded profile. Finding passion in your work is key to maintaining a healthy balance. For me, loving what I do makes it easy to balance the two. My journey from Indonesia to Japan has been filled with challenges and learning experiences. Dedication to language learning and cultural understanding has opened doors to new opportunities. I hope my story encourages others to embrace challenges, stay motivated, and pursue their dreams in Japan.
