| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor of Computer Science Engineering, K. Ramakrishnan College Of Engineering |
| COMPANY |
| Japanese digital services company that partners with clients to drive organizational transformation and sustainable business growth through hands-on DX (digital transformation) support. |
| SUMMARY |
| Inspired by Japan’s reputation for high-quality innovation and perseverance, a dedicated IT student from India built a community to master the Japanese language. By founding a university club and practicing daily with friends, he turned his fascination with technology into a professional goal. With the support of FAST OFFER’s mentorship and mock interviews, he overcame his nerves to secure a job offer on his very first attempt. Now, he is ready to move to Japan to develop his IT skills and contribute to society. |
My Goal: コードで世界を変える | Change the world through code.
When I think of Japan, the first thing that comes to mind is perseverance. It is a country that consistently turns difficult ideas into reality. As someone interested in technology, I have always been amazed by Japanese inventions that we use every day, like QR codes and LED systems.
In my home country, Japanese products are everywhere, and they are always known for their high quality. Seeing this excellence made me realize that I didn’t just want to use these products, I wanted to work in the companies that create them. I began dreaming of contributing to Japan’s exciting IT industry as a trusted, competent engineer who can solve real-world problems through software development.
Starting Hikari, a Japanese Language Club at Our University
Having this in mind, I knew that learning Japanese would help my goal. So, two years ago, while I was studying in university, wanting to study Japanese, I gathered four friends who shared my interest. Together, with me as founder, we started “HIKARI CLUB”, a Japanese Language Club.
Not only did I have a community to enjoy the 300+ anime I’ve watched, but it was also incredibly productive. Eventually, I became the Club President. We organized events and taught Japanese to younger students to encourage more people on campus to learn. Teaching 25+ students reinforced my language skills. We promoted cross-cultural learning and language development, helping contextualized textbook learnings. Thanks to the club, I had business-level communication skills, a deep understanding of teamwork and Japanese culture, got perfect scores for my JLPT N5 and JLPT N4 tests, and even got JLPT N2 certified.
Pursuing a Goal With My Community Was My Super Power
Perhaps the greatest thing the club gave me was a third space where my friends and I can convene to practice speaking Japanese. Practicing Japanese with my friends everyday helped me because comfortable with using the language. More than that, being around each other, with out common goal of one day working in Japan together, was a great motivation. With my club, as we parried together day in and day out, consistency became as easy as breathing.
Support from FAST OFFER International
As I approached graduation, I began looking for a way to turn my studies into a career. I discovered FAST OFFER International through SSJLTC, Karur, Tamil Nadu.
Before finding them, I had been studying hard on my own, but I needed help with the professional side of things. FAST OFFER supported me in two major ways:
- Preparation: They conducted mock interviews with me to help me practice answering difficult questions.
- Mental Support: I had a many different times through the journey. So, my mentors were always there to give me encouragement whenever I felt discouraged or tired.
From Japanese Language Club to Japanese Job Interviews
When the interview day finally arrived, I was incredibly nervous. In total, I interviewed for two companies—all of which I researched well. Since this was my first-ever job interview, I told myself to treat it as a learning experience. I focused on the basics: smiling as much as possible and using proper greetings (Aisatsu) for Japanese job interviews.
I honestly didn’t think I would pass on my first try. That night, I was so anxious that I could barely sleep. However, when the results came out the next morning, I was so shocked to see I got a job offer! I was ecstatic. To celebrate, I went out for juice with my friends to toast to our hard work.
The experience has convinced me that if you have a dream, you must give it your full effort. My journey from a university club to a job in Japan shows that with enough practice and the right support, you can make your dream come true.
Looking Toward the Future
Now that I am headed to Japan, I have set several goals for myself:
- Professional Growth: I want to develop my skills in the IT sector and work on large projects that help other people.
- Cultural Experience: I am excited to visit Osaka to learn the local dialect and hope to see the snow in Hokkaido for the first time.
- Language Mastery: I will keep studying until I pass the JLPT N1 exam.
- See other Hikari Club Members: I can’t wait to meet my fellow Japanese language club members in Japan.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: How a Japanese Language Club Can Help Your Journey to Japan
- Sustaining morale. You cannot underestimate the value of morale, especially when the lessons start getting hard. With a community, you can lean on each other during the hard times and celebrate together during your wins.
- Having practice partners. Practicing speaking Japanese with fellow beginners is easier and less intimidating.
- Making learning fun. Infusing fun and play to rigorous study is key to faster learning!
- Finding generous mentors. Whether it’s an affiliated sensei or an upperclassman, finding a mentor can help speed up your journey and skip rookie mistakes.
- Enhancing your resume. Whether or not you become club president, being part of a Japanese Language Club signals your genuine interest in Japanese culture.
Yes, anime clubs can also work if it lets you find fellow club members who want to go deeper into the language. As long as the club allows you to connect with others with the same goal, it could greatly help your journey to Japan. Finding a supportive community like a Japanese Language club, an Otaku club, or FAST OFFER International can be a game changer for your dream of working in Japan.
More Success Stories Influenced by Their Japanese Language Club or Anime Club
A Journey Shaped by Anime: Overcoming Challenges in the Japanese Job Market
“I run the Japanese club at my university and teach Japanese to 200 students. One wall of the club room was decorated with anime posters while another was filled with N5-N1 kanji. You can see from this how much I love Japan and how much effort I put into my Japanese studies. ”
Landing a Dream Job in Japan: Lessons from a Malaysian Engineering Graduate
“… I actively participated in Japanese culture clubs and events related to Japan, learning a wide range of knowledge about Japan, including cuisine, kimonos, and festivals. Through this process, I was able to build bonds with many Japanese friends.”
Bridging Cultures: How Learning Japanese Opened Doors for a Wuhan University Graduate in Japan
“Although I was not a foreign language student at school, I met a Japanese tutor by chance because I took part in the school’s anime club, Japanese language club, and other club activities. Because I had studied some Japanese, I often communicated with the Japanese teacher. My teacher told me about Japan’s significant aging population problem and how that has made them open opportunities to interested foreigners.”
Beyond the Screen: A Myanmar Anime Enthusiast’s Real-Life Japanese Adventure
“While participating in the Otaku Club, I began to feel a renewed passion for the Japanese language, and in my junior year of college, I began to study Japanese again in earnest, along with my academic work.”
