| COUNTRY |
| Indonesia |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Computer Science, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) |
| COMPANY |
| Developing and delivering a SaaS platform for enterprise mobile management to help various organizations manage and utilize mobile devices more effectively |
| SUMMARY |
| A Place Further than the Universe inspired them to pursue an adventurous life, with Japan becoming their personal “Antarctica.” They began learning Japanese in high school in hopes of getting a scholarship in Japan. Though they weren’t able to study in Japan, they were undeterred and continued studying through Marugoto Online. Their passion for adventure extended to their interest in their studies. Initially hesitant about working in Japan due to workplace stereotypes, they researched and connected with FAST OFFER International, which provided guidance, Japanese classes, and job-hunting support. Eventually, they secured interviews and flew to Japan, landing a job offer despite falling ill. Now, they look forward to starting their new life in Japan, encouraging others to stay consistent in pursuing their goals. |
“A Place Further than the Universe” Inspired Me to Go For An Adventurous Life in Japan
Like most of my peers, I grew up loving anime. I watched classics such as Naruto and Dragonball. One of the shows I watched in high school, A Place Further than the Universe (2018), affected me more than I expected.
The show follows the journey of high school girls dreaming of going to Antarctica. Young, driven, and thirsty for adventure, these values stirred something in me. It urged me to dream bigger. In my own way, Japan became my Antarctica.
Finding My Way to Japan
Like the characters in the show, I wholeheartedly embraced the challenges to meet my goal. I started learning Japanese on my own during my second year in High School. I also tried to get a scholarship to study in Japan. Sadly, I didn’t get the scholarship, but I didn’t let that deter me, and continued studying Japanese with the help of Marugoto Online.
The Spirit of Adventure Trickled Into the Rest of My Life
A Place Further than the Universe, perhaps along with other anime with inspiring adventure-seeking leads, informed me as a person beyond my goal of getting to Japan one day. It awakened an attitude I brought into other aspects of my life. I enjoyed the field of my studies as it felt like I was discovering more of the unknown.
Reluctance to Work in Japan Due to the Stereotypes
Dreaming of Japan was crystal clear. That didn’t necessarily mean working in Japan though. The stereotypes I knew of the Japanese workplace were a bit discouraging. However, with studying in Japan out of the question, I began to dig deeper. Some of my research included talking to seniors working in Japan and attending FAST OFFER International’s information session. I wanted to find out about overworking, salaries, what Japan was actually like as an engineer expat, and how a Muslim like me can pray in that environment.
Researching about working in Japan allowed me to understand that like in most countries, work culture differs from company to company. Some companies are better than others—I just needed to know which ones I would fit in. Hearing from my peers emphasized the importance of finding the right company with values I can align with and who is keen on providing a culture that welcomes me.
Meeting FAST OFFER International
When I met FAST OFFER International in my second year, they helped me in four ways:
1. They Showed Me a Clear Path to Follow
The information session showed me a clear and motivating path to Japan. However, it was too early for me to join their classes, so I doubled down on learning Japanese through my own effort.
2. They Helped Improve My Japanese
When I finally joined in my third year, the free Japanese classes gave another dimension to my Japanese studies. Interacting with the Japanese sensei and fellow students turned my studies into practical knowledge. The class greatly improved my confidence in speaking Japanese. I studied under them for only a few months but it made a big difference.
3. FAST OFFER International Helped Me Find The Right Company
Most importantly perhaps, they gave me inside information on companies that would fit my needs. We began my job hunting with a conversation on career goals that informed every step moving forward. Because of this, I comfortably talked about accommodating my religious needs with prospective employers during the Japanese interviews.
I Got To Fly to “A Place Further than the Universe”: Going to Japan for the First Time
After the Japanese classes, four Japanese companies wanted to interview me, qualifying me for FAST OFFER International’s sponsored 6-day trips. In the space of just 1- day, they helped me prepare all the documents I needed to fly. Near the day, I got sick, and yet, nonetheless, it was a wonderful, life-changing trip.
I was sick and masked up, but still, I got a job offer. I rested as much as I could between the schedule, concentrating on putting all my energy into the interviews. Talking to my peers and my mentor also enlightened and motivated me with insights and advice that prepped me for the interviews.
I was so happy when my effort paid off with a job offer! Unlike my peers, I wasn’t able to explore Japan a little but that’s all right! When I’m back in Japan, I’ll have as much time as I want.
My Advice to Those Who Want to Go to A Place Further than the Universe
My journey wasn’t smooth. The path wasn’t always clear. As circumstances changed, I stayed consistent in studying Japanese and looking toward my goal of working in Japan as an Indonesian engineer. Whether your goal is working in Japan, learning Japanese, or anything else, steadily focusing one step at a time makes a big difference. Stay the course and it will work out!
Looking Forward to New Experiences in Japan
Like the characters in A Place Further than the Universe, Japan feels like the other side of the world right now. But soon, Japan will no longer be a dream but a reality. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Japan—both the place and its people.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: How A Place Further than the Universe Inspired My Japan Dream
If you’re looking for anime like A Place Further Than the Universe to inspire your seemingly impossible dreams, and to push past your limits, we’ve got some recommendations. Watching anime will help you study Japanese and boost your morale!
- Run with the Wind (Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru) – A college student with a hidden talent for running joins a team aiming to compete in the prestigious Hakone Ekiden marathon.
- Blue Period – A high school student with no prior experience in art decides to aim for Japan’s most competitive art university.
- Shirobako – A behind-the-scenes look at the anime industry, following a group of friends who dream of making their own anime.
- Sakura Quest – A young woman takes on a challenging job to revitalize a small rural town.
- Haikyuu!! – A determined high school short king with a passion for volleyball joins a once-great team, working with his teammates to rise to the top and compete at nationals.
- Chihayafuru – A competitive karuta (traditional Japanese card game) anime that follows a girl striving to become the best in the world.
- Bakuman – A duo of aspiring manga artists who work toward their dream of getting serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump.
- My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia) – A boy born without powers dreams of becoming the world’s greatest hero.
Let these inspiring shows accompany you as you go through your own journey to your dream! Check out our career guides or sign up with us today.
