From Thailand to Japan: How I Studied and Worked in Japan

Doraemon: The Beginning of My Interest in Japan 

My interest in Japan began in childhood with the anime Doraemon. Watching the show sparked my fascination with Japanese culture and language, and when I entered high school, I chose to major in Japanese and began studying it seriously. 

At my high school, students had to choose a major—science or humanities—and I selected the humanities track with a focus on Japanese. I took classes on Japanese grammar and culture almost every day, taught not only by Thai teachers but also by Japanese teachers, which was a valuable experience. 

Since I already loved anime such as Doraemon and Detective Conan, learning Japanese through the voices of characters I knew well made studying fun and motivating. 

My First Visit to Japan and Discovering the Joy of Speaking Japanese 

Including my FAST OFFER International interviews, I have visited Japan three times. During high school, I qualified for a 2-week sponsored program called “Japan Future Leaders School” in Fukuoka. I got to practice the Japanese I had been learning! This was my first time in Japan.  

At the time, I still couldn’t speak Japanese fluently, but simply experiencing Japanese culture and daily life felt exciting. I was especially encouraged by the Japanese friends I met in the program, who spoke slowly and clearly so I could understand.

Their support helped me gain confidence. Although I often hesitated because I worried too much about grammar, I soon realized how enjoyable it was to speak Japanese. After that summer program, my desire to improve grew stronger. I increased the opportunities to use Japanese outside of class, and eventually passed the JLPT N3 before graduating high school. 

Studying Abroad at Okayama University—Learning Beyond the Textbook 

With a renewed desire to experience life in Japan, I studied hard at university to earn a chance to study abroad. One of my biggest motivations was the wish to understand “local Japan,” not just what appears in textbooks.

Learning from seniors who had studied abroad strengthened that dream, and eventually, I was accepted into a 10-month exchange program at Okayama University. 

Life in Okayama left me with many memorable experiences. I was able to join local events, such as wearing a kimono for a traditional parade and participating in festivals alongside residents. 

These interactions allowed me to learn about Japanese culture in a hands-on, personal way. Although the Okayama dialect was challenging at first, it significantly improved my listening skills. 

How an Internship Strengthened My Desire to Work in Japan 

Because I was studying Japanese, I hoped to find an internship where I could use the language. A university senior introduced me to an internship at ASIA to JAPAN. Working in a Japanese company environment and using Japanese daily taught me so much, and it strengthened my desire to pursue a career in Japan. 

While reading other students’ success stories, I learned that FAST OFFER International supports not only engineering students but also those in the humanities. This gave me confidence that I could also find opportunities in Japan, and I decided to register. 

Finding My Career Values Through Self-Analysis 

My first Japanese job interviews took place in May, where I received opportunities from four companies and participated in FAST OFFER International’s onsite interview event. By researching each company’s Job Descriptions and projects beforehand, I discovered several companies I genuinely wanted to work for. 

However, through self-analysis and conversations during interviews, I realized that my core motivation was “staying connected to local communities”—something I had learned from my study-abroad experience in Okayama. With this clarity, I was able to choose the company that aligned most closely with my values. 

I will be working in a finance-related role. Although my university major was Japanese and I had only limited exposure to finance, my motivation to challenge a new field and contribute to community-based projects led me to choose this company. 

In Thailand, Japanese-major graduates often work mainly as interpreters, but working in Japan as a new graduate allows me to use my Japanese skills while learning something entirely new. That opportunity for growth is what I find most appealing about starting my career in Japan. 

What I Want to Do After Joining the Company 

My first goal is to learn the responsibilities of a bank employee and get used to the job as quickly as possible. During the office visit, I felt that Shizuoka—where I will be working—had a similar atmosphere to Okayama, making it feel very comfortable and livable. 

I hope to interact closely with the local community and explore different prefectures on my days off, discovering the many charms of Japan. 

A Message to Students Aiming to Study and Work in Japan 

Many students find Japanese conversation difficult—I felt the same. 
At first, I lacked confidence and was afraid to speak. But even if your grammar isn’t perfect, it’s okay. Japanese people listen kindly and patiently, so take the chance to practice speaking whenever you can. 

Job interviews can be challenging, but the more you prepare, the better your results will be. 
Believe in your dreams, trust the effort you put in, and keep moving forward. 

I hope your journey will lead to wonderful opportunities—just like FAST OFFER International did for me. 

FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: How to Study and Work in Japan

Visiting Japan as a tourist as many would say, is not enough time to explore all of Japan! The best way to immerse in their culture is to try to live and work there! Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

1. Understanding Pathways to Study in Japan

• Japan offers opportunities to study in universities, vocational schools, and language institutes.
• To study, you need a Student Visa, which requires:
  • An acceptance letter from a recognized institution
  • Proof of financial capability
• Many students begin with Japanese language schools to build skills needed for higher education or employment.

2. Student Life and Part-Time Work

• Students on a valid visa may work up to 28 hours per week during the school term.
• Common part‑time jobs include:
  • Convenience stores
  • Cafés and restaurants
  • Office support roles
  • Translation or tutoring (for strong English speakers)
• Working helps improve Japanese communication and provides local experience.

3. Language Proficiency

• Achieving JLPT N2 or higher significantly increases job opportunities. This will be tested especially at the job interviews.
• Strong Japanese skills are often required for:
  • Customer-facing roles
  • Corporate positions
  • Internships and graduate careers
• Learn Japanese conversation most of all! At FAST OFFER International, Engineering degree applicants will minimally require conversational Japanese at around JLPT N4-N3 level. Humanities degree applicants typically need at least N2.

4. Job Hunting During Your Final Year of Study

The Japanese job market specifically prioritizes mass hiring new graduates. It’s ideal to start job hunting in your final year and jump right into working after graduating. Here are some things to do so you can land a job opportunity in Japan:

• Prepare for the Job Hunt:
  • Conduct a self analysis to know your strengths, weaknesses, interests, etc.
  • Have a clear purpose as to why you want to both work and live in Japan.
  • Research and target companies whose values and goals align with yours.
  • Create a Japanese style resume.
    • Bilingual or multilingual skills
    • Cross-cultural experience
    • Practical achievements from school or jobs
  • Translate your Final Year Project to Japanese.
  • Sign up with FAST OFFER International and get matched with companies that fit your goal, and give you mentoring sessions
  • Learn more about the Japanese New Graduate Recruitment System.
  • Understand how Japanese companies think for job interviews
• Career support resources include:
  • University job fairs
  • Company briefing sessions
  • Internship programs
  • Online recruitment platforms
  • FAST OFFER International

5. Transitioning to Full-Time Work

• Once you get your job offer, students can switch to a Work Visa, typically in fields like:
  • Engineering, IT, design (Choosing an engineering degree can give you an edge and can be attainable at JLPT N3 level!)
  • Education and translation
  • Business, sales, or marketing (You will need N2 or higher)

5. Overall Strategy

• Learn the language early.
• Choose the right school or career path.
• Gain real-world experience through part-time jobs or internships.
• Adapt to Japanese culture and workplace norms.