My Experience in Japan: From Learning Japanese to Empowered Japanese Salary Woman
It’s been 4 years since I became an Indonesian woman working in Japan. So much has changed since. I’ve become fluent in Japanese so I’m now onto learning Chinese as my 7th language. From living in Bali, I now live in a company-subsidized spacious apartment in Osaka with my Japanese husband. This meant more business trips that made work-life balance a little more challenging.
But some things haven’t changed. Four years in and I still love Japan. I still enjoy Japan’s drinking culture, I still love to travel, I still watch baseball games live when I can, and I still get homesick every now and then. But I’m well-equipped at this point for those moments. Every summer, while the climate’s temporarily tropical, I grow Indonesian vegetables on our veranda to cook my favorite home-cooked Balinese dishes. Other times, I can catch up with my fellow Balinese friends trying out other Balinese restaurants in Japan. We’ve found an authentic restaurant in Osaka whose chef even lets us order off the menu.
It feels like I’ve settled here. But the truth is, I still feel like this is just the beginning!
Let me share with you my experience in Japan: from when I started learning Japanese in Indonesia, to when I found my footing in Japan, to how all this has empowered me as a woman to dream for more.
How a Childhood Passion for Languages Led to Learning Japanese
I was in kindergarten when my passion for languages began. This passion was fueled by my dreams of traveling and how learning local languages can help me cross boundaries and talk to very different people by heart. My environment fed this interest. Since I was based in Bali, a tourist destination, I had a multicultural experience. In my family alone, I had tons of aunts and uncles from Australia, the Netherlands, and Japan who I could practice a variety of languages with. Today, I speak seven languages: Balinese, Bahasa, Malay, English, Japanese, Spanish, and Chinese (still in my learning stage!).
So, when the time came to choose my path at university, my goal was to learn my fifth language. At that time, I wanted to learn Chinese because I found their pictograph alphabet so interesting. I was also excited about the challenge it presented. When I couldn’t find a university in Indonesia to pursue Chinese though, I pivoted to what was available and felt close enough: Japanese.
I found myself wanting more though, to learn the language at a higher caliber. However, my university’s Japanese classes were primarily taught by other Balinese people. I wanted to learn Japanese from a Japanese person. So, I investigated Japanese Universities to continue my education. I tried looking for a scholarship twice. I failed the first time and tried again the next year. That led me to be a student in Osaka for a year.
Experiencing Hiroshima: Inspiring a Deeper Connection with Japan
I found the people of Hiroshima to have very warm embracing hearts. Their kindness really stands out. They’re keen to help. On top of that, Hiroshima is a great place for baseball lovers! I watched baseball games every Sunday at the local stadium to support the home team Hiroshima Toyo Carp. My wonderful time in Hiroshima inspired me to pursue working in Japan.
Securing Employment in Japan: An Indonesian Graduate’s Guide To Working in Japan
To make my dream of working in Japan as an Indonesian happen, it all hinged on my Japanese. Japan has a very global market that is open to foreigners, not just Indonesians. However, the only way to join this market is to learn Japanese and English. In my experience, learning Japanese Kanji and grammar can be challenging, but the good news is that the pronunciations are easy enough for Indonesians.
Here are some things that helped me learn Japanese:
- Taking it as my major in college. This exposes you to a lot of basic Japanese lessons. This opened the door to being an exchange student in Japan which was more helpful.
- Having a Japanese boyfriend. While studying Japanese, I also met my then-boyfriend, now-husband who is Japanese. That was a great help in learning Japanese as I got to talk to him in Japanese every day. It sped up the process effectively as I naturally practiced the language the way it’s used, plus I can easily ask about a word I may not have understood. It’s like a human dictionary right beside me!
- Watching Japanese shows. I don’t learn languages from books, instead, I opt for TV shows with subtitles. It starts slowly, pausing each time I don’t understand something to google it. Eventually, I catch speed and pause less and less. Not only is this more interesting than learning from a book, but I also get to learn it from Japanese locals, I get used to hearing and listening at the same time, I adapt a local accent automatically, and I get to absorb Japanese exactly the way it’s used, and not from a toneless book that can easily be outdated.
The Insurmountable Challenge of Looking for a Job in Japan from Indonesia on My Own
While an undergraduate in Japan, I tried looking for a job independently. But going to Japanese companies directly had them classify me and judge me as a local. The expectation they had for me was to be as fluent in the language and culture of Japan as a native. I was competing with other native Japanese. At a bare minimum, they wanted me to have N1 level Japanese and at that time, I only had N2. Another challenge was that they already expected me to have a working visa when all I held at that time was a student visa.
It was hard to meet those criteria. That’s why I signed up with an agency. My first experience with an agency was a bit of a disappointment, especially when they saw that I was a humanities graduate. They kept asking me if I was just in it to travel, and each time it broke my heart. They found my humanities degree too difficult to work with as it’s not as in demand as an engineering or IT degree.
When I got back to Indonesia after studying in Japan, I resumed job hunting. I found a school that wanted to hire me. Partly because I wasn’t under an agency at that time though, my visa application was rejected.
I Found the Right Agency to Help Me with Job Hunting in Japan
Later, a friend from Thailand told me about FAST OFFER International and we signed up together. I passed their test and that spelled all the difference. Working with FAST OFFER International, I interviewed for global companies. This raised my chances because they were looking beyond my Japanese ability. They saw my skills in other languages as helpful as well because it would help their goal to expand their marketing and sales and strengthen their international trading. FAST OFFER International also paired me with a mentor who ran one-on-one sessions to help with my job interviews. Not only did they help me practice, but they also gave me much-needed encouragement.
I had to go through 7-10 rounds of interviews for different companies. It was challenging because I’d decided to be honest for every interview. I told interviewers each time that I’d always do my best, I could learn any language, and I’d give my best to the company. This made them think I was coming off too strong!
When I finally succeeded, I bubbled with excitement. At that time, I had two companies give me a job offer and I had to choose one. One of them was my first-choice company which I researched for a month.
Navigating the Workplace as an Indonesian Woman Working in Japan
Japan is a very distinct country, and it follows that the work experience would be just as different. Since I’ve had some experience in Indonesia, I can pinpoint some ways that Japan is decidedly different.
You are trained to be a Japanese Salaryman.
The Japanese are very intentional with their culture, including how to be a Japanese worker. Thus, they carve out time for you to train. When I entered the company, I did on-the-job training for two weeks. After some time, new employees arrived who I joined for three more months of on-the-job training on how to be a Japanese Salaryman. These sessions taught you how to conduct yourself, and your manners, while working. Even though I’m primarily based working at the office, part of the training was also two months of working in the factory which gave me a broader view of how the company worked.
There are stricter rules and boundaries in the workplace.
In Indonesia, I could use my phone during work hours. Sometimes, we even played games, and it wasn’t an issue. I also found myself more bonded with my workmates. In Japan though, rules are stricter, and we can’t use dawdle on our phones during work hours. There are also clearer boundaries between workmates.
Understanding Nomikai: Japan’s Salaryman Drinking Tradition.
After work, Japanese salarymen are in the habit of drinking together a lot. I quite enjoy this, but it can get exhausting to some. For me, having more business trips from outside of my city, the after-work hours drinking sessions have made work-life balance a bit more challenging.
Overtime culture varies per workplace, but more Japanese companies are working against it.
There are a lot of stereotypes about overworking in Japan, but my company doesn’t force overtime work. We’re given leeway to finish things the next day. You can work overtime, but you’re never forced and it’s completely your decision.
Giving management feedback makes an impact.
The reason why overtime work doesn’t happen in my company is because employees voiced their concerns and management listened. Our company does regular individual check-ins on how they can improve, and it was during those sessions that ended the overtime culture in my company.
Everyone is moving quickly.
People are in a perpetual rush. This is best reflected at the train stations. It’s shocking to me how people are chasing trains even when it’s guaranteed that a train arrives every five minutes.
Life in Japan: Insights from an Indonesian Woman Working in Japan
There is life outside of work! And just like the work experience, the life experience is also quite distinct. Here, I go over my experience and give tips on healthcare, the cost of living, and dealing with homesickness in Japan.
Maximizing Health Insurance Benefits in Japan: Tips for Indonesians Working in Japan
The moment you step in Japan for work, you’re required to pay government-mandated health insurance. Take advantage simply by going to a medical professional whenever you need. You only pay 30% of your medical expenses and your insurance will cover 70%.
For me, I have a lot of allergies, and last year, I added pollen allergy to the list. That allergy had me coughing so bad for several months that I broke four of my ribs. For only a thousand yen every two weeks for my insurance, I got treated without a worry. You’re empowered to go to a doctor whenever because you’re not worried about the cost. I give Japan’s health insurance system a 10 out of 10 for this.
Another important tip is that you earnestly communicate with your doctor! It would be helpful if you told them about your medical background. Research translations for medical jargon in advance. You may also want to give them an idea of the dosage you’re used to when you were in your home country. Japanese doctors tend to prescribe lower dosages. I told my doctor I was used to higher doses of medicine, so he adjusted my prescription to work better for me.
Managing Living Expenses in Japan: A Guide for Expats Working in Japan
Rent in Japan can be expensive, especially in the big cities where small spaces cost a fortune. Make sure you find out about your company’s subsidies for this.
Probably the biggest advantage I have with my company is the subsidized apartment. I get to live in a big apartment at a reasonable price which gives me more money for the expensive electricity and gas. The company will also allow me to stay in this apartment until I’m 45.
Combating Homesickness: Bringing Bali to Japan
Every expat experience inevitably leads to a little bit of homesickness. There are, however, delicious ways to bring some home with you.
I have three Balinese friends in Japan. Together, we speak Balinese and eat at Balinese restaurants. It’s a support system that helps us remember our native tongue. We found this authentic Balinese restaurant in Osaka called Ubud Suci. I really recommend it! We’ve tried a lot, but this was the one that really hit the mark. When we come there, we can even talk to the chef to order off the menu, of the local homecooked dishes we’re nostalgic about. It’s really become a place we run to when we’re feeling homesick.
Food can be miraculous for homesickness. That’s why I also cook Balinese food at home. Getting the right ingredients—especially fresh vegetables–though can be a challenge. If you have space in your place, you can check out plant nurseries or buy seeds and grow those rare ingredients yourself. This is way more cost-effective. I’m lucky enough to have a big veranda where during summer I can grow ingredients that I need for Indonesian dishes I love eating. I try to preserve some of them in my fridge to tide me over the rest of the seasons.
Career Goals and Future Aspirations: From Indonesia, to Japan, to Global Opportunities
Before flying from Indonesia to Japan to work, I had one goal in mind: to get promoted before I turned 30. I’ve had the chance to achieve this goal this year, two years early, and I’m glad to report! But whenever a dream is checked off, you need a new one. My new goal is much more ambitious: to be a minister of the environment in Indonesia! Accumulating experience here in Japan and gunning for more international experience will surely help me with that goal. Being in Japan has really broadened my horizons and my imagination.
Being in Japan helped me get into an expanding global company. My company has a lot of branches all around the world. I’m hopeful this will help me eventually transfer to a branch in America or Belgium. I’ve seen it happen with other employees and that gives me hope. It’s just a matter of time!
Empowering Women in the Workforce: Lessons working as Indonesian in Japan
There’s an empowering freedom I get in Japan. I’m free from the traditions I grew up with, I’m free to go home late because the streets are safe, and I’m free to dream big because Japan is that kind of environment for rising talents.
For women who come from patriarchal cultures, I want you to know that despite what others might say, you can do better than men. When I entered the marketing team, it was admittedly male dominated as the job was seen as “too harsh for women”. In fact, in the team of more than 20, I was the only woman in the marketing dept. I didn’t let that stop me and I simply outperformed the men until I got the chance for a promotion. With work, I don’t see myself as a woman. I’m just a human being like everyone else, and I can make just as big sales.
As an Indonesian, working in Japan can be your launchpad. You don’t have to stay in one place, and it can be where you learn to soar! Your wings can fly all over the world. You can write your own success story!