| COUNTRY |
| South Korea |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation |
| COMPANY |
| A technical trading company that sells metal joining related products, industrial machinery related products, and FA system related products. |
| SUMMARY |
| This Japanese anime and literature fan studied Japanese during their mandatory military service. Thanks to his intense study, now he can read books by their favorite Japanese authors in the original language. Motivated by Japan’s advanced mechanical engineering industry, he aspired to work there. He attended a face-to-face interview event sponsored by FAST OFFER International. With the help of mentors and thorough preparation, he successfully navigated the interview process and received a job offer. A visit to the company’s headquarters in Nagoya further solidified his decision. |
Japanese craftsmanship(—there’s something about it that’s made an impact on me at every stage in my life. When I was still in elementary school, my obsession with anime began, especially with the still-running show Detective Conan. Later on, I was attracted to books written by Japanese writers Haruki Murakami, Keigo Higashino, and Miyuki Miyabe. When I entered University to study Mechanical Engineering, I saw how Japanese craftsmanship on a larger scale defined Japan’s manufacturing industry. In Japan, passionate, disciplined, and efficient hard workers power a meticulous production process. This has resulted in tons of world-famous mechanical industry companies in Japan, such as Toyota and Panasonic.
Learning Japanese During Military Service
Inspired by Japanese culture and craftsmanship, I began studying Japanese when I served my 2-year mandatory conscription in the South Korean military when I was 21. Life in the military was tough and there wasn’t much free time, but studying Japanese always felt like a good break each time. I was happy to cut down on sleep and breaks to study Japanese.
After my military service, I studied Japanese for two more years. Thanks to that, I can now read Keigo Higashino’s books in Japanese, looking up difficult words as I go. It’s been rewarding to read my favorite author in the original Japanese language.
Job Hunting Market in Japan VS. South Korea
The job-hunting markets in Japan and South Korea are very different. My experiences in South Korea ultimately drove me to try looking for a job in Japan as a South Korean.
After my military service and graduating from college, I began to look for a job. At first, I also looked for opportunities in South Korea but my heart wasn’t in it. Interviewing with several Korean companies was tough. The interview was quite stressful, with interviewers scolding me for answers they didn’t like. It was a demotivating experience.
Japan Had the Mechanical Engineering Industry I Wanted to Be Part of
On top of that, I wanted to be in an industry where I could be the best engineer I could be. Although semiconductor companies are famous in Korea, the mechanical engineering industry is lackluster. The contrast between the local and Japanese industries heightened my desire to work in Japan.
How Japanese Craftsmanship Steered Me Closer to Japan
My immersion in Japanese craftsmanship eventually led me to imagine what it would be like to be an engineer in Japan where they held the values I admired. I could see myself learning so much as a mechanical engineer in Japan. There, I can perhaps also have the Japanese spirit and do as they do: to express my thoughts through well-designed products. I was inspired to find a job in Japan as a South Korean because it was a great opportunity and challenge for me to grow.
Japanese Companies Help Their Craftsmen Grow from the Start
Japanese companies put a lot of effort into training new employees, but Korean companies put new employees into the field right away, so I think they were looking for toughness. Also, in Korea, it is difficult to get a job without experience, so new graduates are in a severe situation. Many students do not find a job after graduation, and it is common for them to spend 1-2 years after graduation preparing for qualifications and internships.
Participating in the FAST OFFER Interview Event
I was invited to a face-to-face interview event shortly after applying to FAST OFFER International this summer. This was my first time experiencing something like this, and I was nervous at first, but thanks to the people around me who helped me a lot, I prepared well.
In the preparation stage, FAST OFFER International staff sent me some expected questions to prepare for.
In addition, I practiced with my mentor and got used to interviews in Japanese. It was hard because the preparation period was short, but I think it went smoothly because my mentor told me what I needed to do.
Even though I had many shortcomings in the actual interview, the interviewers were very kind and I was able to speak with confidence. Unlike Korean companies, I was not scolded.
Finally Getting a Job Offer from a Japanese Company
I was ecstatic when I received a job offer from one company. I went to visit the headquarters in Nagoya the next day. There, the company people explained the job content and the company well. I was also able to talk to my senior in the technical department to clarify my image of working. The tour helped me imagine work and life in Nagoya. Tasting the the miso cutlet was also an unforgettable delicious highlight. I saw Mt. Fuji during my first time riding the Shinkansen. The company visit remains a good memory for me—including the delicious miso cutlet I’m coming back to!
Practicing Japanese Craftsmanship: My Life and Career Goals in Japan
Once in Japan, I wouldn’t just be looking up at Japanese craftsmanship, I’ll be practicing it. After joining the company, I would like to improve my business Japanese skills to help me perform my duties well. Also, since I am a foreigner, I feel that it is important to adapt to the company. I would like the company to recognize me as a motivated new employee.
I’m also looking forward to exploring Nagoya where my company is located. A really exciting thing about the city is the Nagoya Dome—which is right in front of my company! Hopefully, I could go watch a baseball game there with my future office mates.
Advice for Korean Students Who Want to Work in Japan
It’s challenging to find a job in Korea now, and like me, that might encourage you to find a job in Japan. However, if you do it all on your own, it might be too intimidating As a foreigner, it can be hard to take aptitude tests, prepare for interviews, and write entry sheets. It’s near impossible to get this information from South Korea, and it can be lonely to not have peers with the same goal to get a job in Japan. Things can be difficult if you go at it on your own–but you don’t really have to.
There’s an easy fix to these challenges! Joining a Japanese agency like FAST OFFER International will help you for free. So, if you are interested in working in Japan, with their help, and your perseverance rest assured, you can succeed. Working with a Japanese agency like ASIA to Japan‘s FAST OFFER International can make things much easier. Japanese craftsmanship also expresses itself in their services so you’ll be quite impressed by the experience. They’ll even help you with acquiring your Japanese work visa as a South Korean. I hope that as many Korean students as possible will actively make use of agents that give them a chance to find a job in Japan.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship in Japan’s Tech Industry Today
- Monozukuri: The Art of Making Things
- The concept of “monozukuri” emphasizes the spirit and dedication of craftsmen, ensuring high-quality products. This philosophy is evident in traditional crafts like Imari ware and Arita ware, known for their delicate and durable porcelain1. Monozukuri continues to be embodied in a lot of world-renowned Japanese brands such as Panasonic, Sega, and more.
- Apprenticeship System
- Skills and knowledge are passed down through generations, preserving and refining traditional techniques. This practice has helped preserve the durable and aesthetic quality of Nambu ironware, a form of metalwork from Iwate prefecture,1 but can also be observed in how Japanese companies continue to place a premium in training new recruits.
- Integration with Modern Technology
- The excellence of Japanese craftsmanship seamlessly transitions into the tech industry. Precision manufacturing combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology, resulting in superior and reliable products2. For example, Japanese companies like Sony and Toyota are known for their meticulous attention to detail and quality.
- Kintsugi: The Art of Repairing with Gold
- Kintsugi is a traditional technique that uses lacquer and gold to mend broken pottery, embracing flaws and making the final piece more beautiful2. This philosophy is reflected in modern design and repair practices, promoting sustainability and beauty in imperfection.
Japanese craftsmanship is renowned for its unparalleled quality, deep-rooted traditions, and unique aesthetic appeal. It is the ethos behind Japanese craftsmanship that helps Japan both preserve cultural traditions and advance technological innovations.
