Learning Japanese Culture Through Language Inspired My Career in Japan

Captured by Anime Culture Turned into Love for Learning the Japanese Language  

When I was in 10th grade, which in Japan is equivalent to the first year of high school. I first started watching Anime, and I just fell in love. So, I used to watch Anime, and then, after completing my 12th grade, I did some research and found that many Japanese companies are investing in the Indian economy. Therefore, learning Japanese would be a significant boost to my career. Before my first year ended, I began learning Japanese. I cleared the JLPT N5 and was starting N4 classes, but then the Coronavirus came.    

I needed to drop everything as classes came to a halt.  My teacher went back to Japan, and everything came to a standstill. At that time, I just focused on graduating. After graduating, I tried my best and secured a contractual employment position at a Japanese airline. While I worked there, I continued learning Japanese.   

Then, I started revising the JLPT N4 syllabus, which helped me clear the NAT. On a roll, I began self-studying for the N3 level with the help of my boss, who is a Native Japanese speaker. Soon, I cleared NAT Q3. While still working for the same company, I began studying for N2.  I then switched to another Japanese company, where I served as a Japanese interpreter in the production department. I was tasked with interpreting for all the departments. There, I continued studying, but adjusting to and learning about my new job slowed my progress in my studies. However, it did give me a convenient experience!  As busy as things got, as I further expanded my vocabulary, I was able to clear Nat Q2 in February last year. Even now, I am preparing for JLPT N1. 

Learning Japanese Culture Through Language Changed Me Into a Better Person

When you start learning Japanese, it also affects your personality. With my progress in the language, I found myself molded by their culture and traditions as well. Although I initially started learning Japanese to secure a job in Japan, it was also through learning Japanese that I was inspired to commit to my dream in college and continue pursuing it for years after graduation. When I began working for Japanese companies, experiencing the language in the workplace, as well as the systemic and effective processes, further inspired me. I also felt like I was transforming into a better person.   

Turns Out, FAST OFFER International Was Just Waiting For Me  

Interestingly, I’ve been aware of FAST OFFER International since college. In fact, I had already registered them. However, I never got around to updating my profile or going through the screening process with them. So, I forgot about them all together.  

Then, last year, around November, I was reminded about them and learned more about their program through LinkedIn. I learned about the opportunities they offered through some of the hotels I connected with through my sensei. I approached my sensei, and he encouraged me to revive my FAST OFFER account, starting with a PR Video and submitting my reason for wanting to work in Japan.   

Following my sensei’s advice, I was quickly scheduled for an interview with a FAST OFFER mentor. That really jumpstarted my journey to Japan!  

Challenges in the Job Interviews Stage Made Me Stronger  

The job interviews were challenging, but every obstacle motivated me to keep moving forward and improve. I was nervous during the first online interviews I failed at, but when I finally got the chance to go to Japan via FAST OFFER’s sponsored trips, I was brimming with confidence.  Thanks to my newfound confidence, I advanced to the second round for two Japanese companies.  

My dream came true!

From those interviews, I landed my dream job in Japan! I still remember the moment I received the good news via email from the point person at FAST OFFER. It read, “‘You are selected’. I felt overwhelmed with happiness. All my efforts finally paid off. It solidified my belief that a strong will is the key to achieving anything.  

To Everyone Also Dreaming of Living in Japan: Be patient!  

You need to be patient with the process and with yourself. This means studying at your own pace.

I learned of this Japanese philosophy “Kaizen” that’s about slow incremental change leading to vast improvements in the long run. I applied this cultural learning with my Japanese studies, too, as I made a habit of learning 10-20 Japanese words daily. Over time, 10-20 words a day translated in a big way. So:

1. Consistently set aside time to study Japanese every day  
2. Find your motivation, your purpose  
3. Don’t give in to laziness or procrastination  
4. Don’t be overconfident  

Your steadfast commitment is vital to your Japanese language learning journey, securing a job offer in Japan, and to your future prosperity in Japan.   

FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: Things You Learn About Japanese Culture Through Learning the Language

For many of our successful talents, they began their dream to work in Japan because of their exposure to anime or Japanese technology. However, when they take the first step learning Japanese, they find even more reason to stay on their journey. Learning the Japanese language teaches you a lot also about their culture. Having a more nuanced understanding of Japanese culture has made plenty of our successful talents fall in love with Japan even more.

Learning a language gives you the unique opportunity to understand another culture intimately. When you learn Japanese, you will discover facets of the language that translate to broader societal norms. Here are some aspects of the Japanese language that is mirrored in Japanese culture:

• Honorifics and Respect: The use of honorifics in Japanese reflects the importance of hierarchy and respect in Japanese society, from formal language (keigo) to casual speech (tameguchi).
• Language and Group Harmony (Wa): Japanese emphasizes group harmony over individualism, seen in the use of indirect language, humility, and expressions that prioritize others’ feelings over personal opinion.
• Cultural Context and Politeness: The structure of Japanese sentences often shifts to convey politeness, illustrating the cultural value placed on consideration for others, especially in social and professional settings.
• Non-verbal Communication: The Japanese language places great value on non-verbal cues, like gestures and tone, reflecting the subtlety and nuance in Japanese communication.
• Proverbs and Idioms: Japanese is rich with proverbs (kotowaza) and idiomatic expressions that reflect societal wisdom, traditional values, and respect for nature.
• Kanji and Cultural Heritage: The use of kanji, which incorporates characters derived from Chinese, links the language to centuries of cultural exchange and historical influence.
• The Influence of Nature: Many Japanese expressions and terms are inspired by nature, illustrating the deep connection the Japanese have with their environment and the changing seasons.
• Humility and Down-playing personal achievements: Japanese speakers often use humble language to downplay their own achievements, reflecting a cultural emphasis on modesty and humility.
• Regional Dialects (Hogen): Japan’s various regional dialects highlight the diversity within Japanese culture, often carrying unique cultural references and histories.