| COUNTRY |
| Hong Kong |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong |
| COMPANY |
| Japanese company that develops, manufactures, sells, and maintains currency processing machines and self-service equipment, and provides electronic payment services, biometric authentication solutions, robot SI, etc. |
| SUMMARY |
| Because of a deep appreciation for Japanese culture through early exposure to anime and manga they studied Japanese at The University of Hong Kong while pursuing a degree in Computer Science. They found learning Japanese relatively easy due to linguistic similarities with Chinese. Their language skills and passion for Japanese culture opened up career opportunities in Japan, facilitated by FAST OFFER International. The author is excited about their future in Japan’s tech industry and the cultural experiences awaiting them. |
Why Is learning Japanese Easy for Chinese speakers?
I was immersed in anime and manga pretty young, which led me to appreciate other aspects of Japanese culture like Japanese festivals, J-pop, and the cuisine. So, when I entered The University of Hong Kong to become a Computer Science Engineer, I started studying Japanese as well which would allow me to watch anime subtitle-free and read the manga as soon as it was released in the original Japanese. I also heard how Chinese speakers like me will find learning Japanese relatively easier.
As I Easily Learned Japanese As a Chinese Speaker, I Began to Imagine Life Working in Japan
I entered university hoping to become an engineer. Computer Science and AI because are booming industries right now and unlike other engineering courses, it doesn’t have a licensure exam so I chose it. I felt like that field of study would open up possibilities for me. In the same way, learning Japanese had unexpectedly opened possibilities for me too. As I imagined my future, Japan became a clear possibility, as a world-renowned tech hub perfect for my degree, and my budding language skills.
During my final year, when FAST OFFER International partnered with my university for an information session, the path was clear. I learned about all the established, thriving, and leading companies in Japan and how needed talents like me. Working in Japan wasn’t just a possibility, it became a viable option completely within my reach.
The Job Hunt with FAST OFFER International
Learning Japanese easily as a Chinese speaker was just the first requirement for my journey to finding work in Japan as a Hong Konger. Now, it was time to find companies interested in me and undergo the rigorous interview processes. Thankfully, FAST OFFER International held my hand through the process. When I signed up, they aligned with me on my career and personal goals. With my information in mind, they matched me with three Japanese companies who interviewed me online in a little more than a month.
FAST OFFER International then gave me a mentor who helped me customize my portfolio according to what the companies were looking for. They taught me how to use the skills and experiences I had as a final-year student to best appeal to the companies. For example, manufacturing companies would like specific parts of my portfolio that held the most potential of being valuable to their specific operations. Emphasizing certain aspects of your portfolio according to your company research can help you succeed.
My Japanese Language Skill Came Handy Before The Interviews
Learning to read and write Japanese is easy because of my native Chinese tongue—this paid off during the web exams. The exams you had to take before the interviews were in Japanese, so being able to quickly read through the questions, unbothered by Kanji, was a big advantage.
Challenges During the Japanese Job Interviews
I didn’t do well during my first interview because was too nervous! I wasn’t used to speaking in Japanese with little opportunity to talk to Japanese speakers. This inspired me to practice my speaking skills for the next set of interviews. Knowing what to expect and being better prepared, the interviews with the second and third companies went way better.
During the third company interview, I was surprised they wanted to interview me in English. This Japanese company was looking for an engineer who was fluent in English. This shows how intentional Japanese companies are globalizing to reach more markets.
Finally, my mentor called me on WhatsApp to deliver the news: I got the job offer! I was overjoyed: a step closer to that future playing in my mind of working in Japan.
Looking forward to my future in Japan
I’m so excited to challenge myself in Japan. Working with a well-established, industry-leading company, I’m sure my experience there will improve me as an engineer. I’m looking forward to being part of Japan’s strong, exciting, advanced, world-famous tech industry.
A bonus benefit is I’m going to be able to attend way more J-Pop concerts for less cost! Plus, I’ll get to all the anime shops in Japan. Hong Kong had one anime shop, and it closed.
Preparing for Life Ahead as a Hongkonger with FAST OFFER International
In a few months, I will be part of Japan’s workforce. In the meantime, I’m processing my Japanese work visa as a Hong Konger, and sharpening my Japanese. As I get closer to the day, I’m even more grateful for FAST OFFER International’s Japanese classes. The curriculum they use doesn’t just teach you the language, but also indispensable aspects of daily Japanese life. In one class, they taught us how to sort trash. In Japan, sorting trash wrong can get you fined! It’s nice to know I’m equipped with the knowledge to avoid that.
I like to be practical! Before I began my journey, I thought about the path of least resistance. So, I chose Computer Science as the most promising degree, learned Japanese as a Chinese speaker, motivated myself with my love for Japanese culture, and jumped on FAST OFFER International’s comprehensive helpful program to launch my career in Japan right after college. If you want to be an engineer abroad and can speak Chinese, then Japan might be the perfect place for you as well!
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: 5 Reasons Why learning Japanese is Easy for Chinese Speakers
- Kanji Similarities: Both Japanese and Chinese use kanji characters, which means Chinese speakers already have a head start in recognizing and understanding many written characters.
- Grammar Simplicity: Japanese grammar is relatively straightforward compared to Chinese. For instance, Japanese has fewer tones and simpler sentence structures.
- Cultural Familiarity: There are many cultural similarities between China and Japan, which can make understanding context and usage easier.
- Vocabulary Overlap: Some Japanese words have been borrowed from Chinese, so there are familiar terms that can make learning new vocabulary easier.
- Learning Resources: There are tons of resources specifically designed for Chinese speakers learning Japanese, including textbooks, online courses, and language exchange programs. FAST OFFER International also offers free Japanese classes you may want to check out if you qualify.
Proof of How Easy It Is For Chinese Speakers to Learn Japanese
Many of our talents at FAST OFFER International who can speak Chinese began studying Japanese on their own, especially if they were inspired by anime at an early age. Through their self-studying Japanese efforts, they were able to progress! Most of the time, it does take a few years if self-studying Japanese at a casual pace but the point is it’s completely doable. Some even learn Japanese from SNS!
If you’re in a hurry, you cam choose an intensive route. Some Chinese speakers learn Japanese quicker with more dedication, qualifying for JLPT N2 in just one year of studying-– a feat non-Chinese speakers typically take years to master. We even have a talent who reached the highest level of JLPT N1 in just one year. It’s a big privilege to know kanji as this is the number one hindrance for many international talents learning Japanese.
So, if you’re trying to figure out a way into the Japanese job market where there are tons of opportunities for foreigners, where Japanese companies strictly adhere to labor laws, pay overtime, offer generous benefits packages, and happily provide job security: learn Japanese! Learning Japanese as a Chinese speaker is not only easy, learning Japanese can also be enjoyable. It can even benefit you in unexpected ways. A Chinese talent even used their Japanese to pass the world’s toughest gaokao exam! So what’s stopping you? Read up more on how to find work in Japan from our career guides.
