| COUNTRY |
| China |
| EDUCATION |
| Master of Foreign Language Study, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China |
| COMPANY |
| Manufacturing of press die parts manufacturing, including punch and die parts, mold die parts manufacturing, automation parts manufacturing, and optical-related equipment manufacturing. |
| SUMMARY |
| A passionate foodie, this University of Shanghai for Science and Technology graduate first discovered her love for authentic Japanese cuisine during a family trip to Shanghai, where a visit to a traditional Japanese restaurant sparked her curiosity. That one meal opened the door to a whole new world. She began exploring Japanese food culture, learning the language, and dreaming of one day living and working in Japan to experience the real flavors herself. But turning that dream into reality was not easy. Finding a job in Japan on her own was slow, difficult, and overwhelming. Later, a friend introduced her to the FAST OFFER International program. To her surprise, she found a job in just three months. This is a journey that started with a single bite and led to a life-changing opportunity. |
A Taste of Japan in Shanghai: My Journey Into Japanese Language and Culture
Years ago, I travelled to Shanghai with my family during a high school break. To my surprise, I discovered Japanese food there that was even tastier than what I had tried in my hometown! That experience sparked a lasting interest in Japanese cuisine and gradually deepened my curiosity about Japanese culture. I realized that knowing the Japanese language would be incredibly useful for finding authentic local food and hidden tourist spots when traveling in Japan. So, when I began my bachelor’s degree, I chose Japanese as my major. That marked the beginning of my journey to the East.
Immersing Myself in the Japanese Work Environment
Before starting my Bachelor’s degree, I was completely new to the Japanese language. I began learning from scratch, motivated by my dream of exploring authentic Japanese cuisine. And so, to gain deeper insights into Japanese culture, especially the professional environment, I interned at three different Japanese companies based in China during both my Bachelor’s and Master’s studies.
These experiences allowed me to observe and adapt to the Japanese style of working, which further inspired my goal of working in Japan after graduation. Unlike many Chinese companies that prioritize speed and high efficiency, I found that Japanese companies place greater emphasis on work-life balance, creating a more sustainable and respectful workplace culture.
Experiencing Japan Firsthand: A Year of Discovery in Nagasaki
Tasting Japanese food in Shanghai was the spark, but the experiences I gained later on were the oxygen. When they came together, a fire was kindled — one that continues to guide my journey towards Japan.
One such pivotal experience is my one-year exchange at Nagasaki University during the second year of my Master’s program. There, I met many international students, and we often shared our thoughts on living and working in Japan.
It was my first time in Japan when I began a one-year exchange program at Nagasaki University, located on the island of Kyushu. From the moment I arrived, I realized that many things were quite different from what I had expected. For example, I had assumed Japan was still largely cash-based, but I quickly learned that mobile payment apps are widely used in daily life.
People also follow traffic rules carefully—drivers wait patiently for pedestrians to cross at the zebra lines, and pedestrians wait for the green light even when the street is empty. This small detail reflected a larger cultural mindset of discipline and mutual respect.
Discovering Delicious Kyushu Seafood
Then came the food. Kyushu is rich in marine resources, being surrounded by the sea. My Japanese teacher recommended a local sushi restaurant, and the taste was extraordinary—fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable. I was truly delighted to enjoy such high-quality Japanese cuisine right at the source.
To deepen my experience, I also took a part-time job at a restaurant when I was not attending class. This gave me valuable insight into Japanese working culture. One key difference I noticed between China and Japan was the strong emphasis on customer service. In Japan, how you speak to customers is an art. We were trained to be thoughtful and polite in our words, always putting the customer’s feelings first. This approach reflects the deep respect and consideration that are central to Japanese social behavior.
Another highlight of my year was participating in a summer festival. I wore a yukata for the first time. It was beautiful, though a little difficult to walk in! That experience, along with many others, helped me gain a more personal and vivid understanding of Japanese traditions.
China vs. Japan: Cultural Differences That Captivated Me
- Difference In Communication Style. One aspect of Japanese culture that truly attracted me is how deeply people care about others’ feelings when they speak. Japanese people are often very sensitive to unspoken emotions—they can sense if something is bothering you, even if you don’t say it directly. In contrast, Chinese communication tends to be more direct. People often speak openly to protect their feelings and rights. Although this approach may seem blunt, conflicts are usually short-lived, and emotions fade quickly. You don’t always need to be cautious about someone’s feelings after a disagreement.
- Difference In Messaging Habits. Another cultural detail that caught my attention is how Japanese people handle communication, especially through messaging. They often take their time to reply, only responding when they are free and able to focus. It feels as if each message is treated with care and attention. On the other hand, people in China tend to respond quickly, even while walking on the street, as mobile phone use is more constant and spontaneous.
- Formal vs. Flexible. I also noticed differences in workplace attire. In Japan, employees generally dress in formal or professional attire every day. In China, there tends to be more flexibility in what employees wear to work, depending on the company.
Of course, these observations are based on my personal experiences and may not apply to all workplaces in Japan or China, but they gave me a deeper appreciation for how culture shapes daily habits and professional expectations.
How I Immersed Myself in the Japanese Language
In addition to attending formal classes and spending a year as an exchange student, I also actively created a Japanese environment for myself to enhance my language learning.
I changed my phone’s language settings to Japanese, read Japanese news articles and watched dramas, and regularly listened to Japanese songs and podcasts. Once I became more comfortable with different speaking speeds and accents, I challenged myself by watching videos, news broadcasts, and dramas without subtitles. This helped me improve both my listening comprehension and vocabulary retention.
During my internships, I looked for every opportunity to speak with my Japanese colleagues on a variety of topics — whether casual or job-related. These conversations were incredibly effective in boosting my confidence and improving my speaking skills in real-life situations. Whenever I encountered new vocabulary, I made detailed notes and researched the context, ensuring I fully understood and remembered the usage.
Challenges I Faced While Applying for Jobs on My Own
During my exchange program, I tried to secure a job in Japan before graduation. It was a difficult process. The application procedures were complicated, and I had to prepare everything by myself. Although I managed to get some job interviews, I ultimately wasn’t successful — likely due to insufficient preparation and other factors beyond my control. Looking back, I wish I had someone to guide me through the process.
When Curiosity Becomes Reality
I didn’t stop searching for jobs in Japan after my exchange program ended. Driven by curiosity, I registered for the FAST OFFER International program and submitted my personal information. Soon after, I received an invitation from FAST OFFER for an online evaluation.
During the session, I had a great conversation with my FAST OFFER mentor, who asked about my background, education, interests, and priorities. They provided professional guidance on preparing my one-minute self-promotion video and resume.
Within three months, I was offered online interview opportunities with two companies. I was surprised at how easy, smooth, and fast the process was — just like the name, FAST OFFER! I researched both companies thoroughly and successfully passed the interviews. However, I chose not to proceed with the second round of interviews with the first company, as I found the other company’s position more aligned with my career goals in terms of job scope, field, and location.
My mentor continued to support me by advising on how to excel in the second interview for the company that I like. I gave my all in the final round, and to my joy, I received a job offer! I was overwhelmed with happiness. And I cried because my dream of working in Japan had finally come true.
Preparing for Life in Japan: From Foodie To Full-Time
Before moving to Japan, I am actively looking for a part-time job in a Japanese company or a Japanese restaurant in China. I believe this is the fastest way to improve my Japanese skills, especially since many Japanese people live in Shanghai for work or travel. Through everyday conversations, I’m confident I can learn a lot from them.
I am also looking forward to welcoming my Japanese friends when they visit China. I plan to show them around to enjoy our beautiful scenery, impressive architecture, delicious food, and innovative technology. It will be a wonderful way to share the best of both cultures.
Tips To Crack Japanese Job Interviews
- Your interest is the strongest driving force in learning Japanese. Once you’ve identified what motivates you, give it your best effort.
- Immerse yourself in Japanese. Create an environment where the language is part of your daily life — whether through media, conversations, or habits.
- Take time to research companies carefully. Patience is key when reviewing their profiles.
- Review each company carefully. If you receive offers from multiple companies, put extra effort into understanding their unique qualities and what sets them apart.
- Do mock interviews. Don’t hesitate to ask for mock interviews from your mentor. They’re there to help you build confidence before the real thing.
- Prepare beyond the basics. Go beyond the list of questions your mentor provides. Anticipate unexpected ones. For example, I once prepared for the unexpected question: “What do you think about the company’s future?” And the interviewer actually asked me that! Luckily, I was ready.
- Show genuine interest by asking thoughtful questions. For instance, I asked about the number of Chinese employees and the career paths — both showed I cared.
- Learn from failures and challenges. Each experience makes you better prepared for the next opportunity.
- Above all, stay positive! If you keep going, you will achieve your dream.
中文快问快答版
| 国家 |
| 中国 |
| 大学 |
| 上海理工大学 |
公司 |
| 自動化零件製造、光學相關設備製造 |
1. 是什麼激發了您對日本文化的好奇心？
幾年前，我利用高中假期和家人一起去上海旅行。令我驚訝的是，我發現那裡的日本料理比我在家鄉吃過的還要美味！那次經驗激發了我對日本料理的持久興趣，並逐漸加深了我對日本文化的好奇心。我意識到，在日本旅行時，了解日語對於尋找正宗的當地美食和隱藏的旅遊景點非常有用。因此，當我開始攻讀學士學位時，我選擇日文作為我的專業。從此，我開始了東方之旅。
2. 是如何了解到 FAST OFFER 的？
我在攻讀碩士學位的第二年參加了長崎大學為期一年的交換計畫。在交換計畫期間，我試圖在畢業前在日本找到一份工作。這是一個艱難的過程。申請手續很複雜，所有準備工作都需要我自己完成。雖然我設法獲得了一些面試機會，但最終還是沒有成功——可能是因為準備不足和其他我無法控制的因素。回想起來，我希望有人能引導我完成整個過程。
交流計畫結束後，我並沒有停止在日本尋找工作。在好奇心的驅使下，我報名了FAST OFFER International計畫。他們為我準備一分鐘的自我宣傳影片和履歷提供了專業指導。
三個月內，我獲得了兩家公司的線上面試機會。我對整個過程如此簡單、順利和快速感到驚訝。我對這兩家公司進行了徹底的研究並成功通過了面試。然而，我選擇不參加第一家公司的第二輪面試，因為我更喜歡另一家公司的職位範圍、領域和地點。
我的導師繼續支持我，並指導我如何在我喜歡的公司的第二次面試中取得優異成績。我在最後一輪全力以赴，令我高興的是，我收到了工作邀約！我心裡充滿了幸福。我哭了，因為我去日本工作的夢想終於實現了。
3. 您在長崎遇到了哪些日本人和中國人之間的文化差異？
日本文化真正吸引我的一個方面是人們在說話時非常關心別人的感受。日本人通常對未說出口的情緒非常敏感——即使你沒有直接說出來，他們也能感覺到是否有事情困擾著你。
引起我注意的另一個文化細節是日本人如何處理交流，尤其是透過訊息傳遞。他們通常需要花費一些時間來回复，只有在有空並且能夠集中註意力時才會回复。我還注意到工作場所著裝的差異。在日本，員工通常每天都穿著正式或專業的服裝。
4. 你是如何學習日文的？
除了參加正規課程和作為交換生度過一年的時間外，我還積極為自己創造日語環境，以加強我的語言學習。
我將手機的語言設定改為日語，閱讀日本新聞文章和觀看日語電視劇，並定期聽日語歌曲和Podcast。當我對不同的語速和口音更加適應後，我開始挑戰自己，觀看沒有字幕的影片、新聞廣播和戲劇。這有助於我提升聽力理解能力和詞彙記憶能力。
5. 您為在日本的工作做了哪些準備？
在來日本之前，我正在積極尋找在中國的日資企業或日料店的兼職工作。我相信這是提高日語水平的最快方法，特別是因為許多日本人住在上海工作或旅遊。透過日常對話，我相信我可以從他們身上學到很多。
我也期待日本朋友來華訪問。我計劃帶他們四處遊覽，欣賞我們美麗的風景、令人印象深刻的建築、美味的食物和創新的技術。這將是分享兩種文化精華的絕佳方式。
