| COUNTRY |
| China |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Automation and Masters in Control Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing |
| COMPANY |
| A global leader in efficient power and energy systems, spanning marine, agriculture, construction, and more in over 130 countries. |
| SUMMARY |
| Inspired by LoveLive! Superstar!!, a Chinese anime fan turned his passion into a path to Japan. Drawn to the character Tang KeKe, who also moved from China to Japan, he joined the FAST OFFER International program. With dedication, family support, and love for anime and Japanese games, he studied the language, joined a translation group, and overcame challenges. His perseverance paid off when he landed a job in Japan—on his birthday—making his dream come true through determination and heart. |
From LoveLive! Superstar!! To Reality
I started to engage in Japanese cultures such as anime, games, and character voice (Seiyū) in 2019 because it was the time when the whole world was in a critical condition with curfews and other strict rules. Japanese content felt like an escape at that time. My favorite anime, LoveLive! Superstar!! Even had this relatable high school girl named Tang KeKe who moved from Shanghai, China to Japan. I wondered about going to Japan one day, but my present situation made it impossible.
Then, one day, on my way to hand in my assignment at the School of Foreign Language, I bumped into a lecturer who taught Japanese. She was so friendly. She kept on talking with me and she eventually asked about my thoughts on my future. This was the first time I was introduced to the FAST OFFER International program provided by ASIA to JAPAN Co. Ltd.
That introduction lit up the path to my future. I didn’t have to be a high school girl like LoveLive! Superstar!!’s Tang KeKe, instead, I could be an office worker in Japan. Learning about FAST OFFER International made what felt like impossible daydreams a realistic goal.
Choosing Japan as My Career Destination Just Like Tang KeKe
There are several reasons why I chose Japan, and of course, the first one would be my love for anime. The second reason will be the working culture in Japan, which is quite different from the one in my own country. For example, in Japan, you can have a good rest during the weekend, you can switch to your personal life after working hours, and people have the appropriate social distance from each other. I think work-life balance in Japan is a big really attracted me. In addition, the system in Japan is well maintained in such a way that everyone is highly self-disciplined, and the country is clean, which made a good impression on me too.
What Motivated My Journey? LoveLive! Superstar!!, Japanese Games, and a Community
Being a LoveLive! Superstar!! Fan
My favourite anime LoveLive! Superstar!! Inspired and motivated me to one day work in Japan and experience life there, just like Tang KeKe. In addition, this lovely character is voiced by a famous Chinese singer and cosplayer! I believe that this coincidence has become a streetlight in the middle of a crossroad, brightening my route to Japan. I even had a solo trip to Yokohama for a LoveLive! Superstar!! Live event in 2024. That trip convinced me I wanted more!
More opportunities to delve into my hobbies
Through video games by Japanese companies, I’ve made friends from all around the world. We contacted each other and shared the different cultures in our own countries, and that is how I got to know more about Japan. Thinking about how I’d delve deeper into this hobby in Japan excited me.
Free Japanese Classes gave me a learning structure.
Studying Japanese is not an overnight gig. I started the program with zero foundation. Thanks to FAST OFFER International and their Japanese teachers, I was able to learn basic Japanese gradually. I also dedicated my hard work and have passed the JLPT N2, and I plan to attend the JLPT N1 next.
Working with a translation group with friends
I also have friends interested in the Japanese language, and we grouped and formed a translating group. We often make subtitles and translations for the Japanese media and upload them to the website for educational purposes. It is fun and I am always learning through the process. Watching the anime “LoveLive! Superstar!!” isn’t quite enough, it also helps to deep dive into it this way.
My family’s nonstop support
My family’s support was another motivation for me to continue learning and not give up on my dream. They were the ones who worried for me the most in the six months after I finished the intermediate class and was waiting for an interview chance. I am so grateful for their non-stop support.
Throughout the way, my family, friends, and AtoJ staff supported and assisted me a lot. I am glad our combined efforts helped me make it!
My dream kept me looking forward
My community was a big part, but I also had to play an important role. I’m thankful to my past self who studied consistently and always remembered my initial intention despite the uncertainties during the waiting.
One of my favorite phrases from anime is deeply connected to my job-hunting journey. The first one will be ‘いくら苦しくても、楽なほうへ逃げない’. This will be like you should never give up, no matter how hard it is.
After I finished the N3 (intermediate), class, I was so frustrated, anxious, and depressed when I received no news regarding an interview offer for six months. That was not what I had been expecting when first joining the class. Looking at my friends who were busy looking for a job in China, I almost gave up on waiting and wanted to apply for a domestic job. Whenever I almost gave up, I reminded myself of this phrase to self-motivate and continue to wait for the good news. At the same time, I also went to the Japanese teacher to seek more options to work in Japan.
I’m glad I put my faith in the process. When the opportunity finally came, it was such a breath of fresh air. I was so happy that I finally got to travel to Tokyo for free thanks to FAST OFFER International.
Dreaming about going to Japan isn’t enough, I had to put in the work!
Being an otaku was really inspiring in more ways than one. My favorite song comes from LoveLive! Superstar!!, titled ‘私のSymphony’. It gave me one of my favorite phrases: ‘できっこないよって思ってたことも、踏み出せばはら叶うんだ’ ˆ. It means that if you are willing to make the first move, your dream will come true even though it might seem impossible initially.
During my interview preparation, I mentally prepared myself for two different endings, whether I got it or not. When I first stepped into Japan, I felt like I was getting closer to success as other people were stuck still making future career decisions. If you don’t put yourself out there and try, you can’t gain anything. I’m glad I was brave, challenged myself, and gave myself a chance by stepping into this adventure.
Tasting Sweet, Sweet Success
According to the Chinese calendar, my birthday fell on the second day of the interview event. Fortunately, on the evening of that day, I was informed that one Japanese company had officially offered me a permanent job in Japan!
It was heartwarming and I felt every single effort pay off. On that night, I passed the good news to my family and friends and bought a petite cake for the celebration. This was indeed an unforgettable night for me. I went to Japan with expectations from everyone that I loved, and success was the best birthday present to me and to everyone.
Tips for Fellow Chinese Otakus Who Want to Work in Japan
- Having a good foundation in Japanese can help you grow faster into the advanced levels.
- Practice and improve your conversation skills as this is the key skill for life in Japan.
- Connect your studies with your desired working role in Japan.
- Think wisely, plan your future well, then make the first step.
- Do your best in all kinds of preparations and you will succeed no matter what conditions you are in. You are the only one who knows best about your potential.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: More Inspiring Anime Like LoveLive! Superstar!! For Aspiring Chinese Talents
If you want to work in Japan as a Chinese national, here are some anime that can inspire you:
- Aikatsu!
- An idol anime with vibrant performances, close-knit friendships, and plenty of character growth. One of the characters, Mei from Aikatsu Friends! is depicted as talented and cheerful, with a strong sense of friendship.
- The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls
- This story focuses on aspiring idols forming bonds and developing their skills, with a slice-of-life idol charm. Shiki Ichinose is often speculated to be part Chinese due to fan interpretations.
- BanG Dream! (Bandori)
- Watch high school girls forming music bands, striving for dreams, with emotional storytelling and catchy songs. Rui Yashio, who speaks Chinese and is multilingual, is depicted as elegant, talented, and determined.
- PriPara / Idol Time PriPara
- The Colorful, whimsical idol world of this show highlights individuality, friendship, and growth. Shion Todo (has Chinese heritage), is depicted as a cool and talented mahjong-playing idol with strong leadership.
