My Experience On What Is It Like For An Indian To Work In Japan 

28350-My-Experience-On-What-Is-It-Like-For-An-Indian-To-Work-In-Japan

Table of Contents

COUNTRY 
India
EDUCATION  
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering Pune (COEP), Savitribai Phule Pune University
COMPANY  
A Japanese manufacturing company specializing in high‑precision, custom-engineered equipment for the automotive and electronics industries. 
SUMMARY  
Inspired by Japan’s advanced technology and distinctive work culture, an Indian electrical engineer from a humble background set out to pursue professional opportunities in Japan. During his time there, he worked with multiple companies, gaining hands-on experience in design, production, and site management. Driven by a desire to further broaden his skills and career prospects, he enrolled in the FAST OFFER international program to access new work opportunities in Japan.

Making My Own Spark by Becoming an Electrical Engineer 

Before I learned how electricity worked, I learned how to live without it. I was born and raised in a small rural village in India in a family of farmers. We lived in a simple home, often facing difficulties like frequent power cuts and financial struggles. Our struggles were further amplified when I lost my father during the COVID-19 pandemic. But my mother’s courage gave me the strength to keep moving forward. From that small village, I dreamed of achieving something big — to make my family proud and build a better future. That dream led me to choose electrical engineering, an in-demand career with many opportunities.  

As someone who lived with power cuts, I am determined to create my own spark. Through years of hard work and dedication, I graduated from one of India’s oldest and most prestigious engineering institutions, the College of Engineering Pune (COEP). During my studies, I actively engaged in technical projects and workshops, building a strong foundation in electrical systems, automation, and design. I did everything I could to better my life. 

On Facing Setbacks and Not Giving Up 

When campus placements started, I faced my first big setback — I was not selected by any company. Many people around me were getting placed, but I was still waiting for my chance. That moment was painful, but instead of losing hope, I decided to work even harder. I told myself, “Failure is not the end — it’s the start of a new chapter.”  

In hindsight, not getting placed became a blessing in disguise. It forced me to reflect, reassess my goals, and pivot toward a bigger dream. During that period of self-discovery, I realized I wanted to work in Japan, a country known for its advanced technology and opportunities for young electrical engineers from abroad. That curiosity soon turned into a question that stayed with me: What is it like for an Indian to work in Japan?  

From Zero to JLPT N2: My Journey to Working in Japan 

I participated in the Sakura Science Exchange Program hosted by Tohoku University. The program’s excellence made my desire to pursue a career in Japan stronger. As a result, I took proactive steps, including applying for a Japan Study Visa and enrolling at Kudan Japanese Language and Culture Institute to improve my proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Japanese. I believe that this investment in language skills will open up a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

When I first came to Japan, I did not know a single word of Japanese. I started learning from scratch, studying every day while balancing part-time work and daily challenges. There were days when I felt exhausted, but I never gave up. Within just two years, I achieved JLPT N2 level, which was one of my proudest accomplishments. This journey taught me that with strong determination and consistency, anything is possible — even when starting from zero. 

What It’s Like for an Indian to Work in Japan: A Perspective from an Electrical Engineer 

While working in Japan as an electrical engineer, I gained practical experience in equipment design and system design using CAD and SolidWorks. However, it wasn’t always easy. The biggest challenge was adapting to Japan’s high standards of precision, time management, and communication. Japanese companies expect clarity, accuracy, and consistency in every task, which pushed me to improve my professional discipline. 

I also realized how supportive and collaborative Japanese workplace culture can be. Even though the expectations are high, the teams I worked with always guided me patiently. This built my confidence and helped me understand what true professionalism looks like. 

Signing Up with FAST OFFER For Better Opportunities 

I wanted to expand my expertise even more, so I sought new opportunities by signing up for the FAST OFFER international program. My journey with FAST OFFER was full of ups and downs. I attended several job interviews through the program, but many times I was not selected. Each time I failed, I told myself: “This is not my last chance — it’s my next lesson.”  

With the continuous guidance from my FAST OFFER mentors, I improved my Japanese interview skills, self-introduction, and presentation. Slowly but surely, my confidence grew. Finally, all the struggle, patience, and hard work paid off — I received a job offer to work as an Electrical Design & Commissioning Engineer. That moment was beyond happiness. It was a dream come true! When I told my mother, she cried tears of pride. At that moment, I realized that all my struggles had a purpose.  

I’m Glad I’m Able to Continue Living in Japan with a New Opportunity Thanks to FAST OFFER 

Living in Japan has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. As an Indian working in Japan, I encountered several challenges, including language barriers, learning subtle cultural etiquette, and adapting to a fast-paced and highly disciplined work environment.  

To me, all these challenges are worth facing for the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a meaningful career in Japan. Through this journey, I experienced firsthand the importance of discipline, professionalism, and strong work ethics.  

My advice to anyone considering this path: be polite and stay humble. Make an effort to learn at least basic, everyday Japanese, and observe — Japan teaches many lessons without words.  

Beyond working in Japan, what I love most about living in Japan is its incredible balance: delicious food, a clean and peaceful environment, a deep culture of respect, and the harmony between beautiful nature and modern cities. 

My Message to Future Dreamers Who Are Wondering What It Is Like for an Indian to Work in Japan

In my home country, limited access to quality education often prevents many people from pursuing higher studies and meaningful careers. Witnessing this gap firsthand strengthened my resolve to become an engineer and to advocate for educational advancement in my region. I believe that by showing what is possible through determination, continuous learning, and language skills, I can inspire and empower others to chase their dreams.  

And so, to everyone who dreams of working in Japan or anywhere else in the world, I’ll say this: never give up. I come from a small farming family in a rural village with limited opportunities. I lost my father, faced countless rejections, struggled with language barriers, and had to start from zero. But I refused to give up, and today, I am living the dream I once only imagined. Even when the world doubts you, believe in yourself. Keep learning, keep improving, and keep moving forward. 

FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: What It’s Like to Work in Japan for Our Successful Indian Candidates

Curious about what life is like for our candidates from India who accepted job offers in Japan and are now living and working there? Here’s what they shared about their life in Japan.

Working in Japan Also Means Meeting Fellow Foreign Talents

Some of our candidates shared that working in Japan has opened opportunities to work with talents from other cultures. Having colleagues from different countries has often been a valuable source of support for them. For instance, as fellow non-native speakers, they tend to help bridge communication gaps when thoughts can’t be fully expressed in Japanese. Another successful candidate from India who’s now working in Japan said that learning about different cuisine and customs from other foreign colleagues made her stay in Japan much more enriching.

Traveling to Different Parts of Japan Is Possible with a Full-Time Job

Despite having full-time jobs, many of our successful candidates from India are still able to travel around Japan and visit iconic destinations such as Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Nara Park, Arashiyama, and more. One candidate shared how they took advantage of Golden Week — a period in Japan marked by several consecutive public holidays — to explore different parts of the country.

A Life-Changing Experience

For many of our successful FAST OFFER candidates, moving from India to Japan has been a life-changing experience that has shaped them both personally and professionally. Some have become more active thanks to Japan’s commuter-friendly infrastructure, which encourages walking and public transportation over car-centric travel. Others have discovered new hobbies, such as ikebana (traditional flower arrangement), while some shared that they have become more disciplined and time-conscious — values that Japanese society is well known for.

Want to know how to get a job in Japan as an Indian? Check out our guide here.

Your career in Japan is one click away!
Related Posts
  • We recommend you to use a desktop browser for easier input. If the web application form doesn’t load, please check if you have “third-party cookies” blocked, and unblock. If it does not work, please email us.
  • Do note that the form may take a moment to load. Please fill the form in English or Japanese.
  • Before submission, please check if you have correctly filled in your details.
  • Upon submission, you agree that any information you input on our registration form is true and accurate.
We Help You Land a Job in Japan!

Why Apply for FAST OFFER?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]!

  • We recommend you to use a desktop browser for easier input. If the web application form doesn’t load, please check if you have “third-party cookies” blocked, and unblock. If it does not work, please email us.
  • Do note that the form may take a moment to load. Please fill the form in English or Japanese.
  • Before submission, please check if you have correctly filled in your details.
  • Upon submission, you agree that any information you input on our registration form is true and accurate.