| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Computer Science, SRM University |
| COMPANY |
| a company dedicated to enhancing global standards through education and data-driven solutions |
| SUMMARY |
| A passionate engineer from India developed an early interest in computer science. This interest led to a major in computer science and a dream of becoming a software engineer. Exposure to Japanese culture and the success of university seniors in securing jobs in Japan sparked a desire to work in the Japanese tech industry. He pursued Japanese language studies. Through interviews with Japanese companies, they observed a focus on motivation and problem-solving skills, contrasting with the technical emphasis in Indian interviews. Despite initial setbacks, perseverance led to securing a software engineering position at a Japanese company. He aims to contribute to software development, solve real-world problems, and enjoy the unique cultural experiences Japan offers. |
Developing a Passion for Computer Science
I have wanted to be an engineer since high school. When I participated in the Lego “FL Lego Trash Truck” contest in Andhra Pradesh, I won three awards: one for design, one for modeling, and one for overall.
When I asked my sister, an electronics and communications engineering major, what field of engineering I should pursue, she recommended that I major in computer science. I had always loved computers and games, even as a child, so I thought it would be a good fit. I started learning simple programming languages such as HTML on a trial basis in high school. And I enjoyed learning and practicing programming languages! Thus, I decided to major in computer science.
From there, after entering college and studying computer science, I developed a passion for the software field, and my future dream was to become a software engineer.
From a desire to travel to Japan to seeking employment in Japan’s Tech Industry
After graduating high school, I became familiar with anime and other Japanese cultures. Rather than wanting to live in Japan, my desire to travel to Japan grew.
Hearing from Seniors in the Japanese Tech Gaming Industry
Then, after entering SRM University, I heard of two seniors who received job offers from Japanese game companies. And it was a job with excellent treatment and conditions, preeminent among graduates of the university! From here, the option of “finding a job in Japan,” which I had never considered before, was born in my mind.
My Ikigai: To Be a Software Engineer in the Japanese Tech Industry
Also, Japanese companies value the spirit of “Ikigai” (生きがい), or the joy of living by doing what you love. It is about making a living over something you are passionate about. My passion is software-related work, and my future goal is to develop products that are useful to society as a software engineer. This concept of ikigai was in line with my view of work.
After considering the culture of Japanese companies that value ikigai the technical capabilities of Japanese companies that are trusted around the world, and the benefits and opportunities for growth, I was determined that I should work as a software engineer in Japan.
Studying Japanese to Fulfill My Dream
To fulfill my dream of working for a Japanese company, I began attending Japanese language classes at SRM University. After studying Japanese at SRM University until I obtained N4, I entered another Japanese language school to study Japanese.
As I studied Japanese, I made more Japanese friends. One time, some Japanese students from the Tokyo University of Science visited SRM University for research. As I interpreted for them, I made friends with some of them.
As I learned Japanese, I noticed Indian and Japanese grammar was similar. There were times when I had a hard time learning Kanji because there were more Kanji characters to memorize, but I studied diligently. Then I came across an opportunity to interview with a Japanese company through FAST OFFER International.
The Difference Between Japanese and Indian Companies I Gathered From the Interviews
After interviewing with several Japanese companies, I felt that there was a difference between interviews with Indian companies and Japanese companies. Indian companies place more emphasis on questions related to programming knowledge during interviews. It is common to have tests and assignments using programming languages as part of the selection process, and the questions asked during the interview are all programming-related. However, in interviews with Japanese companies, motivation, and personality are emphasized to the same degree as skills.
For example, when Indian companies judge a candidate’s skills, they look at whether the code and output used in the graduation project are correct. Japanese firms, on the other hand, will ask why you chose that topic and what problems you were able to solve through your project. In this way, Japanese companies place more importance on the ability to identify issues and whether or not you were able to solve the issues through the project.
A Japanese Tech Company Wanted To Know About My Career Passions
I was particularly surprised when, during one interview, I was asked why I majored in computer science. This is because computer science is a very popular and promising major in India, and many people do not have a deep reason for choosing it as their major. I was very surprised to be asked a question that I am not asked in India. It felt humanizing to be seen beyond a skillset.
Although I did not pass the first two interviews it was the experience I needed to adapt to these cultural differences. I realized the importance of self-analysis to better understand myself and to have a flexible mindset to respond to questions other than the ones I had prepared for, in order to deal with unexpected questions.
All this led me to secure my dream job as a software engineer at the third company I applied to!
My Future in Japan: Maximizing The Tech Industry, Community, and Every Cultural Wonder
The Japanese company I signed up for is a company that sells software tools developed in-house. It is a service that allows people who cannot program to perform business analysis, develop business strategies, and manage sales. I would like to be involved in the development of the company’s products and do my best to become an engineer who can solve familiar problems and develop products that can be useful to society.
Aside from career aspirations, I’m excited to enter a new phase of life with old and new friends in Japan. I’m keen to make new friends, but there’s comfort in knowing there’s a strong bustling Indian community in India, some of whom are my friends. Of course, a big part of this new phase will be exploring and eating around Japan, maximizing the unique and fun opportunities that will open up to me!
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: What Sets the Japanese Tech Industry Apart?
- Innovative Work Culture: Japan’s tech companies are known for their innovative work environments. Leading firms like Rakuten, MoneyForward, and HONDA offer competitive salaries, comprehensive healthcare, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Robust Tech Ecosystem: Japan’s tech ecosystem is thriving, with a strong focus on digital transformation and smart cities. The country is home to numerous startups and established tech giants[1].
- Career Development: Many tech companies in Japan provide extensive training programs and skill development initiatives, helping employees advance their careers.
- Corporate Philosophies: Kaizen, Ikigai, and 5S are just a few revolutionary corporate philosophies born of Japan. The Japanese way of thinking answers why they continue to systematically innovate every facet of their life, including their tech industry. [2]
- Employees Seen As More Than A Set of Skills: Skills are important for your profile, but Japanese Tech companies place just as much importance on finding future employees who share their values and passions.
- Cultural Experience: Working in Japan offers a unique cultural experience, with access to Japan’s rich history, traditions, and modern attractions like anime, manga, and video games[3].
- Precision Manufacturing: Japan’s adoption of precision manufacturing techniques, such as the Toyota Production System (TPS) and lean manufacturing principles, has revolutionized production efficiency. [4]
- Leadership in Robotics and AI: Japan is a global leader in robotics and AI, with companies like Honda and SoftBank Robotics developing advanced robots like ASIMO and Pepper[4], and they use their edge on the global stage, such as advanced robots that made the mid-pandemic Tokyo Olympics 2020 possible.
Ready to be part of Japan’s exciting tech industry? You can sign up with FAST OFFER International or check out this career guide for jobs in Japan for Indians.
REFERENCES
- XKULA. “8 Things to Know About Japan’s Tech Industry.” XKULA, www.xkula.com/8-things-tech-japan/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2025.
- CIO Review APAC. “How Japan Balances Tradition and Innovation in Its Tech Culture.” CIO Review APAC, www.cioreviewapac.com/news/how-japan-balances-tradition-and-innovation-in-its-tech-culture-nwid-1122.html. Accessed 7 Mar. 2025.
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- B&FT Online. “The Evolution of Japanese Manufacturing and Technology.” B&FT Online, www.thebftonline.com/2025/01/10/the-evolution-of-japanese-manufacturing-and-technology-an-analysis-of-japans-transformation-from-electronics-and-automotive-manufacturing-to-cutting-edge-technology-including-robotics-and-a/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2025.
- Learn Japanese. “Japan’s Role in the Global Tech Industry: Innovations and Trends.” Learn Japanese, www.learnjapanese.cc/technology/japans-role-in-the-global-tech-industry-innovations-and-trends. Accessed 7 Mar. 2025.
