The Inspiration for Aspiring to Live in Japan: A University Seminar
My connection with Japan began with a program I participated in during my university days. This program introduced me to Japanese culture, manners, and job opportunities. Before that, I only listened to Japanese songs and podcasts, but after attending the program multiple times, I started to admire Japan’s beautiful and safe environment and strong industrial competitiveness in the international market. This sparked my interest in working in Japan, and I decided to study the language to help my future Japanese job application from Myanmar.
Acquiring Japanese Language Skills Over Five Years
High proficiency in Japanese is crucial for getting a job in Japan, so I dedicated five years to learning the language. Starting in 2019, I attended a Japanese language school and studied up to the N5 and N4 levels. After that, I joined a free Japanese language learning program for university students aspiring to work in Japan. However, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and classes shifted online. I then mainly self-studied using YouTube videos and podcasts, occasionally practicing with acquaintances. After these ups and downs, I finally passed the JLPT N1 this year.
Recommended Japanese Learning Resources
Looking back, I believe that using a variety of methods and continuous learning are the best ways to improve Japanese language skills. Here are my recommended YouTube channels and podcasts! Please make use of them:
Uncontrollable Circumstances Lengthened My University Stay
When the COVID-19 outbreak and local circumstances broke out, the university had to close temporarily. All classes related to my major stopped for two years. This deeply affected me for a long time. For example, I couldn’t go to the university campus, and my range of activities was significantly limited. Despite this, I did not give up on my dream of working in Japan. During the period when the university was temporarily closed, I acquired essential skills from home. For example, I studied knowledge related to my major, as well as Japanese and English. Thanks to my diligent efforts, I successfully received a job offer from a Japanese company.
Japanese Job Applications through FAST OFFER International
If you want to work in Japan, on top of learning the language, it will also be challenging to land online interviews with Japanese companies. FAST OFFER International helped me address this. At the end of August this year, through the Association of Japan Myanmar Mutual Cooperation (AJMMC), I registered with FAST OFFER International, and uploaded a PR video, and a summary and PDF version of my graduation thesis. After that, I waited.
Selected by Six Companies on My First Try at Japanese Job Applications
Around September, I received a message from the staff saying, “You have been selected by six companies.” I was surprised and deeply grateful. Could my dream be about to come true? After that, I participated in interviews with four companies based on their business content and job positions. I received job offers from two of them. Considering my major and what I want to do, I accepted a position at one company. Just like that, suddenly, I succeeded with my Japanese job application journey.
Mock Practice Sessions with FAST OFFER International Mentors Were a Game Changer
Based from my experience with the Japanese job application journey, I want to share with you some tips. Before the interviews, I had two mock practice sessions with FAST OFFER International mentors on common questions asked in Japanese company interviews. The practice content included:
- Self-introduction
- Why do you want to work in Japan?
- Reasons for applying to our company
- What to ask during the reverse question phase
- Explanation of the graduation thesis
Job Interviews: Japan Vs. Myanmar
The Japanese job application is very different from that in Myanmar. Case in point: Japanese interviews! In Myanmar, interviews are quite relaxed and casual. Japanese interviews abide by specific etiquette, emphasizing manners. The vibe is also very different as you’re expected to wear a suit. In both cases though, approaching with a smile is essential!
What’s Next After Japanese Job Applications? Expectations and Anxieties About Living in Japan
I have never been to Japan before, nor traveled abroad alone so I am somewhat anxious about living alone in Japan from April next year.
What eases my anxieties is remembering the support I’ve gotten thus far. ASIA to Japan’s FAST OFFER International program has steadfastly been there beside me even until now as I prepare to fly to Japan. I am currently in the process of applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — the number one requirement for a Japanese Work Visa — and ASIA to JAPAN is handling most of the procedures, so I feel very reassured.
I’m also doing my part to prepare for my life ahead. To adapt to my future workplace, I’ve continued studying Japanese, especially honorifics. I am also reading brochures from the company I’ll be working for.
As worried as I am about the next phase of my life, I remind myself of what I’ve been through, and what I’ve done. I’ve faced a lot and the next part, though challenging, will also be a rewarding season. I am grateful to myself for the efforts I have made over the past years, and for persevering through it all. I encourage others, despite challenging circumstances out of their control, if they dream of working in Japan one day, to find the right path and stay the course.
