How Japanese Movies Sparked My Interest In Japan
My interest in Japan all began with Japanese movies. That led me to look into Japanese culture and technology. I got so passionate that I started taking Japanese classes in my third year at Myanmar Maritime University while working on my bachelor’s in engineering degree. By the time I graduated, I had N3 level Japanese. I didn’t let graduating stop me from pursuing my Japanese studies, so after a year I got my N2 certificate!
Mastering Japanese: Tips from a Burmese Learner
Japanese grammar was easy for me because it’s like Burmese grammar. They have similar sentence structures with the verbs at the end of the sentence. English in contrast, is the other way around.
Another similarity is how there’s a respectful way to speak in Japanese and Burmese. The Japanese have Keigo, which is more elaborate with their honorifics and “humble speech” compared to a few phrases we use in Burmese that infuse a respectful tone.
Some differences can be confusing, too. The onomatopoeic words are different. In Japanese, dogs bark “wan-wan” while in Myanmar it’s “woak-woak.”
Surprisingly, more than learning grammar and vocabulary, learning Japanese has also affected my personality. I picked up some Japanese features such as speaking more politely. Learning about the language has made me appreciate the culture more and has made me more punctual.
Effective Strategies for Learning Japanese
- Dorm life made it easy. When I was in college, I stayed at the university dormitory, so I didn’t have to do all the housework myself or worry about transportation too much. It freed me time to study Japanese.
- Using fun, interesting materials! I studied using Japanese podcasts and learned Japanese songs that I enjoyed.
- Studying grammar every day. In my experience, reading was the hardest aspect of the language, as the higher the level, the more complicated it gets. I spent an hour every day reviewing grammar points aloud. As a result, I became better at conversations and can now recognize grammar patterns when reading passages much faster.
- Classes being online made it accessible right from the start. I started with online classes that helped save time traveling. After graduating, I managed to commute to the Association of Japan Myanmar Mutual Corporation(日本ミャンマー交流協会) for more classes.
How FAST OFFER International Helped Me Find Engineering Jobs in Japan
Studying Japanese at the Association of Japan Myanmar Mutual Corporation allowed me to meet a senpai who introduced me to FAST OFFER International. While I entered the program, I was inspired by watching my senpai succeed with FAST OFFER International and transition to a life in Japan.
Through FAST OFFER International, I got to interview with two companies. They helped me prepare through one-on-one mock interviews with a mentor. In hindsight, mock interviews were very similar to the actual interviews.
In my first attempt with a Japanese company, I passed the first interview round but failed at the second. This was normal, but it lowered my expectations. To my surprise, I nailed my second attempt with another company in just one interview. Even my mentor was shocked as I could skip the typical second round!
It all happened at hyper speed. Easily answering the basic questions, the interview took no time at all. We talked about my major and how I finished off with a final year project designing and developing a remotely controlled underwater vehicle robot–like an amphibious CCTV or drone. Then we talked about my desire to work in Japan and if I had friends already in Japan.
Suddenly, I secured a job offer!
Tips for Burmese Job Seekers: Opportunities in Japan
If there is one thing I highly recommend, it’s joining FAST OFFER International.
Job hunting can be difficult and time-consuming. It’s even more challenging to look for opportunities abroad. FAST OFFER International resolved these problems. They helped me find a company that perfectly fit my major and a mentor who could personally train me.
I’m immensely grateful for how FAST OFFER International went beyond getting me prepared for an interview. Even today, they’re actively helping me with the process of joining the Japanese company I was accepted into.
However, on your end, you will have to do your best to improve in the Japanese language and stay positive about it. The chance is there right in front of you, so put in the effort to seize it.
Preparing for Life in Japan: A Jumble of Worries and Excitement
My first time going to Japan will be when I start my job. All my job interviews were online, so I didn’t get the chance to fly to Japan. I’m months away from going to Japan, and yet thinking about it now makes my heart pound with excitement and worry.
I have a bunch of worries about life in Japan: where will I live? Will the supermarket and department stores be close enough? How will I navigate Japanese transportation? I think the difficulty of adjusting to these things will depend on the language barrier I’ll face. Thankfully, my conversational Japanese is on par. As for my business Japanese, FAST OFFER International has provided a thrice-a-week class that will be incredibly helpful. As much as I have these natural worries when my life is about to change, there are also things to be relieved about.
As anxious as I can be, I’m also bubbling with excitement. The first thing I want to do in Japan is to visit my old teacher who was there for me at the beginning of my journey. Then, I have a list of Japanese festivals I want to attend: a fireworks festival, Gion Matsuri, and Bon Odori.
What I’m most looking forward to is embodying Japanese culture in my life. My sensei who was there for me at the beginning of my journey taught me my favorite Japanese phrase: 日本人は死ぬまで働く “Japanese people work until they die.”
It might seem unpleasant to some, but I find it oddly inspiring. I admire how the Japanese are always eager to study, work, and increase their knowledge. I want to see that in myself: to study and work hard, continuously improving until my last day.
