What inspired you to study Japanese?
My journey into learning Japanese is an interesting one. Initially, I had been learning German. I started in 2020, and in 2021, I almost reached A2 level proficiency. When I entered university, I had the choice to continue with German or switch to Japanese. Since I had already made significant progress in German, I decided to take on the challenge of learning a new language and chose Japanese. It was offered as an extracurricular subject, and given the lockdown during the pandemic, I felt a strong urge to engage in something beyond my regular studies. It was a way to make productive use of my time.
That’s when I was first introduced to hiragana, katakana, and kanji. The initial stages of learning were quite fascinating. We had a Japanese teacher appointed by my university who guided us through the basics and helped us prepare for the N5 level. Unfortunately, she left and couldn’t continue teaching us for the N4 level. That’s when I learned about Hirameki, an organization affiliated with ASIA to JAPAN, which offered free Japanese courses. The opportunity to continue my Japanese studies for free was too good to pass up.
How do you stay motivated while studying Japanese?
One of the key factors that kept me motivated was the incredible set of teachers we had. They made every class enjoyable and engaging. There is always something new to learn, and languages never cease to amaze you. This constant novelty kept me motivated to continue learning. Additionally, the complexity and beauty of the Japanese language itself were significant motivators. The intricate kanji characters, the unique sentence structures, and the cultural nuances embedded in the language made each lesson a new adventure. Another significant motivator was the cultural immersion that came with learning the language. Understanding Japanese culture, traditions, and social norms added depth to my language learning experience. It wasn’t just about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it was about appreciating a rich and unique culture that is so different from my own. This cultural aspect made learning Japanese a holistic and enriching experience.
What shocked you when you first visited Japan?
One of the most striking things about Japan was the sense of safety. It felt incredibly safe to walk around at night. During my interview period, I often had to go to the company at three or four in the morning for printouts or other tasks. As a woman, I never felt any danger, even in small, secluded streets. This was a stark contrast to my home country, where safety concerns are more prevalent. Additionally, Japanese people are incredibly precise about their work and always deliver on time. This level of punctuality and commitment is something I deeply admire but don’t always see back home. Another aspect that stood out to me was the cleanliness and organization of public spaces. Everything in Japan seems meticulously maintained and organized, from the streets to public transportation. The attention to detail in maintaining public spaces is truly impressive and adds to the overall sense of safety and comfort.
What is your favorite Japanese food & Anime?
My favorite Japanese food is onigiri. I’ve also tried soba, which is quite delicious, but onigiri tops my list. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simplicity and versatility of onigiri. I haven’t had the chance to try sushi yet, but it’s on my list. The variety of fillings and the convenience of onigiri make it a perfect snack for any time of the day. My favorite anime is Attack on Titan. I wouldn’t consider myself an otaku, but I do enjoy watching J-dramas. They have helped me tremendously, especially a few days before my interviews. Some phrases from these shows stuck with me, which helped me perform better. Watching Japanese dramas not only entertained me but also improved my language skills. I picked up useful phrases and expressions that came in handy during conversations and interviews.
Can you name any podcasts that helped you?
Podcasts have also been incredibly helpful during my commute to Japanese class. I used to listen to a lot of podcasts, which helped me understand the culture and learn new proverbs. These podcasts offered a deeper insight into Japanese society and language, which was invaluable for my learning process. Japanese Pod and Noriko-Sensei are my favorites. Japanese Pod is particularly great because it’s in English as well. They have a teacher from England and a Japanese native who discuss various topics. They provide transcripts in both Japanese and English, which is extremely helpful for those who might not be fully attentive. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from everyday conversations to cultural insights, making them a comprehensive learning resource.
Another great aspect of these podcasts is their flexibility. I could listen to them on the go, whether I was commuting, exercising, or even doing household chores. This made it easy to integrate language learning into my daily routine. Listening to native speakers also helped me get accustomed to the natural rhythm and intonation of Japanese, which is crucial for developing good speaking and listening skills.
If you could go back in time, would you have a different approach to studying Japanese?
If I could go back in time, I would adopt a different approach to studying Japanese. I wish I had applied the Japanese mindset to my studies. I would have revised more before class to avoid feeling clueless. Balancing my internship, college studies, and Japanese lessons was challenging, and I often fell behind. Consistency is crucial when learning a language. Even if you’re behind, it’s important to show up to classes and presentations. Giving up halfway will only make it harder to pick up later.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is the importance of consistency. No matter how far behind you are, showing up to classes and engaging with the material is essential. If you give up midway, it becomes incredibly difficult to regain momentum. Unlike subjects where you can cram the night before an exam, language learning requires regular practice and immersion. In retrospect, I would have allocated specific time slots each day for Japanese study, no matter how busy my schedule was. Setting small, achievable goals and regularly reviewing what I had learned would have helped me retain information better. Additionally, taking part in language exchange programs or finding a language partner to practice speaking with would have accelerated my learning.
How did you prepare for your face-to-face interview?
Preparing for the interview was a rigorous process. I had an amazing set of friends who helped me prepare my answers and conduct mock interviews. Even though I was close to the deadline, I completed my preparations, and my interviews went smoothly. I had interviews with two companies. Initially, I wasn’t confident, but after the first interview, I gained some confidence. The actual interviews were more technical than the mock ones, which made me nervous about answering technical questions. However, continuous immersion in Japan for a few days before the second interview improved my Japanese significantly, and I performed well.
One key aspect of my preparation was practicing potential interview questions and answers. My friends played a crucial role in this by conducting mock interviews and providing constructive feedback. This helped me refine my answers and improve my confidence. Additionally, immersing myself in the Japanese environment for a few days before the second interview helped me get into the right mindset and perform better.
I made sure I could explain my projects clearly in Japanese, which was challenging but rewarding.
What advice would you give to students aspiring to work in Japan?
My advice to students aspiring to work in Japan is to leverage platforms like FAST OFFER International. It’s a great platform that streamlines the process of finding job opportunities in Japan. The process was incredibly smooth for me, taking only two to three months. I was prepared to wait a year or more, but everything was well-organized, so all I had to do was prepare and show up for the interview.
First, apply on FAST OFFER International’s website. Second, stay consistent with the language. But remember, your Japanese skills alone won’t secure a job. Extracurricular activities and experiences are also important. Your interview answers should be backed by personal stories and experiences. Consistency in attending classes and practicing the language is key. Additionally, it’s important to build a well-rounded profile. Engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or any experiences that add value to your resume. Interviewers are interested in your overall personality and experiences, not just your language skills. Make sure your answer in interviews reflects.
