| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Master of Mechanical Engineering, Ritsumeikan University |
| COMPANY |
| A comprehensive machinery manufacturer with global operations in construction and mining equipment, utilities, forestry equipment, and industrial machinery. |
| SUMMARY |
| Driven by his desire to study and work abroad, a young anime fan from India pursued a master’s degree at Ritsumeikan University in Japan. As graduation approached, he began job hunting but found that it was difficult to manage alone. A senior introduced him to ASIA to JAPAN’s FAST OFFER International program, and to his surprise, the job-hunting process became much easier with the support. Now, he has successfully secured the next chapter of his life in Japan. |
Choosing To Study And Work In Japan
It was my father who first opened my eyes to the world beyond my own. He’s a busy, well-traveled businessman who always brings home fascinating stories about his adventures in other countries. Because of this, I’ve always dreamed of having the opportunity to live a life abroad and explore far-flung lands.
I was initially considering moving to Germany, and I even learned the language in preparation. However, my mind changed when a friend shared how he was able to study master’s and work in Japan. He told me about FAST OFFER International and how he was able to secure a job through the program. Soon, I was optimistic, and my inner anime fan was excited about this opportunity.
Moving To Study And Work In Japan
In 2021, I started to learn Japanese formally. I attended face-to-face classes at university for three months. However, due to COVID-19 lockdowns, I had to depend on my own for the remaining syllabus. Self-studying Japanese did not go as smoothly as I expected, so I took a pause.
Fast forward two years, and I arrived in Japan to study a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at Ritsumeikan University. I quickly realized that nothing compares to the real-life experience of learning a language by speaking with native Japanese speakers. My foundation in Japanese grew stronger through a combination of practical day-to-day practice, self-study, and university courses. With the guidance of a dedicated teacher, I began to grasp Japanese grammar more deeply and gained confidence in forming sentences and expressing myself.
When learning a new language, it’s important to learn continuously. And so in my free time, I relied on reference textbooks, AI tools, and dictionaries to support my learning. Whenever I came across something I didn’t understand, I would look it up in the dictionary to deepen my understanding. I also improved my Japanese by watching anime and listening to Japanese songs.
Discovering Japanese Through Study and Everyday Life
Being understood by people when I speak Japanese is incredibly motivating. Every time someone understands what I say, I can see how much I’ve grown. At the same time, reading and comprehending Japanese texts gives me a sense of progress and keeps me going.
That said, practicing Japanese in everyday life isn’t always easy. In my home country, striking up a conversation with a stranger is effortless. I enjoy initiating conversations, so I tried to do the same in Japan. But I quickly realized that people here are more reserved, and it takes more effort to connect with strangers. It was surprising at first—probably my only real culture shock—but it’s something I’ve come to understand and respect.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey learning Japanese has been learning about the country’s culture. The deeper I learned, the more curious I became. One unforgettable experience was attending a lantern festival with my friends — it was beautiful, mesmerizing, and felt almost magical. It reminded me of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which we celebrate in my home country.
From Rejection to Opportunity: My Job Hunting Journey in Japan
As I approach graduation from my Master’s in Mechanical Engineering program in 2025, I have decided to apply for jobs again and submitted applications to 13 companies. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to secure any offers. Various factors contributed to this, such as my underwhelming performance during the selection process, difficult tests, and a lack of mutual interest between me and the companies. It was frustrating to see all my efforts go unrewarded.
Then, I remembered about the FAST OFFER International program that my friend mentioned years ago and decided to give it a try. Surprisingly, it made my job hunting process much easier than I expected. I didn’t have to spend a lot of time preparing documents for job applications, and I got training on how to interview with Japanese companies. Most significantly, the companies introduced by FAST OFFER were a match for my interests and qualifications. The companies were open to hiring fresh graduates — a stark contrast to the companies I had applied to before. The FAST OFFER International program helped bridge the gap between me and my dream.
My Journey with FAST OFFER International: From Registration to Success
Two and a half months since I enrolled in FAST OFFER International’s program, I received an invitation for a job interview. I had three weeks to prepare. My FAST OFFER International mentor put in a lot of effort and was incredibly responsible and supportive throughout the process. During the intense three weeks of preparation, I was overwhelmed with juggling my research project, an international conference, and job hunting all at once.
Handling multiple tasks was challenging, but my career advisor always ensured I was clear on what to do and that I was well-prepared. I deeply appreciate her dedication and the support from the entire FAST OFFER International team. I hope to meet her in person someday when I have the chance to visit Tokyo.
This interview was unlike any I had experienced before. Instead of feeling like a formal, intimidating assessment, it felt more like a conversation between equals. The relaxed atmosphere helped me stay calm and confident, allowing me to perform well. The first round was relatively short, but the final round lasted about 30 to 40 minutes, similar to my previous interviews.
Then came the big day. I received a call from the FAST OFFER International staff — I had secured a job offer!
Tips to crack the interview, from someone who did it.
- Practice Japanese with native speakers. From my own experience, I started gaining confidence simply by talking to people, even when I made mistakes. It’s okay to speak imperfectly; what matters is that you’re trying. You’ll learn, improve, and eventually speak more fluently. Plus, it’s a great way to make new friends and build connections.
- Believe in yourself. Confidence goes a long way—not just in conversations, but also in interviews. When you believe in your abilities, it becomes easier to talk with others and stay calm under pressure.
- It’s perfectly okay to say, “I don’t know”. If you’re unsure of something. Honesty is always better than guessing or giving inaccurate answers. In my experience, interviewers appreciate honesty and understand that no one can know everything.
- Be prepared with thoughtful questions for the interviewers. In my case, I asked about the software they commonly use for design, upcoming projects, innovations they’re working on, and whether there might be opportunities to transfer to a branch office in India. Asking questions not only shows your interest in the role, it also shows that you’re thinking about how you can contribute to the company.
The Joy Of Being Understood
Although it takes me a little time to warm up, I truly enjoy meeting new people and having meaningful conversations. It’s incredibly rewarding when others understand what I’m saying, especially in a language I’ve worked hard to learn. As I look forward to starting my job after graduation, I’m excited about the chance to continue connecting with people, not just in the workplace, but in everyday life as well.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: What Foreign Workers Are Most Excited About When Moving to Japan
Whether you’re planning to work or study in Japan, there’s so much more to experience beyond what a typical tourist itinerary can offer. Living in Japan allows you to immerse yourself in the culture, explore the country at your own pace, witness its natural beauty year-round, and take part in vibrant traditions and festivals. Here are five things many foreign workers look forward to during their time in Japan:
Experiencing Cherry Blossoms at Their Peak
It’s no secret that Japan’s cherry blossom season is iconic. Unfortunately, tourists often miss the short window of peak bloom due to timing or travel limitations. As a foreign resident, you won’t have to rush your visit — sakura season will unfold around you during your daily life. From your morning commute to weekend hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics with friends, you’ll be able to truly enjoy the fleeting beauty of sakura like a local.
Enjoying World-Class Public Transportation
Japan’s transportation system is known for being clean, safe, punctual, and remarkably efficient. While it may seem complex at first, many of our candidates have been inspired by systems like the Shinkansen (bullet train)—some even citing it as a reason for pursuing careers in engineering or infrastructure in Japan. “I remember my awe when I learned about the Japanese bullet train. When I learned about bullet train technology through a teacher in grade school, the dream of one day riding the bullet train was planted in my heart,” shares a successful candidate from Myanmar.
Taking Part in Local Festivals
Festivals in Japan are colorful, exciting, and deeply rooted in tradition. Tourists may only catch one or two, but as a someone who’s studying or working in Japan, you can look forward to enjoying a variety of matsuri (festivals) throughout the year across different prefectures. “One thing that especially excites me is the hanabi taikai. While we have fireworks during Diwali back home, the atmosphere in Japan feels completely different. I’ve always dreamed of standing on a bridge in the summer, watching the fireworks light up the night sky,” shares a successful computer science candidate from India.
Benefiting from a Structured and Supportive Work Culture
Japanese companies often provide foreign employees with full-time benefits such as health insurance, annual leave, and seasonal bonuses. Many workers also value the supportive environment that encourages professional growth through training and upskilling opportunities. The work culture in Japan emphasizes stability, teamwork, and long-term success —qualities that many foreign professionals appreciate. Know more about the benefits of working for a Japanese company here.
Building Lifelong Personal and Professional Connections
Japan continues to open its doors to global talent, creating an environment where foreign workers feel welcomed and supported. The friendships and professional relationships formed while working in Japan can extend beyond the workplace and can last a lifetime, even after returning home. Whether it’s networking with industry peers or bonding with neighbors, living in Japan makes it easier to create meaningful, lasting connections.
