Why I Chose to Work in Japan Instead of China as a Mechanical Engineering Researcher

Before I was at the stage of choosing to work in Japan instead of China as a Mechanical Engineering Researcher, I was just your typical anime fan. The reason for my interest in Japan began with anime. I started watching it at a young age and learned basic words such as “thank you” and “first time” through it. When a friend showed me a Japanese language textbook during my sophomore year in college (at the age of 16 due to skipping grades), I decided to start self-studying Japanese out of curiosity. Five years later, in 2017, I passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2. 

Initially, my interest in learning Japanese was just to acquire new knowledge. However, as I progressed through my studies, I noticed the similarities between Japanese and Chinese and felt a sense of accomplishment with the speed of my progress.

Learning Japanese Gave Me a Deeper Appreciation of the Culture

As I continued studying, I began to understand the Japanese way of thinking through the language. I was impressed by its delicate, polite, and serious aspects. Despite the difficulty of Japanese with its many honorifics and compound verbs, I continue to study it due to my interest. Now, I even watch Japanese dramas without subtitles and rewind to study any parts of the dialogue that I don’t understand. With the development of the internet, there are now many resources available for learning, and I believe that starting with something easy is a key. 

Comparing workplace environments in Japan and China 

As I progressed through my doctoral program and started thinking about my future career as a researcher, I began to consider working in Japan instead of China. In my opinion, there are three main differences in the workplace environments between Japan and China.

Here are the three ways Japan was a better place to work in as a Mechanical Engineering researcher.

1. Potential Career Advancement in Japan – First, in China, engineers are undervalued. Promotion opportunities are limited. However, in Japan, one can start as a new employee and progress to become a project leader by gaining technical skills and experience. In China, it is difficult for technical staff to advance without becoming a manager.
2. Continuous Salary Increases in Japan – Second, in Japan, there is an opportunity for salary increases every year. Salaries do not change unless one is promoted to a higher position in China. Chinese youth must change jobs if they want a pay raise.
3. There’s Hope For Work-Life-Balance in Japan – Third, regardless of the company size, work-life balance is poor in China. In Japan, most companies provide overtime pay and adequate break time. On the other hand, there is no overtime pay, and lunch breaks are often spent in meetings in China. Despite the perception of high salaries in Chinese corporations, I feel that it is an image of “doing the work of three people for the pay of two.” The large population in China means that you are easily replaceable. There are plenty of substitutes even if one doesn’t work, leading to such a workplace environment. 

Therefore, I decided to pursue Japan’s stable environment where I could best apply my specialized skills acquired during my doctoral program to develop things that will contribute to society. I also hope to utilize my Chinese language skills to help with technical and product development. 

Job Hunting in Japan with FAST OFFER International

Last 2018, ASIA to JAPAN’s president introduced the FAST OFFER International through a presentation at my university. When I became eligible during my final year, I registered with FAST OFFER International to begin my job search in Japan. 

Later, ASIA to JAPAN staff members extended offers from companies, granting me interview opportunities. My mentor provided me with valuable advice on interview preparation, emphasizing the importance of researching companies before joining. To that end, I conducted thorough research on the companies I interviewed with. I was surprised that Japanese interviewers prefer concise answers. Whereas in China, longer responses are considered better. My mentor was also knowledgeable about technical aspects and provided helpful advice in that area. 

Online Job Interviews with Japanese Companies

The actual interviews were conducted online. Through it all, the FAST OFFER International staff members provided guidance until the end, alleviating my nervousness. The interviewer from the company’s development department created a comfortable atmosphere. I was pleased my interviewers had a good understanding of my research area. 

Thanks to this process, I received an offer from my first-choice company. Without my mentor’s guidance, I would not have received this offer. I immediately sent an email to my mentor to inform her of my acceptance. It feels like a dream come true to be able to work in Japan starting next year! 

Choosing Japan for my career as a mechanical engineering researcher instead of China, I’m poised with long term goals.

In the next five years, I envision developing materials and methods to reduce gear sizes, guiding junior colleagues, assisting senior colleagues and managers, and working as a mid-level member to achieve team goals. Additionally, I aim to complete the development of at least two new methods or materials and establish them as key technologies.

In ten years, my goal is to become an expert in composite materials and to be involved in developing new composite materials for new challenges. As a project leader, I aspire to lead team members and see them through to the achievement of team goals. I also plan to develop at least 10 new methods or materials and create products that incorporate these technologies. 

My Message to Fellow Aspiring Mechanical Engineers from China

Although I have no experience studying in Japan, my love for the country and ability to speak Japanese inspired me to pursue job opportunities there. Although initially unfamiliar with the job-hunting system in Japan, FAST OFFER International helped me a lot. Their assistance gave me the chance to work in Japan.With their guidance, I have no worries about my transition to a new workplace.

I have one advice to fellow Chinese job seekers lookign for jobs in Japan! With FAST OFFER International, you can move forward with confidence.