| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University |
| COMPANY |
| The company is involved in various aspects of the life insurance business, including sales, establishing new contracts, asset management, and paying insurance claims and benefits. |
| SUMMARY |
| Working in Japan as an Indian became a reality through dedication to language learning, cultural understanding, and strategic career preparation. Starting with Japanese basics and evolving through practical tools like HelloTalk, this journey reflects how Indian students can turn global aspirations into success. With support from programs like FAST OFFER International, opportunities abroad are within reach—showcasing that with focus and guidance, working in Japan as an Indian is more achievable than ever. |
My Sister Was My First Japanese Teacher!
I first came to know Japanese when my sister started attending a Japanese course at her college. When she was studying at home, I always stayed with her and learned from her. I was lucky to have her as my first Japanese sensei (teacher), teaching me hiragana, katakana, and basic Japanese. I got into it without thinking about working in Japan as an Indian at first.
Around that time, I found out my neighbor was working in Japan, thanks to FAST OFFER International. If my neighbor could do it, I thought I could, too.
With my helpful and encouraging sister and an inspiring success story just next door, I was motivated to learn Japanese as my second language to boost my opportunities in the future.
Joining FAST OFFER International In My Second Year in College To Become An Indian Working in Japan
When I was in my second year of college life, I joined the FAST OFFER program with my friends without any hesitation. This led to attending their free Japanese classes.
Besides attending classes, I also revise, practice speaking with online friends, and listen to Japanese audio to strengthen my Japanese. HelloTalk was immensely helpful in practicing my conversational skills. Focusing on my favorite Japanese movies or songs also made learning fun, with hours flying by as I “studied.” I’ve learned the song Sukidakara by Yuika, my favorite J-drama on “I wanna Eat Your Pancreas,” which has been on my rewatch list since it came out seven years ago.
Realizing the Potential of Working in Japan As an Indian While Studying Japanese
When I started participating in the program, I intended to learn Japanese as my extra skill and not be pushy about getting a job in Japan. That changed when I got the interview offer, and I realized that I might become the first child in my family group working abroad. I thought that excelling in my career as an Indian working in Japan would surely be something to be proud of. I suddenly had this strong desire to make my family proud. Hence, I doubled my efforts in studying to give my dream the best shot. The love and support from my family and friends during this journey have tremendously kept my morale up.
My First Online Job Interview to Become an Indian Working in Japan
I was sure I’d landed the opportunity during my first online interview, but sadly, I was rejected. I picked myself up and didn’t give up. FAST OFFER International gave me another interview offer, which was combined with a sponsored trip to Japan. It was unbelievable! I studied the company’s profile intensely in preparation for the in-person interviews.
How I Prepared for the Japanese Job Interview that Changed My Life
Step 0: Learn Japanese!
Focus on your Japanese speaking skills as much as possible. Try using HelloTalk to talk with people in Japanese. This is so important for fellow Indians who want to work in Japan. It’s not enough to get the theoretical knowledge down. Practicing the language rolling off your tongue is super important!
Step 1: Know Thyself
Apart from your Japanese, you need to know your strengths intimately. This will enable you to imagine ways to help others, especially the company you want to join. You must know your technical skills and the field you are studying to promote yourself to your desired job role.
Step 2: Research Every Company Sufficiently Enough To Imagine Your Role There.
Before I attended the interview, I had researched every company enough to imagine how my skills and perspectives could play into the company’s business portfolio.
Step 3: Ask About the Gaps in Your Research
If you could research thoroughly, you’d also see where the information gaps are. These gaps are your way to asking questions that express your genuine interest. It shows you want to learn beyond what their website says about the company.
In my case, I asked about the target countries for which they offer their services. From there, I learned about their goal of establishing a branch in India.
Step 4: Align Yourself with their Goals
Beyond telling them how your skills will support their goals, you also want to align with their philosophies. Goals and tasks can change, but aligning yourself with the company’s core values can indicate someone who can thrive for a long time.
Step 5: Express genuine interest in the company.
If you stay present and listen well, you’ll be able to react well and ask follow-up questions. This can show them how detail-oriented and excited you are to work with them.
Step 6: Read The Room
My advice during the interview was my favorite Japanese phrase: 空気を読む (kukui o you), which means read the environment. This is a good habit to apply not only in our daily lives but also in our working lives. It’s a reminder to stay present and to be mindful of your environment. This was especially important for the interview!
How That Life-Changing Trip Got Me Excited about Living and Working in Japan as An Indian
Before I came to Japan, I had already learned about Japan from my seniors working there. Learning directly from Indians working in Japan gave me a great impression of Japan. What’s surprising is that my experience still surpassed my high expectations! I witnessed and experienced how kind, pleasant, and highly disciplined the locals were. Despite having no car, they wait for the green light to cross the road.
During the trip, we were so lucky that Sakura was starting to bloom, and we managed to take a photo as a memory after we finished the interview. As someone who will be working in Japan, it’s nice to know that it’s just my first Sakura season of many!
The only thing I was hesitant about was food. I was worried about the Japanese food, but my worries melted away the minute I tasted it. I am so excited to taste more Japanese food when I start work!
Working in Japan as an Indian With A Community Behind Me
I got to make a lot of friends on this journey. During that trip,
I made new friends with other candidates from India. I’m so thrilled that I even have friends who got an offer from the same company. We will not have to feel lonely or miserable when we start our jobs because we will surely help each other. It’s comforting to know my company and ASIA to JAPAN will always be there!
Though I got the official letter from my employer, it is still like a dream to me. Now, I have Japan to explore in my next phase of life. More than that, I can’t wait to work in Japan and excel!
My Favorite Aspects About Japanese Work Culture
- Working Together to Achieve a Goal
- Japanese believe teamwork leads to success rather than an individual contribution, even when the mission seems impossible. Everyone collaborates and has faith in the process to achieve a mission.
- Work Hard, Play Hard
- In addition, even though the Japanese are strict and keen on working, they can still have a work-life balance. This is what I often hear from my seniors and friends.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: The Expat Experience of Working in Japan as an Indian
Finding and Practicing Indian Culture as an Expat in Japan
Indian expats moving to Tokyo will find plenty of support from the bustling Indian population. You’ll find authentic Indian cuisine and most of your local favorite Indian goods in Little India in Nishi-Kasai. We still recommend you bring some of your favorite spices, though, as most goods imported from India to Japan will be priced at a premium. Vegetarians will find options in the city if you’ve got diet restrictions.
Japan has a history of Indian immigrants, so future Indian expats in Japan will be happy to know they’ll join an established community. According to the Pew Research Center, Indians enjoy a good reputation in India.
If you’re concerned about celebrating Indian holidays, you can efficiently work with your seniors to arrange leaves to accommodate.
Perhaps one of the key cultural differences Indians might experience in Japan is its more reserved culture. Expats in Japan have to be more intentional about socializing.
Why do Indians keep flocking to Japan as Expats?
Expats in Japan—whether from India or other countries—enjoy government-supported rights. They want universal health care, regulated government hours, and job security. Most of all, though, Japan is a unique environment to grow your career while enjoying a multifaceted and exciting life outside of work hours.
