Key segments were drawn from ASIA to JAPAN’s business trip report:【出張レポート | インド】日本の初任給はインドの5倍！日本就職に熱視線のインド学生
Did you know that the starting salary in Japan can be up to five times higher than that in India — or even more? This striking difference is one of the key reasons why many Indian students are setting their sights on pursuing a career in Japan.
During ASIA to JAPAN’s recent business trip to India last 4-15 August, we visited several local universities and conducted interviews with students. What we found was a growing interest among young Indian talent in working in Japan.
This article explores why more and more Indian students choose to pursue careers in Japan, and why Japanese companies actively recruit Indian professionals to strengthen their global workforce.
Why Indian Students Want To Pursue A Career In Japan
Starting Salary In Japan vs. India
Indian students and instructors at local universities told us that one of the main reasons Japanese companies appeal to them is the significant difference in salary levels. Compared to the starting salary for new graduates at local companies, the salary offered by Japanese companies is about five times higher.
In fact, in a recent review by Japan’s Cabinet Office, it’s reported that full-time employee foreign workers with a university degree and permanent residency earn about 16% more than Japanese nationals, according to Nikkei.
People in India view a high salary as a symbol of social success and stability. Therefore, finding employment at a Japanese company is a source of pride for both the student and their family, and serves as strong motivation.
Japan Seen As A Good Option For Fresh Graduates
Japan is one of the few developed countries that actively accepts foreign talent. In Western countries, it is difficult to obtain a work visa, and it is even more difficult to find employment as a new graduate.
On the other hand, Japan is actively welcoming highly skilled foreign talent, and more companies now hire foreigners as full-time employees, even right after graduation.
Students who want to build an international career value work experience at a Japanese company, knowing it will enhance their prospects when they return to India or seek opportunities in other countries.
Love For Japan
In addition to the attractiveness of the system and treatment, many students also aim to study in Japan because they simply love Japan.
Many students in India have grown up with Japanese anime, movies, and pop culture, making them familiar with Japan from a young age. This desire has led to concrete actions such as “I want to learn Japanese” and “I want to work in Japan.”
Japanese Working Culture
Cultural empathy is also a major factor.
The Japanese people’s attitude of diligence, honesty, and respect for etiquette is an intriguing culture for Indian students, and many say they would like to grow in such an environment.
This is an emotional motivator that goes beyond just salary and benefits.
Students who met with us on-site said things like, “I want to experience Japanese culture” and “I want to see Japanese technology with my own eyes.”
For many of the students we talked to, loving Japanese culture often leads to seriousness in job hunting and settling down in Japan after employment.
Strengths of Indian Talent and Their Contribution to Japanese Companies
Positive thinking and a bold spirit
When we interacted with Indian students during our visit, we could feel their positive attitude and bold spirit. They are not afraid to take a step forward in the face of difficulties or unknown situations.
The very choice to try to find work in Japan, where there are cultural and language barriers, is evidence of this attitude.
This flexible mindset — the willingness to “give it a try, even if the environment is different,” and the belief that “failure is just another opportunity to learn” — is a valuable trait for Japanese companies aiming to expand globally.
As Japanese companies advance overseas, they require personnel who can adapt to unknown environments and proactively tackle problem-solving. In that respect, Indian students are a great fit.
On the same note, this attitude of taking on challenges while having fun will bring a breath of fresh air to Japanese organizational culture and provide a positive stimulus to existing employees. When Japanese companies hire Indian talent, it is not just a way to replenish their workforce, but also an opportunity to revitalize the entire organization.
Talents with a strong science background and Japanese language proficiency
India is a country with a strong science education system, and it produces many outstanding students in the fields of engineering and IT.
However, there are still only a limited number of science students who aspire to learn Japanese. But, this may change soon as some Indian universities are expanding their Japanese language education programs. This move paves the way for Indian professionals to become an increasingly accessible and valuable talent pool for Japanese companies.
Promoting diversity and globalization
One of the major challenges facing Japanese companies is the accelerating pace of globalization. As the domestic workforce declines, it is inevitable to hire foreign talent and incorporate diversity into the organization.
The key in this case is to hire people who will not simply supplement the workforce, but who will enhance the company’s international competitiveness. Indian talent fits that bill perfectly.
With a foundation of science skills, an understanding of Japanese language and culture, and a positive and challenging mindset, they are capable of immediately contributing to the promotion of globalization.
In addition, India is a country with advanced English education, and there are many bilingual personnel who can speak both Japanese and English, so we can expect them to be active in overseas bases and international projects.
When Japanese companies hire such talent, it is not simply hiring foreigners, but an investment in building the future of the organization.
Indian talents who have science and technology skills as well as an understanding of the language and culture, can act as a bridge for Japanese and global companies, smoothly promoting the internationalization of their teams.
Are you a fresh graduate from India? Japanese companies are shifting to new graduate recruitment!
Until now, recruitment of Indian talent has focused on mid-career talent who can contribute immediately. However, in recent years, attention has been focused on new graduates with language skills and cultural understanding.
The reason for targeting new graduates is to welcome students who are interested in Japan at an early stage and carefully train them from the ground up.
Over 100 people attend our job fairs at Indian universities
What was most striking during our business trip to India was that more than 100 students attended each of the job fairs we held at Indian universities.
Even though it was a weekday, the large classroom was filled to capacity, with some people standing and even joining in from outside the classroom. At the venue, the students listened to the explanations with serious expressions and actively asked questions.
Many of the questions were about the services offered by ASIA to JAPAN and FAST OFFER, and how they plan to grow and work for a Japanese company.
According to a university official, “Students’ interest in finding employment in Japan is increasing every year.” This success is a sign that people are not simply gathering information, but are “seriously aiming to find employment in Japan.”
Want To Start Your Journey From India To Japan?
If you’re a fresh graduate from India who wants to pursue a career in Japan, then this is your time to shine! You can sign up with ASIA to JAPAN’s FAST OFFER program, which provides Japanese language education and employment support to international students, including fresh graduates from India.
