As an engineer, there are endless possibilities for your career. One of those possibilities is to go to Japan, which is always in search of budding engineers. So why, of all the many options, do Thai engineers choose to work in Japan? Here are some of the reasons you may relate to what we gathered from our Thai candidates’ success stories, why Japan was the perfect career destination for them.
1. Being part of Japan’s competitive and robust engineering industries | ร่วมเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของอุตสาหกรรมวิศวกรรมที่แข็งแกร่งและมีการแข่งขันสูงของญี่ปุ่น
For the longest time, Japan has had a steadfast reputation for its quality technology.1 The chance to be part of Japan’s ecosystem producing world-best products is an invitation many of our talents couldn’t resist.
The World’s Biggest Automotive Companies Call Japan Home
“Being in the automotive industry, though, made me aware of the limitations of the local industry. Our government doesn’t have the budget to support businesses that want to create new designs. We were limited to repairing cars. I was itching to be on the other side and flex my automotive engineering skills.
Japan’s automotive industry, on the other hand, was ripe with opportunities. Japan is home to some of the biggest car companies, all known for excellent quality, customer service, and affordability. Japan holds the biggest automotive market share in the world. I wanted to be part of it!”
Read more: Chulalongkorn University Engineering Grad on Bravely Pursuing Japan
Japan is a global leader in industrial robots.
“After I graduate, I want to pursue my career abroad and have more experience in a job that uses industrial robots. Japan is my priority choice since it is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and robotics countries.”
Read more: From Thailand to Japan: A Robotics Student’s Journey Through Language and Internship
2. Finding R&D opportunities | ค้นหาโอกาสด้านการวิจัยและพัฒนา
Because Japan is the main branch for many global manufacturing companies, they tend to hold the research and development teams that dictate the designs that will be rendered in other countries. This is not only possible because of private ventures, but also because they get strong government support to establish R&D bases for multinational companies.2
“As an automotive engineer, I’m eager for the opportunities that will open up for me. My company specializes in designing vehicle parts, which is perfect for me who’s witnessed how impactful a well-designed part is for a car’s life cycle. This time, I won’t just be repairing someone else’s design, but possibly be making my own designs.”
Read more: Chulalongkorn University Engineering Grad on Bravely Pursuing Japan
3. Living where culture meets tech | ใช้ชีวิตในที่ที่วัฒนธรรมมาบรรจบกับเทคโนโลยี
Japanese tech is not just present in industrial settings; it’s also present in people’s everyday lives. From reliable cars, top-notch trains, specialized self-service cash registers, multifunctional hygienic toilets, to crossings generating renewable energy, Japan’s use of tech to improve the lives of people is quite an experience.
“I have always thought of Japan as an amazing country. Japan, having an interesting culture, let alone the advanced technology, made me want to work in Japan.”
Read more: How a Targeted Job Placement Program and Dedicated Support Made My Japanese Career Dream Come True
4. Getting more experience with Japanese Work Culture | เรียนรู้และสัมผัสวัฒนธรรมการทำงานของญี่ปุ่นให้มากขึ้น
For some of our Thai candidates who had the opportunity to intern or collaborate with Japanese people, it strengthened their resolve to pursue working in Japan.
“…I participated in a joint program of Chulalongkorn University and Shibaura Institute of Technology, and that’s where I got my opportunity to work with the native Japanese. And my desire to work in Japan grew even stronger.”
Read more: How a Targeted Job Placement Program and Dedicated Support Made My Japanese Career Dream Come True
“Despite being a relatively small company, I was warmly welcomed and immersed in a challenging yet rewarding environment. Only one person could speak English, so I had to use Japanese most of the time. It was tough, but also fun, and I made lots of memories. My manager used to play the song ‘Kanade’ while driving, and that’s how I got to know it. They helped me a lot with things like where to stay and food, and I’m thankful for that.”
Read more: From Thailand to Japan: A Robotics Student’s Journey Through Language and Internship
“Working directly with skilled professionals at the highest level of international competition reinforced my ambition to pursue a career in Japan.”
Read more: Chulalongkorn University Engineering Grad on Bravely Pursuing Japan
5. Finding out about the growth Opportunities from FAST OFFER International | เรียนรู้เกี่ยวกับโอกาสในการเติบโตจาก FAST OFFER International
An information session with FAST OFFER International has opened the eyes of many Thai candidates. The abundant and exciting Japanese job opportunities and the clear, supported pathway towards it has time and again proven irresistible.
“However, everything changed when I was offered an internship opportunity in Japan. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of working in the country and made me realize that it could be a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth. ASIA to JAPAN’s FAST OFFER International program played a crucial role in this transformation, providing me with the language foundation and support needed to explore new horizons.”
Read more: From Thailand to Japan: A Robotics Student’s Journey Through Language and Internship
6. Learning Japanese to go to Japan for job interviews at no cost | เรียนภาษาญี่ปุ่นเพื่อไปสัมภาษณ์งานที่ญี่ปุ่นโดยไม่เสียค่าใช้จ่าย
Learning Japanese surely takes dedication, but at least it doesn’t come with financial risk! Many of our successful talents took advantage of FAST OFFER International’s free Japanese classes for Indonesian university students. This allowed them to learn Japanese with experts and even go on an all-expense-paid trip to Japan for the interviews.
“When I was in the third year, I participated in the FAST OFFER International Program (formerly Study Go Work JAPAN Program) to study Japanese. In this project, I was able to study business Japanese and honorifics for free. I also practiced interviews many times in class. I think this project will be very useful for finding a job in Japan.”
Read more: How Studying Japanese and Engineering Led Me to a Job Offer in Japan
7. Getting to choose a company you have genuine alignment | การได้เลือกบริษัทที่คุณมีความสอดคล้องอย่างแท้จริง
When you choose a company to work, that’s choosing where you’ll spend eight hours of everyday at least for a couple of years. So, choosing a company that fits your goals and values, with a position with the type of work you genuinely enjoy doing, makes a big difference. Entering Japan’s job market, where there are several companies to choose from, allows you to maximize that choice.
“This company is at the forefront of the area that I’m very interested in, i.e., control engineering, and I sympathize with the company’s philosophy. And the location of the company is also good, so I’m looking forward to joining the company.”
Read more: How Studying Japanese and Engineering Led Me to a Job Offer in Japan
8. Being presented an opportunity to step into Japanese culture | ได้รับโอกาสในการก้าวเข้าสู่วัฒนธรรมญี่ปุ่น
If you’re a fan of Japanese culture, it’s quite rewarding to experience everyday Japanese life. From the surrounding infrastructure to the people you encounter, there’s something to appreciate!
“My interest in Japan sparked from its fascinating culture. I love to read Japanese novels, usually in Thai, but I often thought they’d be even better in the original Japanese.”
Read more: From Thailand to Japan: A Robotics Student’s Journey Through Language and Internship
“Ever since I was a kid, I watched Japanese anime and TV programs and thought, ‘This country is very beautiful, and I want to live with a lot of wonderful skills.” Working in Japan became my dream, and I started studying Japanese.”
Read more: How Studying Japanese and Engineering Led Me to a Job Offer in Japan
9. Connecting personally with Japanese products | การเชื่อมโยงโดยตรงกับผลิตภัณฑ์ญี่ปุ่น
Japanese products are key fixtures in a lot of people from around the world’s lives: from televisions, motorcycles, cars, and other appliances that make life easier. This experience-based trust in Japanese products is a good reason to pursue meaningful work that truly impacts people’s lives.
“My connection with Japan began with motorcycles. When I was in high school, one of my friends had a motorcycle, and I wanted one too. After talking with my parents, I bought my first bike, a Honda MSX. It was Japanese-made, stylish, small, and easy to handle. Over time, I developed an interest in motorsports and began watching road racing, especially MotoGP. I’ve always supported the Suzuki team because I was captivated by their teamwork and their never-give-up attitude. From that point on, I decided I wanted to learn about car manufacturing and pursue a career in the global automotive industry. As a mechanical engineer, I want to continue learning about cars and contribute to the industry. Working in Japan as an engineer fit this dream perfectly. Before signing up with online Japanese classes, I tried learning Japanese on my own.”
Read more: How Online Japanese Classes Helped a Thai Engineer Secure a Career in Japan
10. Having a supportive community to help you achieve your dreams | การมีชุมชนที่คอยสนับสนุนเพื่อช่วยให้คุณบรรลุความฝัน
Moving to Japan to pursue a career can be a daunting dream—but it’s empowering to know that there’s a whole ecosystem to support you every step of the way. With FAST OFFER International, you’re not alone!
“Before attending the interview, FAST OFFER International arranged mentoring sessions for me. These sessions felt just as vital as my online Japanese classes. I’m incredibly thankful to my assigned mentor. He not only supported me with the basics, like how to answer interview questions, but also coached me on how to present myself during the interview, how to prepare reverse questions, and other crucial details.”
Read more: How Online Japanese Classes Helped a Thai Engineer Secure a Career in Japan
REFERENCES
1. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). (n.d.). Act for promotion of Japan as an Asian business center. https://www.meti.go.jp/english/policy/external_economy/investment/act_information.html
2. Chokki, S., Odawara, H., Rocha, A., Sandler, C., & Tsuda, T. (2020, May 12). A new era for industrial R&D in Japan. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/a-new-era-for-industrial-rnd-in-japan
Ready to Take Your Dreams to Japan?
Start your language learning journey.
If you’re about to be a thailand university student who wants to be working in Japan, you may qualify for FAST OFFER International’s free Japanese classes! Check out our Free Japanese Classes for Thai students or our Japanese classes for worldwide talents.
Apply with FAST OFFER International
If you can already manage conversational Japanese, are an active university student or recent graduate, and have a qualified degree, it’s time to sign up with us! Be part of our list of Thailand university graduates working in Japan. Read more in our jobs in japan for Thais career guide.
