What is it actually like to live in Japan as a Malaysian? Some of our success stories go into thorough detail about their personal and professional experiences. Here are some key things they took note of for a realistic picture of what life and work is like in Japan.
On job hunting for a job in Japan
#1 Being a foreign engineer in Japan is the easiest route.
“If you’re wondering what kind of specialty will help you best get into Japan, get an Engineering degree. Openings for Engineering are usually in companies looking to globalize and thus are more open to foreigners. They also give more leeway for your level of Japanese compared to looking for work in the humanities.” Read more: From Universiti Sains Malaysia to an Engineering Career in Japan: How I Surpassed My Expectations
Corroborated by FAST OFFER International’s experience, as well as news articles, “serious labor shortages and rapid digital change” is driving Japanese companies to look for foreign talent who can help fill the gap. If you want to be in demand in Japan, getting an engineering degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Science can be your edge.
#2 Your self-reflection and potential matter most in a Japanese job interview.
“…in Japanese interviews, they place great importance on the applicant’s traits, especially for new graduates. Therefore, they ask about strengths and weaknesses, the biggest challenges faced so far, areas of focus, efforts made, and significant personal growth experiences.” Read more: Securing a Japanese Job After Studying Abroad: From Mecha Anime to Mecha Engineer in Japan
Your ability to connect your skills and experience with the company’s needs is key to leaving a good impression. If you’re applying as a recent graduate, apart from a relevant final year project and field of study, the company will care more about who you are as a person than your current skillset. Learn more through our story Understanding Japanese Companies’ Mindset at Job Interviews and what they look for in our story How to Get Hired in Japan: 9 Job Interview Green Flags.
#3 The Japanese job market follows a calendar you need to understand.
“Job-hunting in Japan is nothing like back in Malaysia or, as I heard, in other countries, too. Most companies in Japan follow a schedule of when to hold company briefings or internships, to screen entry sheets (like resumés, CVs, etc.), to conduct multiple interviews, etc. You need to understand this calendar so you can time your plans accordingly.” Read more: Studying and Working in Japan As a Malaysian Scientist: Breaking Out of His Shell
Our article How to Navigate Japan’s Job Market as a New Grad can help you figure out how the Japanese job market times their hiring seasons.
#4 Japanese companies are looking for employees who can commit long-term.
Japanese companies look for employees who plan on staying for a long time. So, when you apply for a company, know what you’re getting into. It’s important to do a lot of research about them and understand how you can fit into their business landscape. Read more: Studying and Working in Japan As a Malaysian Scientist: Breaking Out of His Shell.
Japanese companies invest in their future hires so they’re looking for someone who’ll have a good return of investment.
#5 You can change jobs if you get fluent in Japanese.
“Although companies in Japan do prefer you stay in one company for as long as possible, if you find yourself in need of a change, and you’ve already thoroughly improved your Japanese, you can definitely find another job, given there are so many opportunities in Japan.” Read more: From Universiti Sains Malaysia to an Engineering Career in Japan: How I Surpassed My Expectations
In the past, Japanese companies expected their employees to spend most of their lives in the same company, from graduation to retirement. Nowadays , the job market is changing due to globalization. There are now companies more concerned with hiring skilled mid-career employees. Still, if you’re planning to switch companies in Japan though, be mindful of having fluent Japanese, a significant amount of time from your prior job, and a competitive skill set.
On getting a Japanese work visa
#6 Getting a work visa is easy after getting a job offer.
“Getting my visa for Japan was easy enough with a company’s job offer and their full support.” Read more: From Universiti Sains Malaysia to an Engineering Career in Japan: How I Surpassed My Expectations
The first step to getting a Japanese work visa is getting a job offer. Read more in our article Japan Work Visa for Malaysians : A Step-by-Step Guide | Visa Kerja Jepun Untuk Rakyat Malaysia
On Japanese work culture
#7 Japan has a lot of paid holidays.
“We get lots of paid holidays, including the famed “golden week” when folks usually travel.” Read More: How My Impossible Dream Came True in Japan: From Malaysia to a Career in Japanese Engineering
Japan has 16 national public holidays!
#8 A lot of Japanese companies are globalizing.
“Japan is increasingly becoming more foreign-friendly. Workforces are diversifying as economic goals drive towards globalization… As Japanese companies actively recruit international talents and move towards globalization, more companies are more willing to accommodate the needs of their Muslim employees.” Read more: Studying and Working in Japan As a Malaysian Scientist: Breaking Out of His Shell
Check out our story on What Japanese Companies Think About Foreign Workers based on surveys we’ve done with partner companies and our article Muslim Experience Working in Japan: Real Stories from Foreign Workers.
#9 Following rules and functioning smoothly as a team go hand in hand.
“People tend to move fast and as a group in Japan. They give fast and efficient responses, so things progress faster. They also have thorough rules and systems in place that keep things organized and efficient. At the start, you feel like these rules can slow you down, but the rules keep you from making mistakes and allow you to move quickly and smoothly with the rest of your team.” Read more: How My Impossible Dream Came True in Japan: From Malaysia to a Career in Japanese Engineering
Japanese companies love a team player!
#10 Most companies emphasize training.
“The training was very thorough, and I had a job coach assigned to me who would work on projects with me, guide me with the company system, and all that.” Read More: From Universiti Sains Malaysia to an Engineering Career in Japan: How I Surpassed My Expectations
For traditional Japanese companies, timing new hires to join altogether in April allows them to train them all at once.
#11 Japanese company culture differs per company
“There’s a stereotype about Japan’s work culture being extreme, with overwork being the norm. My experience at the Japanese company I work with though, has personally debunked that myth for me.” Read more: How My Impossible Dream Came True in Japan: From Malaysia to a Career in Japanese Engineering
There’s a lot of stereotypes about the Japanese work place and there perhaps its true for some companies. However, just as it is in the rest of the world, every company is different. It’s also very hard to make generalizations when much of your experience of the workplace will hinge on your direct supervisors.
How to live and work in Japan as a Malaysian?
Stay tuned and learn how Malaysians live in Japan in our upcoming story!
Convinced by these Malaysians’ amazing experiences of working in Japan? Every path will look different! You can explore our website to find out how we can help you. Read our FAQ, sign up for a Japanese class, or find an EVENT that best applies to you!
Stories cited:
- Embarking on a Career Journey: A Malaysian’s Electronics Engineering Path in Japan
- From Universiti Sains Malaysia to an Engineering Career in Japan: How I Surpassed My Expectations
- How My Impossible Dream Came True in Japan: From Malaysia to a Career in Japanese Engineering
- Studying and Working in Japan As a Malaysian Scientist: Breaking Out of His Shell
