| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Computer Science, Major in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University |
| COMPANY |
| Japanese manufacturer of material handling dealing with logistics systems, automated warehouses, etc |
| SUMMARY |
| Driven by a passion for technology and languages, an Indian engineer embarks on a journey to Japan. Inspired by Japan’s technological advancements and cultural values, he learns Japanese while studying AI. Despite challenges, his determination leads to a job offer through FAST OFFER International. His story highlights the importance of communication, cultural understanding, and perseverance. Now, he looks forward to a fulfilling career in Japan, bridging cultures and contributing to technological innovation. |
I Got to Know Japan the Same Time My Tech and Language Interests Began
As a child, before we had a computer at home, I’d visit my uncle’s house to play games and tinker with coding. Around the same time, I was fascinated by documentaries on Japan’s technological advancements. Already, it seemed the ingredients to be an Indian engineer in Japan was present in my life from such an early age.
When we finally got a computer, I explored different cultures online and became enamored with Japan’s etiquette. At 14, a neighbor introduced me to Naruto, sparking my anime obsession. Switching from dubbed to subbed anime helped me absorb Japanese naturally.
Meanwhile, like most Indians, I studied multiple languages—Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, and English—expanding my worldview. I also picked up bits of Spanish, Russian, French, and Arabic, using them to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Who knew these two interests would one day culminate into a dream to be an Indian engineer in Japan?
Languages are Gateways to Possibilities
I continued to pursue my interests in technology and languages.
I’m not a polyglot, but I’ve learned languages to communicate better, not just academically. Languages help bridge cultural gaps, just as coding languages connect hardware and software in robotics.
I believe success is 20% technical skill and 80% communication. No one succeeds alone. Japan thrives because of its ability to work as a unified group toward long-term goals. In contrast, my home country, despite having incredible tech talent, struggles to achieve the same level of success due to a lack of cohesive collaboration.
The Benefits of Becoming an Indian Engineer in Japan
Japanese Excellence is Rooted in Their Work and Life Philosophy
Indian and Japanese cultures share similarities, but their differences stand out. Here are some facets I particularly gravitated towards.
They move as a team and accomplish greater things than excellent individuals
Thanks to their shared values and philosophies, as well as their foundation of good communication, they are able to work together towards one goal. Japan’s collectivist culture fosters politeness, humility, enabling them to work harmoniously. As they sync up with teammates, they’re able to accomplish bigger feats than they could as individuals.
They are loyal to their core values in life and in work
Aside from their loyalty towards others, they are also loyal to their personal integrity. This mindset traces back to bushido, the samurai code of honor, and continues today in both corporate and public sectors. Even in pop culture, like Naruto’s shinobi, the Japanese work with a sense of purpose and shared values.
They find purpose in work as individuals
This philosophy is evident in individuals, too. A Japanese friend from Tokyo, in his 60s, still drives an ambulance because he finds meaning in his work. Rather than separating work and personal life, many Japanese integrate both, always asking not just what they do but why. I deeply admire this outlook. After university, work will consume a significant part of my life, and like the Japanese, I want to spend it on things that truly matter.
They seek perfection and yet retain humility to keep improving
There’s a Japanese artist who, whenever was called a master artist, would say that perhaps he would be in five years. After five years, he would say that perhaps in another five years. He spent every day mastering his art, and yet never claimed to have arrived at the pinnacle. When he was dying at 95 he said that perhaps if he’d lived to a thousand, he would have finally become a master.
Learning Japanese & Studying AI: On My Way to Become An Indian Engineer in Japan
When FAST OFFER International gave the orientation about jobs in Japan during my second year majoring in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Engineering at Savitribai Phule Pune University, I was easily convinced. In my batch, I was the only one who jumped on the opportunity of learning Japanese. Luckily, the Japanese classes got me in a room with other students who were are as determined as me.
For two years I studied Japanese in earnest, going from N5 to now waiting for the results of my JLPT N3 test. It was a time rife with challenges. To pass on to the job hunting part of the program with FAST OFFER International, I had to pass the mock interviews from our Japanese class sensei. I failed the first mock interview due to my pronunciation not being up to par yet. I had to take the JLPT N3 class twice. Online Japanese classes while the world was swept up in a pandemic was especially difficult. But these challenges only made me more grateful for opportunities and victories taste much sweeter.
Learning Japanese Tip: Do It Because You Love It
Learning Japanese can get difficult—the same with learning any language. You don’t want to trudge through the process simply because you want to work in Japan. Things will be better if you find a way to love Japanese. Learning the language from a position of genuine affection for the Japanese language and culture can make it easier, and more enjoyable to learn.
Job Hunting with FAST OFFER International: Goal-Setting To Be an Indian Engineer in Japan
After I finally passed the mock interview, I was assigned a career advisor who guided me with the process. I had a meeting with them to discuss my career goals, and interests. This interview informed his strategy for finding the right job for me. Within that same first meeting, he already had a vision for me, of a company he thought I’d be perfectly suited for.
The Chance to Fly to Japan for Free for Interviews
A few months later, I got the invitation to interview for three companies—one of which was the one my advisor envisioned for me. I was excited. Having three companies wanting to hire you meant I qualified for FAST OFFER International’s week-long sponsored trip to Japan for the in-person interviews on the 15th of the next month.
But before I could get too excited, I needed my passport and to also apply and get my visa. I couldn’t work on my visa until after I got my passport. My passport around the 29th of the previous month, giving me just a few days to get my visa.
Looking back, I’m thankful I was too busy researching the companies interviewing me to notice how the dates nearly dangerously overlapped. I focused on what I could do: preparing for the interviews. Even as days went by and got closer to my flight date, I simply busied myself preparing for the interviews. I let out a breath of relief when my was finally approved just two days before my flight.
What You Need to Fly to Japan for Japanese Job Interviews For Free with FAST OFFER International
- Sign up with FAST OFFER International
- Speak Japanese enough to navigate a Japanese job interview
- At least three interview invites from Japanese companies
- Your valid Passport
- A Japanese visitor visa that FAST OFFER International will help you get
Learning how to Interview in Japanese from An Experienced Mentor Thanks to FAST OFFER International
What I was most impressed with during my journey with FAST OFFER International was when they paired me with a mentor. I’m still in awe of who my mentor was. He’s had decades of experience working at a Japanese company. In fact, he’s designed V6 and V8 engines for his former company. Meeting him almost felt like meeting a celebrity for me.
On top of that, he was also part of the Society of Automotive Engineers in Japan (SAE)’s committee. The SAE is a prestigious global club broken into localized branches per country, and divided into clubs who specialize in big vehicles, monster vehicles, electric vehicles and Formula one Type cars—the section my mentor and I were involved in. Every six months, these clubs compete with each other. I, too, was part of the local branch of the club for three months.
It’s unbelievable how I got to be mentored by such a highly qualified professional for free! I utilized every moment I had with him. One of the most important things he taught me was “cross questions. This is when you ask your interviews questions that show your genuine interest, passion, and critical thinking. He also practiced the interviews with me and gave me much needed, personalized feedback.
My First Trip To Japan
My trip to Japan was jam-packed with the interviews. During that time, I might have slept just a few hours. Despite how hectic it all was, I was still able to admire Japan. Whatever I saw from videos about Japan, Japan delivered. People were truly humble and kind! One time, I held the elevator open for two natives who I didn’t know and they bowed their thanks to me three or four times. The streets were extremely clean and the roads felt safe. During that whole trip, I heard a car honk perhaps just once. The peace and quiet amidst this incredibly busy cosmopolitan city felt breathtaking.
The Job Interviews
I was asked a question about my flexibility—referring to how open I am to work on different projects—at two of the three companies. I gave them the same genuine answer, but one company saw it as a weakness, while the other saw it as strength. It’s so important to answer truthfully with the companies so you can find the company best suited for you.
The Good News: My Career Advisor’s Vision Comes True
After the very last interview at the ASIA to JAPAN headquarters, as I was waiting and talking to my career advisor, staff came in and gave me the good news: I got an offer! Just as my career advisor had envisioned, it was that company he imagined I’d best fit! When I was alone in my hotel room, I remember letting myself feel the joy and relief wash over me. I called my mom and my friends who were also so happy for me. A friend already in Japan was excited for me—soon we’ll be exploring Japan together. I had my offer letter out, the culmination of all my hard work, in my hands as I finally got some good nap. The day wasn’t done after all, I was still going to celebrate over a delicious Japanese dinner!
The Company Tour: Imagining My Future as an Indian Engineer in Japan
The next day was just as busy but it was nice how punctual we were at the lobby at exactly 6:15, meeting before we toured the company I got an offer from. We rode the bullet train to go to the company’s facility where they showcased their products and have an acre-sized solar farm. The company’s HR team showed us, me and a fellow successful talent, the dormitories we’ll live in, the different departments, and videos about the company. We only saw perhaps less than a quarter of the company that day. There’s still so much to see and explore when I come back!
At that time, we had about 7-10 days to sign our job offer, and we were adviced to study it when we came home, but in my mind, it was as good as signed.
From Classmates to Fellow Success Stories
My JLPT N3 class was an intimate class of 7, all hoping to become Indian engineers in Japan. We’d all bonded, especially thanks to the offline classes where we joked and had fun a lot. Of the seven of us, six of us have already been placed. You can even read this friend’s success story and that friend’s success story here. It’s just a matter of time until we hit 7 out of 7!
The friends I made with me–we’ve gone through a lot together. The whole process: including studying Japanese, was rife with challenges. I’d failed and had to try again. I didn’t let it demotivate me though. I accepted it as part of the adventure. With persistence, consistence, confidence, and friends I made along the way, success was inevitable.
Preparing for my Life in Japan
After getting a job offer, FAST OFFER International has put me in a business Japanese class. We learn keigo, honorific language, as well as get to practice our Japanes conversation. It’s not required to get a job in Japan, but it’ll come handy to the actual work in Japan.
My Future as an Indian in Japan as a Global Engineer
I’m looking forward to working on my global career in Japan. Japan’s globally competitive tech landscapewill allow me to use the languages I know to work with clients all over the world. I’m also excited about the rest of Japan—top of the list is Mt Fuji! There’s so much to see in Japan, and it’s amazing that I’ll get to explore more of Japan bike-riding with my other Indian friends.
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: A Brief History of Indian Engineers in Japan
The presence of Indian engineers in Japan has significantly grown over the past few decades, particularly in the field of information technology. The modern wave of Indian professionals moving to Japan began in the 1990s, driven by the global demand for IT expertise. This trend was further accelerated by the Y2K issue, which saw a surge in the need for skilled IT professionals worldwide, including in Japan[1].
Indian engineers have since become a backbone of Japan’s IT industry. By the early 2000s, Indian IT companies started establishing their presence in Japan, bringing with them a large number of Indian engineers. These professionals were instrumental in helping Japanese companies modernize their IT infrastructure and adopt new technologies[2].
The number of Indian engineers in Japan continued to grow, and by 2008, there were around 22,000 Indians living in Japan, nearly double the number from a decade earlier2. Today, Indian engineers are employed in various sectors, including IT, engineering, management, finance, and scientific research. They are highly valued for their technical skills, work ethic, and ability to bridge the cultural gap between India and Japan[3].
The Indian community in Japan has also contributed to the cultural and social fabric of the country, with many Indian engineers actively participating in local communities and fostering stronger India-Japan relations. As of December 2023, there were 48,835 Indian nationals living in Japan, making them one of the largest expatriate communities in the country[3].
Indian engineers have played a crucial role in strengthening the economic and technological ties between India and Japan, and their contributions continue to be highly regarded in both countries.
