What Working In Japan Is REALLY Like

I understand what the Pakistani girl said. I'm Japanese, and my job-hunting experience was a disaster. I just couldn't understand why I had to give up my studies and focus on job hunting while I was still a student. Especially during my master's degree, I didn't want to focus on job hunting, so I ignored it and finished my thesis first. Afterward, I started job hunting and found a job, but it wasn't with a good company. After a miserable year, I quit the job and left the country. Now I live in Germany and enjoy my life.

The Indonesian gentleman came across as very insightful and intelligent and provided some very useful descriptions of his experience and ways to improve things. The black American lady also provided some really clear advice and tips from her experience and was very thoughtful. Thank you to those who were interviewed.

I will never live in Japan as an employee, maybe a business owner. But I will never stop visiting this amazing country.

Lots of foreigners from the west typically leave because of working conditions, low salary, bad colleagues, and a major lack of work opportunities. I am an English teacher by trade so for me, Japan is a gold mine. When I switched from my last job (daycare / afterschool care) to my current and quite nicely paid English teacher job, I had so many different schools and eikaiwa call me trying to get an interview. I don't think I will ever leave Japan. I have a lot of momentum to move up the ladder here.

I’ve been working here for 8 years across two different companies. It heavily depends on the company just like any country, but in general the work culture here is insane. My colleagues are SO nice and my company is supportive, but the whole approach to business is mind boggling. They focus on the process because they love the meetings and formalities as if they’re kids playing a game pretending to be grown ups. The result doesn’t matter. Even after work ends they stay just going for smoke breaks and opening/closing random emails. It’s another world. The Indonesian guy is very switched on by the way - he’ll do well!

I've been living in Japan for 9 years and I can confirm that what the interviewees are saying is 100% true

My experience was not so terrible like theirs but here's my tips: 1. I think the graduate recruitment and the mid career recruitment are very different. In the 2nd one there are less interviews, and usually no SPI or language tests, 2. Every company (japanese or international) has its rules, and some do not require JLPT. But since your interview and CV must be made in Japanese in many companies, you will need at least N2, 3. Unwritten rules: if you come from a well known university and your supervisor has many relationships with a company, you will have a great advantage. Also companies make 1-day internships and if you attend them they will note it and remember your interest.

Based on my working experience over a decade in Tokyo, the job market is vibrant and diverse. Speaking both Japanese(N1) and English (business) can significantly boost your job prospects. Bilingual professionals are in high demand, often leading to better job opportunities and higher salaries. However, it's a different story outside Tokyo. While there are job opportunities, they generally don't offer the same level of compensation as those in the capital. The demand for bilingual skills isn't as high, and the pay scales reflect that.

I would love to see this interview with foreigners working on jobs at large companies, such as engineers, developers, and similar. I get most people are English teachers, but it would add a lot to see the perspective of people on "higher-paying jobs"

For university students in North America and know Japanese, you can go to the Boston Career Forum to apply for Japanese companies. I got accepted into a corporate company in Tokyo as a designer. This is a good way so you could put a foot in the door before you commit.

12:42 this guy's energy can probably cure depression. He's talking about how your problems will follow you, but you can't be sad or worried when he says it like that.

I enjoyed all these interviews! I liked the guy at 12:59 - he spoke words of wisdom! Your problems will follow you wherever you go, so have the right attitude.

Today while taking interview , takashi's mood seems to be good and happy

4:19 exchanging business card in one to one meeting is simple enough. Exchanging business card in a meeting of multiple people takes a whole day practice. I am a Japanese living in the U.S. and I find this custom absolutely insane. Here in U.S. people throw business cards on the conference table like a casino card dealer😂

The sad reality of many of us wanting to live in Japan but not being able to, it is already a blessing to be able to visit it at least.

Love these videos, just wish he would interview older people or people who aren't just students for something like this. People with more experience.

That work space got a free ad video, wow!

Very insightful information and advice given by the interviewees. Thanks to the interviewees for taking the time to provide this information and advice.

I loved the insight in this video. The interviews were great and detailed. Great job!

Great video! Very informative. The Executive Center looks like a wonderful place for business people of all types.