“I loved every aspect about work in Japan: people, food, culture, and history.
Everywhere you go is something new to explore!”

Ava Brown, from Canada

Moving to Japan is a step into a whole new world. The land of the rising sun is truly timeless – a place where preserving ancient traditions and embracing modernity is balanced.

As the second largest economy with ongoing economic growth, Japan offers an impressive variety of different career opportunities. Experiencing an ageing population and low birth rate, the government is making it easier for foreign nationals to work in Japan. Therefore, anyone applying as a foreigner stands a good chance of finding a job.

You keep getting caught in a day-dream of exploring the beautiful temples of Kyoto, getting lost at Shibuya Crossing, or digging into a big plate of sushi? Then working in Japan might just be what you are looking for!

1. Your CV will stand out of the crowd!

Nowadays, when you send your CV out to recruiters, it is important to have something in your application that sets you apart from competitors.

Since only a small percentage of people study abroad – and ever fewer intern abroad – having experience working in Japan will make your application stronger and more appealing. Show that you can handle working in a different culture and impress your future employer!

2. You will see the bigger picture!

Your work experience in Japan will not only be a new line on your CV, but change your way of thinking. Seeing the bigger picture, you will be more aware of other opportunities and might consider roles that correspond to your former work in Japan.

And what’s more: You will develop a global perspective as well as a broader view on topics within your own field of study. You will no longer only consider concepts which are common sense in your home country, but have an entire spectrum of different approaches to choose from.

This will help you tackle challenges differently and eventually solve problems more efficiently than your competitors!

3. You will learn a new language!

Buying a snack at your local konbini, paying at your favourite ramen place, or going out to watch a movie in Japanese: You will encounter plenty of situations where knowing (even a tiny bit of) Japanese will help you master your daily life.

Even if you are not fluent in Japanese or your work environment is mostly English, living in Japan provides many opportunities to kick-start your language skills. As the ninth most spoken language worldwide, Japanese is a practical language to learn that will make you even more marketable to future employers.

4. You will be able to network on an international scale!

An important aspect of building a career is creating strong bonds with mentors, colleagues, and business partners. Socialising with business associates outside of the company, most often over drinks after work, is the go-to networking method in Japan.

One benefit of having international peers is having the chance to learn an abundance of information from your surrounding network. Such knowledge will help you in the future as you will learn to see your own culture from a new angle.

5. You will develop crucial new skills!

Often overlooked in their importance, soft skills are crucial to having a successful transition into the workplace. As an intern in a foreign environment, you will have the opportunity to develop cultural awareness, confidence, and consolidate your communication and social skills.

Your work experience in Japan will not only provide you with exciting new sights, connections, and experiences. Living and working abroad will also be a challenge that will allow you to grow professionally as well as personally.

Experiencing work in Japan will switch your life to the fast lane, even without a trip on the shinkansen.

Are you ready to take the next step, apply for a job and eventually do a Japanese job interview? Click here to find out more!