They said it would never happen.

For decades, the crowded trains of Tokyo have shuttled Shinjuku salarymen and women towards innovation and industry. Diligence proven in skyscrapers, respect earned in the conference room, and drinks shared at a neighborhood izakaya pub.

Yet, the global pandemic has forced us all to adapt quickly to a “new normal”. The unprecedented adversity we have faced together in 2020 has led us to think outside our comfort zones, innovating and finding value in ideas once believed impossible.

The future of remote work is here. Virtual internships are more important than ever before, setting you up for success and confidence in this new world of digital fluency. So unplug your fax machine and settle in with a coffee (or tea!) as we explore how remote work in Japan can kickstart your career.

From Cubes to Cafes, Flexibility is Key

Even before the pandemic, shared workspaces were popping up in Tokyo. Stocked with amenities and strong Wi-Fi, these modern lounges appeal to both traditional office workers and entrepreneurs alike.

Going into 2021, these shared spaces are evolving into more permanent oases for those seeking some work-life balance. In fact, WeWork Japan recently rolled out a monthly “all-access” membership program with convenient app-based reservations.

Meanwhile, cafes continue to thrive in their sacred role as a “third place”. Preferring the tidy tables and ambient jazz of Tully’s and Starbucks over the hipster cafe scene, you will find young professionals focused on hitting all the points of Japanese business etiquette, as their untouched coffee cools.

So how can you take advantage of this shift to remote work while living abroad?

Meiji Internships connects you with real-world opportunities at Japanese companies that value your international perspective and contribution in this new digital age.

Country Road, Take Me Home

Have you always dreamed of escaping big city bustle for a simpler life bicycling through rural rice paddies? Well, great news! Where there is Wi-Fi, there is hope.

For decades, Japan’s countryside has suffered drastic population decline as young people chase jobs in Tokyo. Local leaders have had to think creatively to reverse this trend and revitalize their communities. Financial incentives and strong Wi-Fi are being rolled out to lure young families to a simpler, slower life.

Going into 2021, this trend is expanding aggressively across Japan, as employees realize the sustainable benefits of remote work. Urbanites are seeking respite from the stress of corporate culture in the quiet comfort of their homes – wherever they may be!

Will you be one of them? Develop your digital skills with Meiji Internships and begin enjoying the freedom and opportunities that arise across the globe!

Stamped Out

Yes, fax machines still exist.

In fact, they are humming along in modern Japan, where paper records stamped with distinctive, red hanko stamps have endured since ancient times.

Fast forward to 2020 and the urgency of infectious disease reporting has necessitated a rapid shift into the digital age. Going into 2021, the ink will fade as the government expands on an ambitious task of digitalization across the whole of Japanese society.

What does this mean for you?

You have an unprecedented opportunity to succeed and thrive in this age of remote work. What better way to get started than with a virtual internship in Asia?

Reach out to us today and look forward to a new chapter of remote work in 2021!