Working in Japan as a Student
Studying in Japan is an incredible opportunity to experience a new culture, strengthen your language skills, and expand your career prospects. For many international students, working part-time is also a way to support living expenses and gain real-world experience. Before diving in, it’s important to understand the rules, opportunities, and challenges that come with part-time work in Japan. Legal Basics International students in Japan are allowed to work part-time, but only under certain conditions. You must first apply for a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence (資格外活動許可). This permit allows you to work up to 28 hours per week during the school […]
Building Your Professional Network in Japan
In Japan, career growth is as much about who you know as what you know. While skills and qualifications are important, strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities, industry insights, and long-term collaborations. For foreign professionals, understanding how to build a network in Japan requires a mix of cultural awareness, communication skills, and strategic effort. Understanding Networking in a Japanese Context In many Western countries, networking often happens through casual, direct conversations at events. In Japan, however, relationships tend to develop gradually and are built on trust over time. First impressions matter, but the real strength of a network comes from consistent, respectful interaction. Building rapport might require […]
Attending Career Fairs and Job Seminars as a Foreigner in Japan
For foreigners seeking employment in Japan, career fairs and job seminars can be valuable entry points into the job market. These events offer more than just a chance to submit your resume; they are opportunities to engage directly with companies, better understand expectations, and build connections that can lead to future opportunities. Why Career Fairs Matter Japan’s recruitment culture still heavily values in-person interaction, even as online applications become more common. Career fairs allow job seekers to make an impression beyond a paper CV. For foreigners, these events also offer a chance to assess how open a company might be to hiring non-Japanese staff. Many job fairs in Japan are […]
Working in Japan This Summer? Here’s the Business Etiquette You Might Not Expect
If this is your first summer working in Japan, you might find that the season brings more than just heat, it also introduces a unique set of customs and business norms that might be unfamiliar at first. Understanding these seasonal shifts can help you blend into the workplace more smoothly and avoid misunderstandings. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare when navigating Japanese work culture during the summer. The “Cool Biz” Culture One of the first things you’ll notice when temperatures rise is that business attire starts to change. Japan’s government encourages companies to adopt a “Cool Biz” dress code between May and October. This means you’ll likely see […]
Japanese Honorifics -The 3 Types and How to Use Them-
Sonkeigo (尊敬語) — Respectful Language to Elevate OthersSonkeigo raises the status of the person you’re speaking to or about. It’s used for superiors, clients, or strangers. For example, “言う (say)” becomes “おっしゃる,” and “行く (go)” becomes “いらっしゃる.” In business, you might say, “部長がご覧になる” (The manager will look at it). Misusing sonkeigo can seem rude, so it’s crucial in formal settings. Kenjōgo (謙譲語) — Humble Language to Lower YourselfKenjōgo humbles yourself or your in-group to show respect. For example, “言う (say)” becomes “申す,” and “もらう (receive)” becomes “いただく.” In business, you’d say, “私が伺います” (I will go) or “資料を拝見しました” (I reviewed the document). This reflects Japanese culture’s emphasis on modesty. Teineigo (丁寧語) […]
Top 3 Japanese Language Certifications for Career Advancement
1. JLPT（日本語能力試験） N1/N2 The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely recognized certification. N1/N2 levels are often used as hiring/promotion criteria in Japanese firms. N1 requires understanding newspapers and business documents, ideal for managerial roles. N2 proves basic workplace communication skills. 2. BJT（ビジネス日本語能力テスト） More practical than JLPT, testing real-world skills like email writing and meeting communication. Uses a scoring system (max 480); J1 (600+) certifies “business-ready” proficiency. Highly valued by global companies’ Japan offices, especially for client-facing roles. 3. JETRO認定 貿易日本語 The only official certification specialized in import/export operations. Covers L/Cs, commercial invoices, and trade practices. Essential for international divisions of trading companies/manufacturers, especially for sales and logistics […]
Mastering Japanese for Work: Business Phrases You’ll Actually Use
Japanese business culture is steeped in nuance, and language is at the heart of it. Knowing textbook grammar won’t get you far in a professional setting unless you also understand the expressions and politeness levels expected in the Japanese workplace. Whether you’re attending your first meeting, exchanging business cards, or navigating the hierarchy of a Japanese office, mastering practical business phrases is essential for earning respect and building lasting relationships. One of the first phrases any working expat should learn is 「お世話になっております」 (Osewa ni natte orimasu). Commonly used in emails and phone calls, this expression roughly translates to “Thank you for your continued support” and is a standard opener that […]
The Unspoken Rules of Japanese Conversations
Have you ever had a conversation in Japanese where you walked away thinking, Did they just agree with me… or politely reject me? If so, you’re not alone! Japanese communication is filled with unspoken rules—subtle cues, indirect expressions, and cultural nuances that aren’t always obvious to learners. Unlike in English, where directness is often valued, Japanese conversations rely heavily on reading between the lines. A simple “yes” doesn’t always mean “yes,” silence can be a response in itself, and even your body language speaks volumes. Understanding these hidden rules is just as important as learning vocabulary and grammar. At Toranomon Language School, we know that mastering Japanese goes beyond textbooks—it’s […]
How speaking Japanese can benefit your career
The country of Japan has *the fourth largest economy in the world and there are abundant opportunities for work in fields like technology, finance, and manufacturing. In these jobs, there is a high demand for Japanese language skills, and by speaking this language you will stand out as a candidate. Regardless of if you are a student or professional, learning Japanese will provide an array of opportunities and careers. Here is a list of reasons why learning Japanese will benefit your career. *As of the year 2023. Building Stronger Customer Relations or Internal Relations The ability to effectively and confidently communicate with Japanese customers in their native language will create […]
Develop a growth mindset to master a new language
A growth mindset is the belief people have that abilities as well as intelligence can be formed through dedication and hard work. It is staying resilient even in difficult times and continuing to push forward. Want to learn how to cultivate a growth mind for your professional and personal? Here is how! Learn to embrace challenges Challenges are growth opportunities in disguise. Rather than avoiding conflicts, allow yourself to tackle themselves head on. You will learn that each challenge you face will help you develop new skills. Nothing can improve if you stay in your comfort zone. When you approach challenging tasks, take it one step at a time. Trying […]