Japanese Business Culture

1) Your background and/or self introduction.

I found myself studying Japanese halfway through my time at the University of Vermont, and it soon became a major focus in my career. I also studied music, business, and have now recently started getting into engineering.

2) Where did you work? How did you find the job?

After being referred by a neighbor of mine, I started work at a bridge inspection and research company from Japan named NEXCO West USA. It was only around 15min away from home (in Washington, DC). You really never know where you will find a job and what exactly you’ll end up doing, so there’s no harm in asking anyone you know, even neighbors!

3) What was the interview process like?

To be honest, there was no initial interview, rather a month-long internship which resulted in part-time, then full-time employment. You could say that the internship itself was an interview, and this tends to be how some companies make the decision to keep you on board.

4) What was the placement/moving process like? (your company paid for air fare, housing, fining furniture, etc.)

NA

5) What is it like to work for your company in Japan? (working environment, requirements/expectations, language, attire, what is your work week like?, etc.)

Since the company is a spin-off of a corporation in Japan and started up around 6 years (2009) ago, I am the only American who has worked for them. Consequently, they are as fascinated with my lifestyle/workstyle as I am with theirs. We speak almost entirely in Japanese, so walking into the office feels like walking into Japan. Everyone works together in very close communication, and despite workloads which can get complicated or difficult, we all look forward coming in every day. Engineers tend to be casual on attire, but when it comes to hours, expect to stay late sometimes.

6) What is it like to work with the Japanese? (people, culture, language, after-work obligation, etc.)

Overall a super rewarding experience. My coworkers all exude this sense of companionship: they look out for you, and are very apt to offer help in any way they can. There is, however, a tendency to stay late on a daily basis. I tend not to do so, on the basis that I don’t get paid overtime. It’s certain that Japanese companies will look highly upon you for staying late, but it’s also important to express your boundaries. As an English speaker, expect to put your English skills to use. I am relied upon to write and correct any English correspondence, advertisement, etc. which is sent out, and often translate English documents which come in.

7) PLEASE share any tips for those who are going to teach in Japan or have Japan-related jobs after graduating from UVM?

Don’t stop studying! Figure out ways to make studying practical and fun. Connect with a speaking partner in person or online, and keep it up!