I need some advice on how I might be able to find work in Japan given my background. Here is a bit about myself:
1) 39 years old
2) Lived in Japan twice before (2006-07 for 1 year teaching English, 2011 for six months studying abroad as part of grad school). Passed JLPT 4 way back in 2007 and still can speak around this level.
3) U.S. Citizen, of South Asian background
4) Hold law degree (J.D.)
5) Have a very varied work background that has mostly been in technology and consulting start-up organizations, including:
\- 3 years of legal compliance consulting at a boutique consulting/software firm. Half of this was in the company’s Hong Kong office, half in the U.S.
\- 6 years of product management experience at the same company, this time focused on creating and delivering a service used to support our technology
\- 1 year of experience in technology project management at a logistics start-up in the U.S.
I am seeking to return to Japan because frankly, I just enjoyed my life more there. However, I lived there when I was much younger, and am now 39. I have no family or kids, so nothing is holding me back other than the fact that I’ll need a job at some point.
One idea I have been considering is to go to a language school for one year and see how far I can get. I suspect I’ll only be able to get to JLPT Level 3 in one year. And then, I would want to see if I can get a job in either product management or technology project management. While my earliest background was in law, I did not work in a law firm but on the consulting side of a start-up that provided program building services in ethics/due diligence for multinational orgs.
My concerns are that:
1) I won’t be able to get a job because my background is quite varied and not in large name brand company that most Japanese people would know, but rather in technology start-ups based in the U.S. and Hong Kong
2) My Japanese isn’t very good and even after 1 year in a language school, may not be at a level of full working proficiency
At the same time, I do read stories on various sub-reddits of people finding work in project management and IT even without a high level of Japanese or when they can get to an N2 Level.
If anyone has any advice or opinions on my plan, that would be helpful. Thanks.
2 comments
It’s unlikely you’ll get a job in any of these industries with your current level of Japanese. Impossible in the case of your legal experience unless you are contracted to consult on US law with an international company, which frankly is just very rare.
Same goes for logistics. Again it would be a hard sell unless they’re specifically looking to fill a management position with a foreigner for whatever reason.
Most foreigners who I personally know who work in IT and software development work entry/mid-level non-managerial positions. It seems like selection for managerial roles is extremely competitive when they do open up, and you don’t seem like a particularly strong candidate for this industry because of the relatively unique area of focus of your previous position and seeming lack of significant experience working *in* an IT position rather than working *for* an IT-related company. But I digress, people more experienced than I with that industry can provide better feedback.
Yes, the odds are extremely against you going from N4 to significantly higher (and more specialized) than N1 in one year of full time language school, or even to reaching N1 itself. N2 is *generally* considered the baseline for jobs that don’t require specialized, industry-specific terminology but do require adequate comprehensive ability.
If I was you, I would study Japanese back in the US for two or maybe three years while working before considering pursuing employment here. Maybe even looking into a possible transfer from my current employer if feasible, which overall is a much more viable possibility for your circumstances.
I think you’ve got a shot. The BIGGEST hurdle, in my opinion, is getting physically in Japan. Applying overseas can be quite tough. If I were you, I’d:
1. Start self-studying Japanese. Focusing on input (reading and listening). Don’t worry about speaking so much right now. Get to a point where you can read NHK Easy News without issue or listen to podcasts like Noriko Japanese Podcast.
2. Google your ass off and figure out what companies in Japan may match your background. You’re in product management, this is good. Make a list of these companies and even start trying to network with the foreigners who work there. Go the extra mile and write a few blog posts about them/their industry (this can be used as a resume if you do get an interview) – show you’re determined.
3. Wait until Japan’s borders open up and visit there. Meet as many people as you can, network, and cross your fingers.
You’ve got a shot. Really, working in Japan ISN’T that hard as some people make it out to be. All my friends work in all kinds of jobs…I was a global marketing manager*** with 0 Japanese when I was living there. This is why I’m always hesitant to say…’You won’t have a chance’. Luck and timing are massive factors.
Good luck…and remember to network and study as much as you can (starting tomorrow!).
***This was pre-covid.