Starting a new job can be a very nerve-racking experience, especially in a different country. Not only do you have to adjust to a new workload but also experience an entirely different culture. Whether you’re already working, interested in starting a career, or simply want to learn about business culture in Japan, I’m here to tell you about adjusting to Japanese companies.

How to Adjust to Companies in Japan: Insight From Our Intern

When embarking on a career in Japan, a common concern that people have is adapting to Japanese companies. To easily enter the Japanese workforce, it is essential to quickly adapt to the new workload and business culture. So, what is the best way to adjust to working in Japanese companies?

One of the most effective ways to adapt to companies in Japan is to learn about the culture. Even though business culture varies depending on location, company, and type of work, hierarchy and collectivism have a strong presence in the workplace. This collective culture fosters collaboration and cooperation; with teamwork being highly valued to maintain a harmonious work environment. While a hierarchical structure prioritizes organizational order and respect in companies, understanding the importance of collectivism and hierarchy is necessary to navigate workplace dynamics, maintain professional relationships, and adapt to working in Japan.

Learning the language is another way to ease the adjustment to working in companies in Japan. The level of Japanese necessary for different companies varies depending on the industry and type of work. Some jobs in Japan may not require any knowledge of Japanese; however, learning the language makes adjustment easier as it allows you to engage in conversations both inside and outside of the workplace.

Effective use of indirect and non-verbal communication is essential in Japanese business culture. Direct and straightforward approaches to communication are avoided in order to maintain a harmonious workplace. While non-verbal actions such as expressions, gestures, and silence, often dictate the speakers’ response and/or intention. To readily adapt to professional life working in Japan cultural insight, knowledge of the language, and communication skills are crucial.

Interning and Working in Japan

Over the past few years, I have interned and worked with multiple companies across Japan. As part of my university education, I was fortunate enough to participate in two internships with Japanese companies.

My first experience was with a remote internship; where I worked for a company in Japan from the comfort of my home in Australia. Currently, I am in Japan’s busiest city, Tokyo, as a Marketing Intern for YOUNEEDS Co., Ltd. (“YOUNEEDS”). Even adjusting was difficult at first, having knowledge about business culture in Japan has helped me quickly adapt to the new workloads and environments. I believe internships present an excellent opportunity to gain a foundational understanding of what it’s like to have a professional career in Japan without the added pressure of being a full-time employee.

My professional work experience in Japan is limited to two companies: a hotel in Okinawa and a ski resort in Nagano. It was difficult to adjust to the work at first but knowing the language was extremely beneficial; not only for the work but also for communicating with my superiors and other team members. Another aspect that helped me adjust was maintaining a healthy work-life balance, where I could adapt to the long hours and new business culture. In my experience, it was generally easier to adapt as an intern where the company expectations were comparatively more relaxed, especially for unpaid internships.

Working and interning in Japan has been a rewarding experience that has helped me learn the necessary skills to adjust to Japanese companies. If your business is interested in entering Japan, YOUNEEDS is here to help your company adjust to the Japanese market. Please contact us here or via LinkedIn to book a consultation or discuss how we can help.