Finding a Startup Job in Japan? - Podcast with Wei Chen
Japanese work culture often has a reputation for long hours and a strict hierarchy. However, in recent times, there have been changes to relieve this pressure. I also suspect a new wave of startups in Japan have started to embrace the need for more work-life balance and diversity to attract talent. I interviewed Wei Chen about how foreigners can find a startup job in Japan with limited Japanese proficiency.
Born in Taiwan and having studied abroad in the US & UK, Wei found herself in Japan seven years ago and has managed to embed herself into the Tokyo startup ecosystem despite being a foreigner. She currently works as a freelance talent sourcer, helping match startup companies to great talent.
Listen to this episode to hear Wei’s story about:
- Moving from Taiwan to the US to Japan
- How she found her 1st job in Tokyo
- How she got permanent residency (PR)
- Advice for other foreigners in finding a start-up gig
- Barriers as a female foreigner in Japan
- Potential pathways for people who aren’t fluent in Japanese
If you want to find out more, feel free to reach out to Wei on Linkedin!
Timestamps / Topics
Intro
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:57 – Wei’s introduction
- 2:25 – Why did she move to Japan?
- 7:25 – Why did she stay in Japan?
- 9:10 – Being an Asian foreigner in Japan. Pros & Cons
- 10:45 – Main cultural barriers in Japan
- 12:50 – Challenges of being a female foreigner in Japan
Finding a Job in Japan
- 17:40 – How Wei found her 1st job in Japan
- 23:10 – What does Wei do as a talent sourcer?
- 26:50 – Advice for foreigners finding a gig in Japan.
- 28:26 – Advice for foreigners who aren’t fluent in Japanese? Potential industries?
- 30:30 – English teaching in Japan as a starting point?
- 21:15 – Recruitment jobs in Japan … how does it work without Japanese proficiency?
- 33:40 – Applying for big Japanese corporations?
- 35:16 – Visa options (working holiday, freelance etc). How Wei got Permanent Residency in Japan
- 40:00 – Is Japan open to foreigners to get visas/jobs?
- 42:50 – Scholarships?
- 46:50 – Is doing a 2nd degree in Japan worthwhile?
- 48:35 – Wei’s thoughts on the startup ecosystem in Tokyo
Life in Japan
- 50:15 – Wei’s life in Japan.
- 51:50 – Raising a child in Japan
- 54:30 – Wei’s future plans. Final thoughts/conclusion.
