What’s it really like to work as an engineer in Japan? An honest account from a Vietnamese engineer in his third year in Japan

My hopes and fears before coming to Japan

Things That Were Different From What I Expected After Actually Working in Japan

Before coming to Japan, I had the impression that “Japan is strict and has a lot of overtime” and that “hierarchies are rigid, making it difficult to voice opinions.” In reality, however, the atmosphere varies greatly depending on the team and company, and there are many workplaces that are much more flat than I had imagined. It is by no means uncommon to find engineers working in environments where they have a close relationship with their supervisors and can exchange opinions frankly.

On the other hand, there were certainly times when I was confused by unspoken rules and ambiguous instructions. “How much can I act on my own judgment?” “Why is this confirmation step necessary?”—Every time I notice such cultural gaps, I am reminded of the depth of working in Japan. The feeling that “it was different from what I imagined” wasn’t entirely negative; it also included many pleasant surprises.

What was harder than the technical skills was “how to approach the work”

In terms of technical skills, I was able to fully leverage the expertise I had developed in Vietnam. My knowledge of Java, Python, and React has proven to be a valuable asset in the Japanese workplace as well. If anything, the real challenge was adapting to Japan’s unique work style.
Starting work before specifications are fully finalized, a culture that prioritizes “reporting and consulting first,” and processes that emphasize meticulous verification—at first, I often wondered, “Why are there so many steps?” However, once I realized that this meticulousness is precisely what drives high quality, my perspective changed.
To have a long and successful career as an engineer in Japan, I feel that it’s not just about coding ability—skills in reporting, consulting, and communication (known as “Horen-so”), as well as a sense of project management, are also crucial. This is exactly the “comprehensive ability to contribute immediately” that Japanese companies seek in foreign engineers. Whether or not you’re aware of this before joining the company can make a huge difference in how smoothly your first few months go.

It’s okay if your Japanese isn’t “perfect”

Before coming to Japan, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do my job unless I spoke Japanese fluently. In reality, however, much of the technical terminology is in English, and as long as you have a basic grasp of Japanese for everyday conversation, you can perform your duties without any issues. With N2-level Japanese proficiency, you can contribute effectively to many projects.
What matters most is having the attitude to never leave things you don’t understand unaddressed. If you aren’t afraid to “check” or “ask questions,” your Japanese will naturally improve through your work. In a Japanese workplace, an attitude of sincerely trying to communicate—rather than striving for perfection—is what builds trust above all else. If you’re hesitating to find a job in Japan solely because of anxiety about Japanese—that anxiety isn’t as big a barrier as you might think.

The way people are evaluated is quite different from Vietnam

In Japan, I felt that “consistently delivering stable results” is valued more highly than “actively promoting oneself.” Rather than flashy achievements, the focus is on meeting deadlines, maintaining quality, and demonstrating a commitment to contributing to the team.
At first, the evaluation process was difficult to understand, and I sometimes felt anxious. However, through regular one-on-one meetings and feedback sessions, the evaluation criteria gradually became clear. The frustration of wondering, “Why am I not being evaluated?” is a common experience for many Vietnamese engineers. Simply being aware of these differences in evaluation culture beforehand can make a significant difference in how you approach things.

The “Real Japan” I Experienced in Daily Life

Outside of work, the sense of security in daily life is very high. The city is safe, public transportation runs on time, and the infrastructure is well-developed. For engineers seeking a safe and comfortable environment, living in Japan is a major draw.
On the other hand, rent and the cost of living are high, and I struggled to manage my expenses at first. Planning your finances to account not only for your income but also for living costs lays the foundation for a long-term career in Japan. When it comes to visa renewals or job-hunting procedures, having a reliable point of contact you can turn to in advance makes a world of difference in terms of peace of mind when the time comes.

“The Real Benefits of Working in Japan: What I Learned in My Third Year”

After working here for three years, the benefit I’ve come to appreciate most is the credibility it brings to my career. Practical experience at a Japanese company is highly valued in the job market and opens up future opportunities.
Furthermore, a focus on quality and project management are skills that are universally applicable. My experience in Japan has undoubtedly strengthened my foundational skills, reliability, and perspective as an engineer. Short-term effort becomes a long-term asset—that, to me, is the greatest value of working in Japan.

Working as an engineer in Japan is “not easy, but it’s worth it”

To be honest, working as an engineer in Japan is no walk in the park. The language, culture, and work style—there are certainly hurdles to overcome. However, the experience you gain once you’ve cleared those hurdles is definitely worth the effort. The key isn’t “striving for perfection,” but “continuing to adapt.” I can now say with certainty that working as an engineer in Japan is an option well worth pursuing.

A Message for Those Who Want to Work in Japan