The Biggest Myths About Working and Interning in Japan – What’s Actually True?
Hello there! My name is Carolina, and I spent 12 weeks interning in Japan at a medium-sized Japanese company with an international team. Before arriving, I had heard all the common stereotypes about Japan’s work culture, but my experience turned out to be quite different!
Japan is often admired for its disciplined work ethic, long-standing traditions, and its role as a global leader in innovation. Still, when it comes to internships or professional life here, a lot of misinformation circulates online, often creating an inaccurate picture of what it’s really like. After going through it myself, I want to break down some of the most common myths and share what the reality actually looked like for me!
If you're thinking about doing an internship in Japan, understanding the reality behind these myths can help you prepare better and make the most of your experience! No matter if you’re coming for a short-term program or hoping to launch your career in Japan, having the right expectations can make all the difference in how you approach this unique opportunity.
Myth #1: You Must Be Fluent in Japanese to Get an Internship in Japan
✅ The Truth: While knowing Japanese is definitely helpful, many international companies and startups in Japan offer internships where English is the primary working language.
I worked at a Japanese company that had an international team, so English was the main language of communication we used. Still, I found that knowing some Japanese made a big difference in my daily life in the city! Simple things like ordering food, reading signs, navigating transportation, or having casual conversations became easier and less stressful, and it helped me feel more confident moving around the city.
For those interested in improving their Japanese skills, some companies even offer language support or flexible work environments where learning on the job is encouraged. For some, taking Japanese lessons as part of an internship program can be a great way to enhance their experience in Japan. At Zentern you can combine your internship with Japanese language classes, allowing you not only to build your language skills while gaining professional experience, but also to make daily interactions less stressful. Honestly, even learning a handful of basic phrases can make a big difference!
Additionally, some industries are more English-friendly than others. Internships in fields like tech and marketing often require little to no Japanese, while hospitality roles and industries such as finance or traditional business positions typically require at least basic conversational Japanese, especially for roles involving direct customer interaction or communication with clients. Doing research on the language expectations before applying can help set realistic expectations for your internship experience.
Myth #2: Internships in Japan Are Just About Making Coffee and Running Errands
✅ The Truth: While this stereotype exists in some countries, many internships in Japan offer real, practical experience. Interns are often given meaningful tasks, projects, and opportunities to contribute.
During my internship, I was given the opportunity to attend client meetings, which allowed me to observe business discussions and understand professional communication in Japan firsthand. Additionally, some of my fellow interns were given the chance to attend events, sometimes even alone, providing them with significant autonomy and networking opportunities. These experiences made the internship much more engaging and helped us develop real-world skills beyond typical office tasks.
This varies by industry and company, but interns in Japan can gain real insight into the professional world and even work on projects that impact the company. Some companies encourage interns to take on independent research, assist with strategy development, or even contribute to decision-making discussions. It’s important to take initiative and show interest in contributing beyond the basic tasks assigned.
Of course, at the end of the day, this is an opportunity to gain experience and learn new things, so there is no need to feel overwhelmed! Companies understand this, and your internship supervisor will be there to guide you along the way and make sure the work assigned to you fits your personal pace and interests.
Networking within the company is another key factor in making the most of an internship in Japan. Unlike in some Western countries, where interns may feel hesitant to approach senior employees, in Japan, showing an active interest in learning from colleagues is highly valued. Asking for additional responsibilities or seeking feedback can help you gain a more fulfilling experience!
Myth #3: Japanese Work Culture is Too Strict and Stressful
✅ TheTruth: While Japan is known for its disciplined work culture, not every company follows the traditional “salaryman” lifestyle. Work environments depend heavily on the industry, company size, and whether the business is international or domestic.
One of the aspects that surprised me the most about my internship in Japan was the flexibility in work culture. From the beginning, I was informed that there wouldn’t be any overtime, and if I ever needed additional time for my deadlines, I just had to communicate it in advance, which made the work environment far less stressful than I had anticipated.
Furthermore, spending the entire day in the office was not mandatory. I had the option to start my work from home and then head to the office later, allowing me to avoid the rush hour commute in the morning. This level of flexibility helped me manage my schedule more efficiently and create a better work-life balance.
The office itself was a unique space! An open, shared environment with various areas, including a gym, a comfortable lounge, and a game room. In addition, there were dedicated spaces for relaxation and collaboration, providing a calm atmosphere to take breaks and connect with colleagues in a more informal setting. It was common to see colleagues taking short breaks to unwind, sometimes even playing games together with employees from other companies. My fellow interns and I couldn’t resist giving the game room a try at least once, which was a fun way for us to take a break and enjoy the office environment together! Overall, the work culture was far more flexible than I had expected, with a good balance between professionalism and an enjoyable work environment.
Startups, creative industries, and global companies tend to have more relaxed environments compared to traditional corporate offices. It’s important to research the company beforehand to understand its culture. Many companies now embrace hybrid work models, casual Fridays, and wellness initiatives to create a more positive work-life balance. For interns, this means that while Japan still maintains certain formalities, there’s much more flexibility than the rigid system people often expect.
Myth #4: It’s Impossible to Get a Job in Japan After an Internship
✅ The Truth: Many interns successfully transition into full-time roles in Japan, especially in industries that actively seek global talent.
Many interns receive full-time job offers after completing their internship in Japan. Companies often use internships as a trial period to evaluate potential long-term employees, making it a valuable stepping stone into Japan’s job market. If interns perform well, they may be offered a position upon completion of the program, providing international professionals with a pathway to secure long-term opportunities in Japan.
An internship serves as a valuable way for companies to assess potential employees beyond just their resume. Taking the time and commitment to try to integrate and understand the workplace culture can significantly improve your chances of securing a long-term position. Compared to Western cultures, Japan places a strong emphasis on group harmony, making it a key aspect of company culture. Beyond evaluating your skills and experience, many companies may be hesitant to hire applicants who lack an understanding of Japanese business culture.
An internship in Japan serves as the strongest proof of your cultural awareness, business etiquette, and professional manners, giving you a significant advantage over other candidates.
And here's the best part: many of our interns secure job offers after their internships! While hiring depends on factors like your academic status and performance, there are plenty of opportunities available.
If securing a job and a future in Japan is your end goal, staying proactive is essential. Seeking career guidance from your supervisors, improving your language skills, and expressing interest in long-term opportunities can help turn an internship into an entry point for a professional career in Japan.
Myth #5: Internships in Japan Are Only for Students
✅ The Truth: While many interns in Japan are students or recent graduates, internships are not strictly limited to them. Internships in Japan welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, regardless of age. Companies prioritize a willingness to learn and adaptability over specific age requirements. Many companies also offer internships to professionals looking to gain experience in a new industry, explore the Japanese job market, or transition into a long-term career in Japan.
Internships can serve different purposes depending on your career stage. While students often intern to build their resumes and gain academic credit, mid-career professionals use internships to change industries, gain international experience, or explore new opportunities in Japan.
Additionally, some programs cater specifically to career changers, offering internships as a stepping stone into full-time employment. These internships in Japan provide practical experience that can be helpful to secure a position in a Japanese company or even launch a freelance or entrepreneurial career in the country.
Myth #6: Finding an Internship in Japan is Too Difficult
✅ The Truth: While securing an internship in Japan can be competitive, it is far from impossible, especially with the right approach and preparation. Many assume that only top-tier students from prestigious universities can land opportunities, but the reality is that companies in Japan seek a variety of candidates based on their skills, experience, and enthusiasm.
There are various ways to secure an internship in Japan, from applying directly to companies to using internship placement services. Many companies welcome international interns to bring in fresh perspectives and global insights, and different organizations exist to help match applicants with suitable roles.
Another great way to find opportunities is by using job boards. They allow you to refine your search with filters such as the required level of Japanese proficiency or whether the company offers visa sponsorship, making it easier to find positions that align with your qualifications and career goals. Some useful job boards to check out are:
Or, if you’re not into traditional job hunting, the easiest, quickest, and best way would be to use an internship placement service such as Zentern Internships, where your internship is guaranteed when you sign up!
Another common misconception is that you need to apply with a lot of time in advance. While planning early is beneficial, many companies also have rolling applications and accept interns throughout the year. Internships vary in duration, from short-term lasting a few weeks to long-term placements of six months or more, making it easier to find an opportunity that fits your schedule.
If you remain flexible about location, industry, or company type, your chances of securing an internship in Japan increase significantly. By showcasing your skills, being open to new experiences, and actively reaching out to companies, you can find exciting and meaningful opportunities that align with your career goals.
Final Thoughts
Of course, these experiences are not universal, and circumstances can vary greatly depending on the company, industry, and individual situation, just like anything else in the world! While these insights reflect mainly my own experience, different interns may encounter completely unique situations based on their placement and environment.
Doing an internship in Japan can be an eye-opening and valuable experience, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction before making any assumptions. If you’re thinking about it for career development or simply to explore a new culture, having a clear understanding of what it’s really like will help you make smarter choices and feel more confident going in.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience, have fun, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. An internship in Japan offers more than just work experience, it’s also a chance for personal growth, cultural immersion, and making lasting memories!
🚀 Are you thinking about interning in Japan? Our team at Zentern specializes in connecting interns with meaningful experiences in Japan. Whether you're looking for a short-term internship or aiming to build a long-term career in Japan, we’re here to help! Explore opportunities, improve your skills, and immerse yourself in Japanese culture with our expert guidance. Apply today!
