Interviewees who cooperated in the interview：
Kim Garam, now with Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd., graduated from the School of Human Sciences at Waseda University in 2013
Busy days devoted to studies and part-time work
I loved Japanese subculture, such as anime and manga. In high school in South Korea, I was in the Japanese department and studied Japanese language and culture. I had relatives living in Japan, and I visited them every long vacation, so I enrolled at Waseda University hoping to better use the Japanese I had learned. I chose the School of Human Sciences, where I could study across the boundaries between humanities and sciences, to find something that interested me. I took a wide range of classes. At the time, the School of Human Sciences seemed to have fewer international students than other faculties, but the ties among these students were strong. Since there weren’t many students from South Korea in particular, I got so close to the friends I made back then that I still keep in touch with them.
I was confident in my Japanese vocabulary and grammar from my time in South Korea, but as a natural introvert, I often found it hard to express my thoughts at first, which left me feeling frustrated at times. Although I lived with relatives, I had to earn my own tuition and living expenses, so I stayed busy working part-time while receiving a scholarship. Initially, I worked at a convenience store to improve my Japanese. As I gained confidence, I took jobs as a dental assistant and translator. These roles helped me practice Japanese, but balancing them with my studies to maintain my scholarship was challenging. Looking back, I realize I worked very hard.
Apply for jobs based on your ideal criteria for work style and career, rather than narrowing your search by industry
In South Korea, it’s common to start job hunting around the middle of the fourth year, so I was surprised that in Japan, it begins much earlier. I also noticed fewer international students around me seeking jobs in Japan than I expected, and by the time I realized this, I was already behind. I rushed to gather information at company sessions and the university’s career center in the winter of my third year, but my personality made me want to explore a lot of information before pinpointing my interests, so it took time. I’d definitely recommend starting early. International students have fewer channels for information than Japanese students. Instead, it’s crucial to use social media and the internet to find organizations offering mock interviews and SPI preparation, and to proactively seek details. Back then, I used Facebook to connect with fellow job hunters and people who helped me practice for interviews.
As I gathered information, I realized I wasn’t good at narrowing my search by industry or business type, thinking, “I’d like to do this kind of work” and “That kind of work looks fun.” Instead, I began identifying my ideal criteria for work style and a company’s attitude after joining it. First, I looked for businesses operating overseas, as I wanted to use my English and Korean skills. Second, I sought companies offering scholarships, which had supported me. Without scholarships, I couldn’t have continued university. I wanted to work for a company engaged in such CSR activities to support the next generation and give back. Third, I valued companies with active job rotation policies. Since I wasn’t focused solely on jobs tied to my studies, I found it hard to envision my career path after joining a company. I thought experiencing various roles might help me find a job that suited me and that I’d enjoy, making this a key factor.
What drew me to apply at Nitori was its scholarship program. When gathering information in order to receive a scholarship, I thought Nitori was a great company that also operates overseas. I realized the company matched all three of my job-hunting criteria, so I applied in the same category as Japanese students. After submitting an application, taking tests and attending multiple interviews, I was offered a job and have worked there for 11 years. My three criteria were decisive, but I was especially impressed by Nitori’s human resource development policy, known as “transfer-based education,” which suited me. The extensive training system, the option to request transfers every six months, and an environment where I could easily discuss my future career during interviews also attracted me, so I joined the company.
In a place where you are not treated as an “international student,” your own determination matters
Although I joined the company for its job rotation, working in a store at first was tough for me as an introvert. In particular, unlike during my time as an international student, my Korean background was irrelevant to the customers. Since Japanese isn’t my first language, working alongside Japanese staff was challenging, but also I was never given a limited role because I was a foreigner. I felt comfortable not being treated differently, which I think gave me confidence to say “I want to try it!” to many opportunities. After working as a store manager, I grew interested in products, so I applied to work as a buyer. Perhaps the timing was right, because I was immediately given a chance to assist. Every day was fulfilling and fun. So, even though I work in inventory management in the product department now, I hope to become a buyer someday and be sent to South Korea to create products and sales floors reflecting the popular Korean interior design style.
When I joined the company, there were few foreign employees, but that number has gradually grown.Hearing younger colleagues, stories, I’ve learned there are now quite a few foregin employee, and they actively exchange information, which I envy. I also appreciate Nitori’s respect for foreign cultures. When I joined a task force to open a store in South Korea, all the foreign employees came together for cultural exchange, which was incredibly stimulating.
Message to juniors
I’d urge students considering jobs in Japan to think carefully about “Why do you want to work in Japan?” Once you enter the workforce, you’ll be expected to perform at the same level as your Japanese colleagues, and the challenges will keep rising. It takes hard work to adjust, but a clear reason for being there can sustain your effort even when it’s tough. Once you’ve solidified that reason, start acting immediately. I struggled with job interviews, where precise, polite Japanese is essential. Though I spoke fluently with friends, I often couldn’t express my thoughts during interviews. By recording my voice, practicing expressions in a mirror, and doing many mock interviews, I gradually improved and eventually conveyed my ideas in my own words. It’s critical to act quickly, gather information, and address your weaknesses. Even if you don’t know what you want now, it may become clear through varied experiences at the company, so I hope you’ll enjoy working there.
