One of the most noticeable responses in the survey was, “I was nervous.”
However, rather than describing Japanese interviews as “strict,” many respondents said they were overwhelmed by the distinctive level of politeness and seriousness.

“The atmosphere was so serious that it felt like a single mistake could cost me the interview. I felt a lot of pressure.” (Taiwan)
“I was extremely nervous, but the interviewers were much kinder than I expected, and we really connected over a conversation about art.” (France)
“My overall impression was just… so nervous!” (Taiwan)

While many people felt this unique sense of tension,
there were also plenty of comments such as
“It was friendlier than I expected” and “They listened to me very kindly.”
These responses show that Japanese interviews combine both “politeness” and “warmth.”

This is the key point!

● Learning to deal with the “tension” of Japanese interviews

Many people may feel nervous in the serious and polite atmosphere. However, this also reflects the interviewers’ intention to engage sincerely with each applicant. Try not to be overly tense, and focus on calmly expressing your own thoughts.

What differences did international students notice between interviews in Japan and those in their home countries?

Polite communication with applicants

“They always contact you regardless of the result. It made me feel that applicants are valued.” (Taiwan)
…This was positively evaluated as a characteristic of Japanese companies.

Attention to documents

“Often a work history document is required.” (Taiwan)
“I was surprised that paper documents are still used.” (Taiwan)
…Compared to countries where digitalization is more advanced, Japan’s “paper-based culture” left a strong impression.

This is the key point!

● What to keep in mind when preparing documents

① Prepare your application documents assuming they will be submitted on paper
On the day of the interview, it is a good idea to bring copies of your application documents just in case, placed neatly in a clear file without folding them.

② Understand the difference between a “resume” and a “work history document”
In job hunting in Japan, you may be asked to submit two types of documents: a resume and a work history document.
・Resume: A document used to confirm basic profile information such as address and educational background
・Work history document: A document used to explain your previous job experience, acquired skills, and strengths

Because they serve different purposes, it is important not to simply repeat the same content, but to clearly differentiate what you write according to each document’s role.

Honorific language and way of speaking

“There is no honorific language in my native language, so using polite Japanese expressions was difficult.” (Taiwan)
“During the interview, I worried about whether I was using honorific language correctly.” (Vietnam)
“In my native language there is a distinction between casual and polite speech, but the grammar and vocabulary don’t change like they do in Japanese.” (United States)
…In addition to the language barrier, honorific language seems to be challenging for international students from all countries.

This is the key point!

● What to keep in mind about honorific language and speaking style]

① You don’t need to aim for perfect honorific language
What matters most is the attitude of trying to communicate politely. Focus on using “desu/masu” forms, and speak calmly and clearly.

② Prepare commonly used expressions in advance
You don’t need to memorize all honorific expressions. Focus on phrases you often use, such as for self-introductions and explaining your motivation.

Suit culture

“In Japan, suits are required. In Taiwan, it’s not that strict.” (Taiwan)
“Everyone wears black suits.” (Taiwan)
“You must wear a suit, and you also need a job-hunting bag.” (China)
…The emphasis on a neat and proper appearance is another distinctive feature of Japanese interviews.

This is the key point!

● What to keep in mind about attire and appearance

① As a basic rule, choose a black or navy suit
For both men and women, black or navy suits are standard. It is also reassuring to prepare a job-hunting bag that can hold A4-sized documents, so you can carry your application papers without folding them.

② More than the suit itself, “cleanliness” is closely observed
More than color or design, interviewers pay close attention to cleanliness. Before the interview, check whether your suit and shirt are wrinkle-free and whether your hairstyle is neat.

Some interviewees mentioned that they were asked “types of questions that are not usually asked in their home countries.”
Here, we introduce actual examples of such questions, what companies are trying to assess through them, and tips on how to answer.

“What do you think about using AI in the workplace?” (France)

What companies are looking for

Through this question, companies want to understand your perspective on new technologies such as AI and DX, and how you respond to change. There is not necessarily one correct answer; in many cases, showing your own viewpoint can be positively evaluated.
Rather than ending with a simple response like “I think it’s convenient,” you can leave a better impression by explaining a concrete idea, such as “If it were me, I would like to use AI in this way to improve work efficiency.”

“Why do you want to join a Japanese company instead of a company in China or Taiwan?” (Taiwan)

What companies are looking for

They are trying to carefully understand your “reason for choosing Japan.” In addition to expressing your interest in Japan, it will be easier for the interviewer to understand if you connect your answer to your field of expertise or your future career plans.

“If you joined our company, what kind of work would you like to do?” (Taiwan)

What companies are looking for

By asking what role you want to play after joining the company, they aim to prevent mismatches. In this case, try giving concrete examples related to the company’s actual work or services.
Answers that show a sense of growth—such as “I would like to start by working on ○○, and in the future, I hope to take on △△ as well”—are especially recommended.

“Please tell us about yourself ten years from now.” (United States)

What companies are looking for

Many companies place importance on whether you can envision your future concretely.
Ideally, you can describe a clear picture of yourself in the future, but if that is difficult, focus on explaining which fields interest you and what kind of role you hope to pursue, while taking the company’s characteristics into account.

Interviews are influenced not only by how you respond on the day, but also greatly by the quality of your preparation.
How did international students who experienced job hunting in Kyoto prepare for their interviews, and what did they find especially helpful?

1. Decide on the job type you are interested in early and participate in related activities

“I think it’s important to decide early on the type of position you want to apply for and actively take part in activities related to that field while you’re still a student. By doing so, I was able to clearly express my motivation during interviews and leave a positive impression on companies.” (Vietnam)

…Being able to talk about concrete episodes and hands-on experiences helps interviewers see you as someone who has a clear sense of what they want to do.

2. Making use of seminars that teach effective speaking skills was a great help

“I attended a seminar in advance to prepare for interviews. Being able to actually listen to speeches by Japanese job changers was a very valuable experience for me as an international student.” (Taiwan)

…It seems this became a precious opportunity to understand, by listening, “how you are expected to speak in Japanese interviews.”

Finally, here is some real advice from survey respondents.

• Start preparing as early as possible
• We highly recommend joining job-hunting events!
• Pay attention to the expiration date of your residence status. It’s reassuring to have interviews at least six months in advance.
• You should definitely do mock interviews
• When taking notes during interviews, paper leaves a better impression than a smartphone
• In any case, practice is key!

The most common pieces of advice were “early preparation” and “participation in job-hunting events.”

This is the key point!

① What does “early preparation” mean?

• Start with self-analysis and researching industries
• By the summer of your third undergraduate year (or first year of a master’s program), check internship information
• Visit your university’s career center at least once

Even if you feel it might be “too early,” it’s important to begin by gathering information.

② Use job-hunting events as opportunities for information gathering
Job hunting is also an information-driven process, so events where you can speak directly with companies are very valuable. Even if you’re not confident asking questions, there are many benefits—such as sensing a company’s real atmosphere that you can’t get online, or discovering companies you didn’t know about. Feel free to participate casually.

③ You can start mock interviews without any special preparation

• Make a reservation at your university’s career center
• Practice with friends by taking turns playing the interviewer

By actually speaking out loud, it becomes easier to notice the difference between how you think you come across and how you are perceived by others.