Ultimate Guide to Japanese Interview for Jobs & Schools
By Yana Zhang | July 23rd, 2026
You've got a Japanese interview coming up and that's exciting! But... It's also a little scary, right? What kinds of questions will they ask? Is it just like a job interview in my home country? Is my Japanese really good enough? Am I ready?
Believe us, these doubts are all those that other foreigners living in Japan have faced before. In this guide, we'll look at common questions you'll hear in a Japanese interview (including some that don't get asked in other countries), how you should respond, how you shouldn't respond, what interviewers expect, and how to best prepare!
What You Need to Know Before Your Japanese Interview
Is it difficult to get a job in Japan
The answer is, it depends.
Factors such as your Japanese language ability, education, work experience, and industry can all affect your chances. Fields like IT, English education, tourism, and international business often hire foreign professionals, while positions at well known Japanese companies can be more competitive. No matter where you are in your career, good preparation can improve your chances of success.
If you'd like to learn more about the job market in Japan, check out our Ultimate Guide to Jobs in Japan for Foreigners
How do I get a Japanese visa
The type of visa you need depends on your purpose for coming to Japan. Different activities require different visa categories, and while the application process is generally similar, the specific requirements and supporting documents may vary.
In most cases, your school or employer will help you prepare the necessary documents and guide you through the application process. Once all required documents have been submitted, visa processing at a Japanese embassy or consulate usually takes around 5 business days. It should be noted that a long-term visa requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before the visa application can be completed. Obtaining a COE typically takes 1 to 3 months, but processing times may be longer during busy periods. Because requirements and processing times can change, it is best to begin your application as early as possible.
For the latest visa requirements and application procedures, please check out our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Visas
Which JLPT Level Is Most Helpful
You may already know that many foreigners applying to Japanese schools or jobs are expected to reach a certain level on the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). While requirements vary by school, company, and position, JLPT N2 is often considered a practical target because it is commonly preferred for Japanese speaking jobs and some academic programs. N3 may be sufficient for certain schools, part time jobs, and international workplaces, while N1 can be an advantage for highly competitive programs and positions that require advanced Japanese communication skills.
However, the JLPT measures language proficiency, not interview performance. A strong score can support your application, but your ability to communicate clearly during the interview is just as important.
Our UItimate Guide to JLPT Practice and the Exam includes the important details related to the JLPT that you need to know. Don't miss it!
Real Experiences From Foreigners Who Had a Japanese Interview
If you are feeling nervous about the Japanese Interview, you are not alone. Many foreign applicants share similar concerns, especially in terms of communication, cultural expectations, and interview etiquette. Let’s take a look at the challenges they faced and what helped them succeed.
A Positive Experience
One successful applicant explained that they focused on communicating clearly rather than trying to impress interviewers with advanced Japanese:
“I spoke in 丁寧語 (Teineigo / Polite Language), even though I could have used 敬語 (Keigo / Honorific Language). I didn't want to make things worse by trying to impress them with my keigo but instead butchering it up”
The applicant later received a job offer and felt that clear communication was more important than perfect honorific language.
Pro Tip:
Interviewers often care more about whether you can communicate effectively than whether you can use every form of 敬語 (Keigo / Honorific Language) perfectly.
An Experience That Was Different Than Expected
Another foreign professional was surprised by the kinds of questions Japanese employers asked:
“Most of my interviews were about my work experience. Other common questions were: Why do you want to come to Japan? Why are you looking to change jobs? What's your expected salary?”
They expected the interviews to focus primarily on technical skills, but found that interviewers were equally interested in motivation, career goals, and cultural fit.
Pro Tip:
Japanese interviews often evaluate not only skills, but also whether a candidate is likely to work well within the organization's environment and long-term goals. Be prepared to explain not only what you can do, but also why you want to study or work in Japan specifically.
A Lesson Learned the Hard Way
Some foreign applicants reflected that they spent a great deal of time preparing standard interview answers and focusing on interview etiquette. However, they later realized that Japanese interviewers were often more interested in how candidates would fit into the company than in perfectly rehearsed responses.
As one interviewee explained: “In Japan, they won't focus so much on you and your skills - they'll focus on how you fit into the company.”
Another applicant emphasized the importance of being prepared to talk about your own experiences rather than relying on memorized answers: “A lot of companies ask at the end of the interview if there's anything you'd like to add. Always have something prepared to say. Something positive or some way you've overcome a trial in the past that makes you suited to work at their company.”
Pro Tip:
Preparation is important, but genuine communication and flexibility are often more effective than memorized responses.
A Common Theme in Japanese Interviews
Across many stories shared online, one message appears repeatedly: Japanese interviews are often less about proving that you are the most talented person in the room and more about showing that you can communicate well, work cooperatively, and adapt to the organization. While strong qualifications certainly matter, interviewers frequently pay close attention to attitude, teamwork, and long-term fit.
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Common Japanese Interview Questions And How to Handle Them
Japanese interviews often include similar questions. The goal is usually to understand your motivation, communication skills, and how well you fit the opportunity.
Why Do You Want to Work/Study Here
This is one of the most important questions in a Japanese interview. Interviewers are not looking for generic compliments. They want to understand why you chose this specific company or school.
Pro Tip:
Try to connect your own experiences or strengths with something specific about the school or company. This often creates a stronger impression than simply listing reasons why you want to join.
Job Interview Example
Q:
Why do you want to work for our company?
なぜ弊社で働きたいのですか。
Naze heisha de hatarakitai no desu ka
In my previous role, I worked on system improvement projects to increase efficiency. When researching your company, I learned about your focus on software solutions that solve business challenges. I would like to continue growing while applying my experience.
前職では業務効率化のためのシステム改善に携わりました。御社について調べた際、企業の課題を解決するソフトウェア開発に力を入れていることを知り、大変興味を持ちました。これまでの経験を活かしながら成長したいと考えています。
Zenshoku de wa gyōmu kōritsuka no tame no shisutemu kaizen ni tazusawarimashita. Onsha ni tsuite shirabeta sai、kigyō no kadai o kaiketsu suru sofutowea kaihatsu ni chikara o irete iru koto o shiri、taihen kyōmi o mochimashita. Kore made no keiken o ikashinagara seichō shitai to kangaete imasu
School Interview Example
Q:
Why do you want to study at our school?
なぜ本校で勉強したいのですか。
Naze honkō de benkyō shitai no desu ka
When researching your Faculty of Economics, I learned that students study real-world economic issues in addition to theory. Since I hope to work in international business in the future, I would like to deepen my knowledge at your university.
貴学の経済学部について調べた際、理論だけでなく実際の経済課題について学べることを知りました。将来は国際ビジネスに携わりたいと考えているため、貴学で専門知識を深めたいと思っています。
Kigaku no keizaigakubu ni tsuite shirabeta sai、riron dake de naku jissai no keizai kadai ni tsuite manaberu koto o shirimashita. Shōrai wa kokusai bijinesu ni tazusawaritai to kangaete iru tame、kigaku de senmon chishiki o fukametai to omotte imasu。
Why Do You Want to Work in Japan
Interviewers want to understand how Japan fits into your long term goals. Strong answers usually focus on professional development, language skills, or industry opportunities.
Pro Tip:
Avoid answers that focus only on anime, food, tourism, or escaping problems in your home country. While these interests may be genuine, interviewers generally want to hear how working in Japan fits into your career development.
Example
Q:
Why do you want to work in Japan?
なぜ日本で働きたいのですか。
Naze Nihon de hatarakitai no desu ka
I would like to use my Japanese skills in an international working environment. I also hope to gain experience in Japan's IT industry and further develop my expertise.
日本語を学んできた経験を活かしながら、国際的な環境で働きたいと考えています。また、日本のIT業界で経験を積み、専門性を高めたいと思っています。
Nihongo o manande kita keiken o ikashinagara、kokusaiteki na kankyō de hatarakitai to kangaete imasu. Mata、Nihon no IT gyōkai de keiken o tsumi, senmonsei o takametai to omotte imasu
What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Choose strengths that are supported by real examples. For weaknesses, be honest but explain what you are doing to improve. The goal is not to appear perfect but to demonstrate maturity and a willingness to grow.
Pro Tip:
The weak answer matters. They usually want self-awareness and improvement, not a fake humblebrag like “I work too hard.” A good structure is: weakness, how it affected you before, what you now do to manage it.
Basic Example
Q:
Please tell us about your strengths and weaknesses.
あなたの長所と短所を教えてください。
Anata no chōsho to tansho o oshiete kudasai
My strength is my willingness to learn. I taught myself programming outside of class at university. My weakness is that I can be overly cautious, but I have been working on improving this by setting clearer priorities.
私の長所は学習意欲が高いことです。大学では授業以外でもプログラミングを独学で学びました。一方で、慎重になりすぎることがありますが、優先順位を意識して改善に取り組んでいます。
Watashi no chōsho wa gakushū iyoku ga takai koto desu. Daigaku de wa jugyō igai demo puroguramingu o dokugaku de manabimashita. Ippō de、shinchō ni nari sugiru koto ga arimasu ga、yūsen jun'i o ishiki shite kaizen ni torikunde imasu
Further Example
Q:
Please promote yourself.
自己PRをお願いします。
Jiko PR o onegai shimasu
I am responsible and work well in teams. At university, I led a group project where I managed progress and coordinated different opinions. I hope to use these skills to contribute to my future workplace.
私は責任感が強く、チームで協力して目標を達成することが得意です。大学ではグループプロジェクトのリーダーとして、メンバーの進捗管理や意見の調整を行いました。この経験を活かして、職場でもチームに貢献したいと考えています。
Watashi wa sekininkan ga tsuyoku、chīmu de kyōryoku shite mokuhyō o tassei suru koto ga tokui desu. Daigaku de wa gurūpu purojekuto no rīdā to shite、menbā no shinchoku kanri ya iken no chōsei o okonaimashita. Kono keiken o ikashite、shokuba demo chīmu ni kōken shitai to kangaete imasu
Pro Tip:
This is not exactly the same as “Tell me about your strengths.” It is more like: “Give us your professional selling point.” The answer should be confident but not arrogant. Usually you give one strength, a short example, and how it helps the company.
Q:
What kind of person do others say you are?
周りからどんな人だと言われますか？
Mawari kara donna hito da to iwaremasu ka
People often describe me as diligent and responsible. In group work, they especially appreciate my attention to detail.
周りの人からは、真面目で責任感があると言われることが多いです。特にグループ作業では、細かい部分まで確認する姿勢を評価してもらっています。
Mawari no hito kara wa、majime de sekininkan ga aru to iwareru koto ga ōi desu. Toku ni gurūpu sagyō de wa、komakai bubun made kakunin suru shisei o hyōka shite moratte imasu
Pro Tip:
This tests self-image, social awareness, and team fit. A good answer sounds grounded: “People often say I’m careful and reliable, especially when checking details.”
Q:
How do you deal with stress?
ストレスを感じた時、どう対処しますか？
Sutoresu o kanjita toki, dō taisho shimasu ka
I organize my priorities and solve problems one step at a time. If necessary, I ask for advice early rather than trying to handle everything alone.
まず優先順位を整理し、問題を一つずつ解決するようにしています。また、必要な場合は早めに周囲へ相談し、一人で抱え込まないよう心掛けています。
Mazu yūsen jun'i o seiri shi、mondai o hitotsu zutsu kaiketsu suru yō ni shite imasu. Mata、hitsuyō na baai wa hayame ni mawari e sōdan shi, hitori de kakaekomanai yō kokorogakete imasu
Pro Tip:
This can matter because Japanese companies may worry about whether you can handle pressure, hierarchy, busy periods, or adjustment to the workplace. Avoid sounding like you bottle everything up. Better: prioritize, communicate early, take notes, ask for clarification, reset outside work.
Q:
How long do you plan to work in Japan?
日本でどのくらい働く予定ですか？
Nihon de dono kurai hataraku yotei desu ka
I hope to build a long-term career in Japan while continuing to develop my professional skills and deepen my understanding of Japanese society and culture.
長期的に日本でキャリアを築きたいと考えています。仕事を通じて専門性を高めながら、日本社会や文化についてもさらに理解を深めていきたいです。
Chōkiteki ni Nihon de kyaria o kizukitai to kangaete imasu. Shigoto o tsūjite senmonsei o takamenagara、Nihon shakai ya bunka ni tsuite mo sara ni rikai o fukamete ikitai desu
Q:
Are you comfortable communicating in Japanese?
日本語でのコミュニケーションは問題ありませんか？
Nihongo de no komyunikēshon wa mondai arimasen ka
Yes. Although I am still improving my Japanese, I can handle daily conversations and basic workplace communication. When I do not understand something, I make sure to ask questions and confirm details.
はい。まだ勉強中ではありますが、日常会話や業務上の基本的なコミュニケーションには対応できます。分からないことがあれば、確認しながら正確に理解するようにしています。
Hai. Mada benkyōchū de wa arimasu ga、 nichijō kaiwa ya gyōmu-jō no kihonteki na komyunikēshon ni wa taiō dekimasu. Wakaranai koto ga areba、 kakunin shinagara seikaku ni rikai suru yō ni shite imasu
Pro Tip:
These are more specific to foreign candidates. They are checking language ability, cultural adjustment, and whether you understand basic expectations like punctuality, reporting, teamwork, and polite communication.
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Q:
What do you think about Japanese workplace culture?
日本の職場文化についてどう思いますか？
Nihon no shokuba bunka ni tsuite dō omoimasu ka
I understand that Japanese workplace culture values politeness, time management, and teamwork. I respect these values and hope to contribute while continuing to learn.
日本の職場文化には、礼儀や時間管理、チームワークを大切にする特徴があると理解しています。私もそうした価値観を尊重しながら、積極的に学び、職場に貢献したいと考えています。
Nihon no shokuba bunka ni wa、reigi ya jikan kanri、 chīmuwāku o taisetsu ni suru tokuchō ga aru to rikai shite imasu. Watashi mo sōshita kachikan o sonchō shinagara、sekkyokuteki ni manabi, shokuba ni kōken shitai to kangaete imasu
Pro Tip:
Japanese interviews often reward answers that sound cooperative, reliable, and well prepared. While individual achievements are important, interviewers may also want to hear how you contributed to a team, adapted to challenges, and plan to support the organization in the future.
Why Did You Leave Your Previous Job
Even if you had a negative experience, avoid criticizing your former employer, manager, or colleagues. Focus on what you learned and what you hope to achieve in your next role.
Example
Q:
Why did you leave your previous job?
前職を退職した理由を教えてください。
Zenshoku o taishoku shita riyū o oshiete kudasai
I learned a great deal in my previous position, but I decided to pursue a role where I could develop more specialized skills and continue growing professionally.
前職では多くのことを学びましたが、より専門的なスキルを身につけられる環境で挑戦したいと考え、転職を決意しました。
Zenshoku de wa ōku no koto o manabimashita ga, yori senmonteki na sukiru o mi ni tsukerareru kankyō de chōsen shitai to kangae、tenshoku o ketsui shimashita
Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years
Interviewers want to know that “do you have realistic goals” and “does your plan align with the opportunity you are applying for.” Interviewers want to know that “do you have realistic goals” and “does your plan align with the opportunity you are applying for.”
Example
Q:
Where do you see yourself in five years?
5年後の自分をどのように考えていますか。
Go’nen go no jibun o dono yō ni kangaete imasu ka
In five years, I hope to deepen my software development expertise and become an engineer who can take on greater responsibility within the team.
5年後にはソフトウェア開発の専門知識を深め、チームの中でより大きな責任を担えるエンジニアになりたいと考えています。
Go’nen go ni wa sofutowea kaihatsu no senmon chishiki o fukame、chīmu no naka de yori ōkina sekinin o ninaeru enjinia ni naritai to kangaete imasu
Behavioral Questions in a Japanese Interview
Behavioral questions focus on what you have done in the past rather than what you think you would do in the future. Schools and employers often use these questions to understand how you work with others, handle challenges, and learn from experience.
A useful framework is the STAR method:
Situation
Explain the context or background
Task
Describe your responsibility or goal
Action
Explain the specific steps you took
Result
Share the outcome and what you learned
Example Using STAR
Q:
Tell us about a time when you solved a problem as part of a team.
チームで問題を解決した経験について教えてください。
Chīmu de mondai o kaiketsu shita keiken ni tsuite oshiete kudasai
During a university group project, progress was delayed because team members had different opinions (Situation). My responsibility as the team leader was to keep the project on schedule (Task). I met with each member individually, organized their feedback, and helped the team agree on a common goal. I also divided tasks more clearly and scheduled regular progress meetings (Action). As a result, we completed the project on time and received positive feedback during the final presentation. This experience taught me the importance of communication and coordination (Result).
大学のグループプロジェクトで、メンバー間の意見の違いにより進捗が遅れていました。（Situation）私の役割はリーダーとしてプロジェクトを予定通り進めることでした。（Task）そこで、全員と個別に話し合い、それぞれの意見を整理したうえで共通の目標を確認しました。また、作業を細かく分担し、進捗確認のミーティングを定期的に行いました。（Action）その結果、プロジェクトを期限内に完成させることができ、最終発表では高い評価を受けました。この経験から、コミュニケーションと調整力の重要性を学びました。（Result）
Daigaku no gurūpu purojekuto de、menbā-kan no iken no chigai ni yori shinchoku ga okurete imashita. (Situation) Watashi no yakuwari wa rīdā to shite purojekuto o yotei dōri susumeru koto deshita (Task). Soko de、zen'in to kobetsu ni hanashiai、sorezore no iken o seiri shita ue de kyōtsū no mokuhyō o kakunin shimashita. Mata、sagyō o komakaku buntan shi、shinchoku kakunin no mītingu o teikiteki ni okonaimashita (Action). Sono kekka、purojekuto o kigen-nai ni kansei saseru koto ga deki、saishū happyō de wa takai hyōka o ukemashita. Kono keiken kara、komyunikēshon to chōseiryoku no jūyōsei o manabimashita (Result).
Teamwork
Japanese schools and companies place a strong emphasis on teamwork. They’re Looking For:
- Communication
- Cooperation
- Conflict resolution
- Supporting teammates
Q:
Tell us about a time when you worked with a team to achieve a goal.
チームで協力して目標を達成した経験を教えてください。
Chīmu de kyōryoku shite mokuhyō o tassei shita keiken o oshiete kudasai
During a university group project, I was responsible for tracking progress. By organizing regular meetings and encouraging communication, our team completed the project on schedule.
大学のグループプロジェクトで進捗管理を担当しました。定期的にミーティングを行い、メンバー間で情報共有を進めた結果、予定通りにプロジェクトを完成させることができました。
Daigaku no gurūpu purojekuto de shinchoku kanri o tantō shimashita. Teikiteki ni mītingu o okonai、menbākan de jōhō kyōyū o susumeta kekka、yotei dōri ni purojekuto o kansei saseru koto ga dekimashita
Responsibility
This type of question helps interviewers evaluate reliability, accountability, and work ethic. They’re Looking For:
- Dependability
- Ownership
- Initiative
Q:
Tell us about a time when you were given significant responsibility.
大きな責任を任された経験を教えてください。
Ōkina sekinin o makasareta keiken o oshiete kudasai
I was responsible for training new employees at my part time job. By creating an environment where they felt comfortable asking questions, they were able to learn their responsibilities more quickly.
アルバイト先で新人スタッフの指導を任されました。質問しやすい環境づくりを心掛けた結果、新人スタッフが早く業務に慣れることができました。
Arubaito saki de shinjin sutaffu no shidō o makasaremashita. Shitsumon shiyasui kankyōzukuri o kokorogaketa kekka、shinjinsutaffu ga hayakugyōmu ni nareru koto ga dekimashita
Growth Mindset
Many Japanese interviewers are less interested in the mistake itself and more interested in what you learned from it. They’re Looking For:
- Self awareness
- Ability to accept feedback
- Continuous improvement
Q:
Tell us about a lesson you learned from a mistake.
失敗から学んだ経験を教えてください。
Shippai kara mananda keiken o oshiete kudasai
During my first year of university, I focused too much on my own tasks during a group project. This experience taught me the importance of paying attention to the team's overall progress.
大学一年生の頃、グループ課題で自分の担当部分だけに集中しすぎてしまいました。その経験から、チーム全体の進捗を確認する大切さを学びました。
Daigaku ichinensei no koro、gurūpu kadai de jibun no tantō bubun dake ni shūchū shi sugite shimaimashita. Sono keiken kara、chīmu zentai no shinchoku o kakunin suru taisetsusa o manabimashita
Problem Solving
Interviewers ask this question to understand how you approach challenges and how you analyzed the situation and took action. They’re Looking For:
- Analysis
- Decision making
- Initiative
- Results
Q:
How did you solve a difficult problem?
困難な問題をどのように解決しましたか。
Konnan na mondai o dono yō ni kaiketsu shimashita ka
Repeated data entry mistakes were occurring at my part time job. After identifying the cause and introducing an additional verification step, the number of errors decreased significantly.
アルバイト先で予約情報の入力ミスが繰り返し発生していました。原因を調査し、確認手順を追加した結果、同様のミスを減らすことができました。
Arubaito saki de yoyaku jōhō no nyūryoku misu ga kurikaeshi hassei shite imashita. Gen’in o chōsa shi、kakunin tejun o tsuika shita kekka、dōyō no misu o herasu koto ga dekimashita
5 Rules to Remember for a Japanese Interview
A strong interview answer alone may not be enough to leave a good impression. In Japan, interviewers often pay attention to professionalism, respect, communication style, and overall attitude throughout the interview process. Understanding a few basic expectations can help you avoid common mistakes and present yourself more confidently.
Rule 1: Be Punctual / Early
Punctuality is an important part of professional culture in Japan. Just like most places, arriving late can create a negative first impression before the interview even begins.
For in person interviews, many applicants arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. For online interviews, test your internet connection, camera, and microphone beforehand, and join a few minutes before the scheduled time.
Rule 2: Dress Appropriately for the Occasion
Clean, neat, and professional clothing is generally a safe choice for both school and job interviews. Dress expectations vary by organization. Traditional companies often prefer formal business attire, while some startups and technology companies may be more relaxed.
Appearance matters too. Clean hair, a professional overall appearance, and simple accessories are generally recommended. Depending on the organization, highly unconventional hairstyles, elaborate nail designs, or visible tattoos may attract attention during the interview.
Rule 3: Use Polite and Respectful Language
Most interviewers do not expect perfect Japanese from international applicants. But they do expect polite communication and a respectful attitude.
Many foreigners who shared their interview experiences online said they worried too much about making language mistakes. In practice, interviewers often care more about your ability to communicate clearly and respond appropriately to questions.
Keigo
Many Japanese learners worry about 敬語 (Keigo / honorific language). While keigo is useful, consistently using polite です・ます (desu・masu) forms is often better than attempting advanced expressions and making mistakes.
Useful Interview Phrases:
- Thank you for your consideration.
よろしくお願いいたします。
Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu - Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.
本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。
Honjitsu wa ojikan o itadaki arigatō gozaimasu - I apologize./ I'm so sorry.
申し訳ございません。
Mōshiwake gozaimasen - Could you please repeat that?
もう一度お願いできますか。
Mō ichido onegai dekimasu ka - Excuse me.
失礼いたします。
Shitsurei itashimasu
Other Communication skills
Good communication involves more than language ability. Maintaining appropriate eye contact, listening attentively, avoiding interruptions, and answering questions directly can all help create a positive impression.
If you need a moment to think before answering, a brief pause is perfectly acceptable. Many candidates become nervous and start speaking too quickly. Taking a few seconds to organize your thoughts often leads to clearer answers.
To learn more, check our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Conversation
Rule 4: Follow Proper Japanese Interview Etiquette
Interview etiquette can feel intimidating at first, especially if you did not grow up in Japan. The good news is that most interviewers do not expect foreign applicants to perform every detail perfectly. What matters most is showing respect, professionalism, and a willingness to follow basic social norms.
In Person
A few basic habits can help create a good first impression:
- Greet the interviewer clearly when entering and leaving
- Offer a small bow when greeting someone
- Wait to be invited before sitting down
- Avoid interrupting the interviewer
- Thank the interviewer at the end of the conversation
Online
The equivalent is joining on time, greeting everyone politely, and remaining attentive throughout the conversation.
Bowing & Greetings
A simple greeting and slight bow are usually enough to make a positive first impression. There is no need to worry about achieving the perfect bowing angle.
Business Card Etiquette
Business cards are sometimes exchanged in professional settings. If you receive one, accept it respectfully with both hands and take a moment to read it before putting it away.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a business card yourself. Most interviewers will not expect students or entry-level applicants to provide one.
If you want to know more about business cards, check our Ultimate Guide to the Japanese Business Card
Rule 5: Show Respect and Humility
Confidence is important, but so is humility. Many successful candidates focus on explaining their achievements clearly without exaggerating them. When discussing projects or accomplishments, explain your own contribution while also acknowledging the support of teammates, classmates, or colleagues when appropriate.
Understanding Japanese Workplace Values
Many Japanese employers also value qualities such as:
- Teamwork: 協調性 (Kyōchōsei)
- Responsibility: 責任感 (Sekinin kan)
- Willingness to improve: 向上心 (Kōjōshin)
- Persistence: 継続力 (Keizoku ryoku)
This doesn’t mean you should force these words into every answer. Understanding these values can help you better understand what interviewers are often looking for.
8 Things to Never Do in a Japanese Interview
Understanding these common pitfalls can help you approach your Japanese interview with greater confidence.
Don’t Speak Negatively About Former Schools or Employers
This is one of the most important questions in a Japanese interview. Interviewers are not looking for generic compliments. They want to understand why you chose this specific company or school.
Don’t Focus Too Much on Salary, Benefits, or Time Off
During the early stages of an interview, asking too many questions about compensation may give the impression that you are interested only in the rewards rather than the opportunity itself. These discussions are often more appropriate during later stages of the hiring process.
Don’t Claim to Know Everything
No interviewer expects you to know everything. If you are unsure about something, be honest and explain how you would approach the problem or learn the necessary skills.
Don’t Give Overly Long or Unfocused Answers
A clear answer that directly addresses the question is usually more effective than a long explanation that loses focus.
Don’t Show Up Unprepared
Few things damage an interview more quickly than obvious lack of preparation. If you cannot explain why you applied to a school or company, interviewers may question your motivation. Even a small amount of research can help you provide more thoughtful and convincing answers.
Don’t Interrupt the Interviewer
Listening is just as important as speaking. Allow the interviewer to finish the question before responding. If you accidentally interrupt someone, a brief apology and a calm response can help keep the conversation professional.
Don’t Use Casual Language or Slang
Even if the interviewer appears friendly, it is still a professional conversation. Using polite language shows respect and professionalism. You do not need perfect 敬語 (Keigo / honorific language), but avoiding slang and overly casual expressions is generally a good idea.
Don’t Lie or Exaggerate Your Experience
Interviewers often ask follow up questions. If your answers are inconsistent, it can damage your credibility. It is better to discuss your actual experience and what you learned from it.
How to Prepare for the Japanese Interview Step by Step
Step1: Research the Company or School
Start with the official website, then check LinkedIn, social media, news articles, reviews, and online communities. Focus on information that helps you explain why the company or school is a good fit for your goals. You may even find valuable insights by connecting with current or former students and employees online. The goal is not to memorize facts, but to understand why the company or school is a good fit for your goals.
If you’re applying for a job, learn about the company’s products, services, values, recent projects, and industry trends.
If you’re applying to a school, focus on academic programs, educational philosophy, student support, and career opportunities. For academic interviews, it can also be helpful to learn about professors related to your field of study and their research interests.
Step 2: Prepare Your 自己紹介 (jikoshoukai, Self Introduction)
A self introduction is a standard part of many Japanese interviews. Interviewers are listening to your background, communication skills, and ability to organize your thoughts. You may hear questions such as:
- Please introduce yourself.
自己紹介をお願いします。
Jikoshoukai o onegaishimasu - Please give a brief self introduction.
簡単に自己紹介をしてください。
Kantan ni jikoshoukai o shite kudasai - Please tell us about yourself.
まず、ご自身について教えてください。
Mazu、gojishin ni tsuite oshiete kudasai
There is no standard template for self introduction, it all depends on yourself. Remember, your answer should be concise and to the point. An easy way to remember it is:
- Japanese greeting
- Name
- Your major or current professional role
- A little about your relevant experiences
- Why you’re interested in working for the company
If you want to make your resume more competitive, you can refer to our Guide to Resumes and Cover Letters in Japan.
Step 3: Practice Common Japanese Interview Questions
Practicing common interview questions can help you feel more confident and speak more naturally during the actual interview.
Some simple examples of methods include writing down the questions you anticipate on flashcards, shuffling them, and randomly picking one to practice answering. Or instructing an AI to have a conversation with you, which will prompt you on how to optimize your answers. Such repetitive exercises can help you organize your thoughts, improve your fluency, and reduce the chances of getting stuck when facing unexpected follow up questions.
Rather than memorizing complete answers, focus on the key points you want to communicate. This makes it easier to adapt when interviewers ask unexpected follow up questions and helps your answers sound more genuine.
Step 4: Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Near the end of the interview, you may be asked:
- Do you have any questions?
ご質問はありますか。
Goshitsumon wa arimasu ka
This is an opportunity to show genuine interest in the company or school. You might ask about training opportunities, research projects, student support services, salary and promotion structure, company culture, or the qualities that successful students and employees tend to have. If you have Japanese friends or don’t mind deep diving through Reddit, it’s also a good idea to search for what kinds of questions you shouldn’t ask, too!
Step 5: Do a Mock Japanese Interview
A mock interview is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a Japanese interview. Practicing with a teacher, mentor, friend, language exchange partner, or AI tools such as ChatGPT can help you become more comfortable answering questions under pressure.
If you would like additional support, The Japan School offers conversation practice, business Japanese training, and insightful classes on Japanese culture that can help you prepare for real interview situations.
What Happens After a Japanese Interview
Many applicants feel more nervous after the interview than during it. While every school and company follows its own process, understanding a few common practices can make the waiting period less stressful.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Results
The timeline varies by organization. If the interviewer provided an expected schedule, use that as your main reference.
For Japanese language schools and universities, results are often announced within a few days to several weeks, depending on the admissions schedule.
For companies, timelines vary by industry. Smaller companies and startups may respond within a few days, while some large Japanese corporations may have multiple interview rounds, which can extend the process further.
Will I Receive a Rejection Notice
Unfortunately, not always. Many schools and employers notify all applicants of the result, but some only contact candidates who move on to the next stage. Be sure to check any instructions provided during the application process.
Signs Your Japanese Interview Went Well
No sign can guarantee success, but applicants often report a few positive indicators:
- The interviewer asked detailed follow up questions
- The conversation felt natural and engaged
- Future steps in the process were discussed
- The interviewer showed interest in your goals or plans
Keep in mind that many Japanese interviewers maintain a professional or neutral expression throughout the interview. A serious atmosphere does not necessarily mean the interview went poorly.
Should I Send a Thank You Email
Unlike in some Western countries, thank you emails are not always expected after a Japanese interview.
Sending a short and professional message is generally acceptable, especially if you had extensive communication with the interviewer. If you choose not to send one, it is unlikely to affect the outcome in most cases.
Final Thoughts
A Japanese interview is not just a language test. Interviewers also pay attention to communication skills, preparation, professionalism, and attitude. You do not need perfect Japanese or perfect answers. What matters most is being able to explain your goals clearly, respond thoughtfully, and show genuine interest in the opportunity.
If you have an upcoming Japanese interview, give yourself time to prepare. Research the school or company, practice answering common questions, and take part in mock interviews whenever possible.
If you’d like additional support, The Japan School offers conversation practice and business Japanese lessons that can help you feel more confident in real interview situations. Good luck with your Japanese interview, and hope everything goes well for you in Japan!
