Interviewing in Japan: Top Questions You Should Prepare For

Interviewing in Japan can be a unique experience, shaped by cultural expectations, business etiquette, and an emphasis on teamwork and long-term commitment. If you’re preparing for a job interview in Japan—whether you’re already living there or relocating for work—it’s essential to understand what Japanese employers value and how they structure their interviews.

Here’s a breakdown of the top questions you should prepare for, along with tips on how to craft answers that impress potential employers.

1. 自己紹介 (Jikoshoukai) – “Please Introduce Yourself”

This is almost guaranteed to be the first question. A self-introduction isn’t just a formality; it’s a way for the interviewer to assess your communication skills, how you present yourself, and your awareness of Japanese interview etiquette.

What They’re Looking For:

They want a concise yet comprehensive summary of your professional background, focusing on your experience and how it aligns with the job you’re applying for. It should be delivered confidently but with humility.

How to Answer:

Start by briefly mentioning your name and where you’re from, then quickly segue into your educational background and relevant work experience. Close with a statement about your career goals and why you’re interested in this particular company or position. For example:

“My name is [Your Name], and I’m from [Country]. I studied [Your Field] at [University] and have worked in [Industry] for the past [X] years, specializing in [specific skills or responsibilities]. I’m particularly excited about this opportunity at [Company] because [reason tied to the company’s values or the role].”

Keep it to 1-2 minutes and ensure it’s smooth and well-rehearsed. If possible, practice delivering it in Japanese.

2. 志望動機 (Shiboudouki) – “Why Do You Want to Work for Us?”

This question probes your motivation for applying to the company. Japanese employers expect candidates to show that they’ve done their homework and have a genuine interest in the company—not just the job.

What They’re Looking For:

They’re evaluating whether you’ve researched the company and if your values align with theirs. They also want to see that you’re interested in the long-term, not just looking for a quick stopover in your career.

How to Answer:

Discuss specific aspects of the company that appeal to you, such as its industry position, innovative projects, or corporate values like teamwork and dedication. Tie your answer to your long-term goals and how the company fits into your career path. For example:

“I’ve been impressed by [Company’s] commitment to innovation and the way you approach [specific aspect of their work]. I believe that my background in [your relevant experience] aligns well with the work you’re doing here, and I’m excited to contribute my skills to help the company grow while developing my career in this field.”

3. あなたの強みと弱みは何ですか？ (Anata no tsuyomi to yowami wa nandesuka?) – “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

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This is a classic interview question in Japan, and how you handle it can reveal a lot about your self-awareness and ability to fit into a Japanese work environment.

What They’re Looking For:

Employers want to see if your strengths align with the job requirements and if you can handle self-reflection on your weaknesses in a constructive way. They’re also assessing whether your strengths complement the team and how you plan to improve on your weaknesses.

How to Answer:

Choose one or two strengths that are relevant to the role and back them up with examples. For weaknesses, select something minor or something you’re already working on improving, demonstrating growth and a desire to develop professionally.

“One of my strengths is my ability to communicate effectively across teams, especially in high-pressure situations. For example, in my previous role, I was able to mediate between the marketing and product development teams to streamline our launch process.
One area I’m working to improve is my proficiency in Japanese business etiquette, particularly in formal communication. I’ve been actively studying and practicing through daily interactions to ensure I communicate more appropriately in professional settings.”

Avoid vague answers like “I’m a perfectionist” for weaknesses, which can sound cliché and unconvincing.

4. これまでの経験をどのように活かせますか？ (Kore made no keiken o dō yō ni ikasemasu ka?) – “How Can You Apply Your Previous Experience to This Job?”

Japanese companies place a high value on how well you can integrate past experiences into your future role. They want to see a clear connection between your background and what you can offer.

What They’re Looking For:

They want to know if you have the skills necessary to succeed in the position and if you can bring a fresh perspective or new expertise to their team.

How to Answer:

Identify the key requirements of the job and link them directly to your past roles. Use specific examples and results to show that you can hit the ground running.

“In my last position, I was responsible for leading a team that developed a new project management system, which improved our efficiency by 20%. I believe this experience in streamlining processes will be valuable in helping your team improve workflow and productivity.”

5. チームでの働き方はどうですか？ (Chīmu de no hatarakikata wa dō desu ka?) – “How Do You Work in a Team?”

Japanese companies often expect employees to stay for the long term, so they ask about your career aspirations to ensure you’re thinking ahead and see a future with the company.

What They’re Looking For:

They want to know if your career trajectory aligns with the opportunities they can offer. This helps them evaluate your potential for growth within the company.

How to Answer:

Discuss your long-term career goals and how the position aligns with them. Avoid stating that this role is just a stepping stone or that you’re planning to leave in a few years.

“My long-term goal is to deepen my expertise in [field], eventually taking on more leadership responsibilities. I see [Company] as a place where I can grow professionally and contribute to innovative projects that align with my passion for [specific area related to the company’s work].”

7. 最後に質問はありますか？ (Saigo ni shitsumon wa arimasu ka?) – “Do You Have Any Questions for Us?”

At the end of most Japanese interviews, you’ll be invited to ask questions. This is your chance to demonstrate genuine interest in the company and the role.

What They’re Looking For:

They want to see that you’re thoughtful and engaged. Asking insightful questions can leave a lasting positive impression.

How to Answer:

Prepare a couple of thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your research. Good topics include the company’s future direction, team dynamics, or specifics about the role:

“I’ve read about your recent expansion into [market/product area], and I’d love to hear more about how the company plans to grow in this area over the next few years.”

Avoid asking about salary or benefits at this stage unless prompted.

Final Thoughts

Interviewing in Japan requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the company’s values, the role, and how you fit into the long-term picture. By practicing answers to these common questions and understanding the cultural nuances behind them, you’ll be in a strong position to impress your interviewers and land the job.

Good luck, or 頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai)!