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Prologue about the Japanese language

The main root of the origin of the Japanese language Course is still unclear. Exploring around, it is nearly similar to the Altaic language family, which includes Turkish, Mongolian, and other languages. It also has some similarities to Austronesian languages like Polynesian. The Japanese language is considered an aesthetically pretty language. Not to forget the most beautiful Japanese Kanji, for example –  愛 (ai) – love, or 魅 (mi) – meaning a strange.

The Japanese language is easy to learn because it has no gendered words. This language can be easy for Indians to learn. However, according to the US Department of State, the Japanese language stands as one of the resilient languages for the English natives to master. The syntax structure for Japanese is Subject-Object-Verb, so the pronunciation, etc is closer to Indian languages than English. The best part is that Japanese grammar is simpler than English grammar. The language has only two tenses, no plurals, and no determiners(a/the).

Know Japanese language skills to prepare for job interviews

Before exploring to search for jobs, you need to be familiar with some Japanese words and phrases. Understand some Japanese Language Interview Questions and Answers work etiquette to succeed in a Japanese workplace. There are many online courses to learn about Japanese business and work culture.

One of the top Institutes to learn the Japanese language is Henry Harvin.

Henry Harvin is one of the top leading online Japanese language learning institutes.. This institute is well-recognized by many leading publishers like Hans India, Hindustan Times, Business World, and Statesman, and also by the prime and leading channels such as News World India and Aaj Tak. Henry Harvin is also assessed by UK Cert, UKAF, and MSME. In addition, the institute is certified by ISO 29990:2010 (International Standard for Learning Services for non-formal Education and training services).

The Japanese language course in Henry Harvin is designed to gain an excellent knowledge of the Japanese language and develop the candidate’s interpersonal skills. The institute has divided the training program into five levels.

• Elementary level (N5): This is the main level of learning of the Japanese language test. This level covers the basics of Japanese, including regular expressions written in Hiragana, Katakana, sentence structure, and Kanji, as well as the spoken language.
• Pre-Intermediate level (N4): This is the second level of the Japanese language proficiency test and includes grammar and vocabulary.
• Intermediate level (N3): This is the bridging level to learn linguistic skills in terms of language activities like reading and writing.
• Pre-Advanced level (N2): This level is partitioned into three sections i.e. knowledge of the language, written comprehension, and oral comprehension.
• Advanced level (N1): This is the difficult level consisting of reading books, Kanji, newspapers, and magazines in the Japanese language. This level covers the complete knowledge of the Japanese language.

Tips to crack the Japanese language interviews

• Prepare beforehand for the interview
• Practice proper behavior before an interview with a Japanese
• Prepare yourself for typical Japanese interview questions
• Know your strengths and weaknesses
• Don’t be surprised if things get personal
• Be on a positive note before leaving the interview 

Breaking the ice during the interview

Cracking an interview is always challenging at every level of experience. 

Japanese interviewers lean towards furnishing from a small talk that is common in Western countries and then getting over to the business straight away. The interviewers usually have three parts to interview.

• Firstly, the interviewer starts by questioning your level of knowledge of the Japanese language and culture.
• Secondly, the interviewer will softball questions that most people could answer.
• Thirdly, the interviewer finishes the questionnaire by asking about the company and your attitude towards work.

Top 30 Japanese language questions and answers

General questions:

Q 1. Tell us something about yourself.

Ans.  (Interviewer point of view) Here, the interviewer wants to know about your name, your educational background, and professional details.

So, the answer would go from your name following your recent professional experience.

Q 2. How did you come for this job?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Here, the interviewer would like to get some appreciation for the company.

So, in the answer, you can include all the positive aspects of the company. Along with that, mention your career growth with the growth of the company.

Q 3. You are from which part of the globe?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Here the interviewer wants to know the country you belong to. And also want to know whether you know about the place you belong to.

In answer, you can tell about the country you belong to. Along with, some introduction to the traditions and cultures related to it. 

(If possible, try to research the company you are going for an interview with and list out some of the employees who are from your country. This would give a good impression of your research quality to the interviewer)

Q 4. Do you know the Japanese language? If yes, how good do you know?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Here, the interviewer would be looking for at least a partial positive response from you.

In answer, you can mention that you know the Japanese language( as a beginner or fluent or conversational). If you have learned from any institutes, you can also mention the institute’s name from where you have learned the Japanese language.

Q 5. How did you learn the Japanese language?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) The interviewer here wants to know whether you have learned the Japanese language from any institution or yourself.
In answer, you can mention the name of the institution from where you have taken the Japanese language course. It is better if you can elaborate on the levels also –
Firstly, how you have cleared the Elementary level (N1)  
Secondly, how you have attempted the Pre-intermediate level(N2)
Thirdly, about the Intermediate level(N3)
Fourthly, Pre-advanced level(N2)
Lastly, how did you manage to clear the Advanced level(N1)

Q 6. Can you elaborate on your skills?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)Here, the interviewer needs crisp and cleanse information about technological knowledge. You can mention any recent course details if you feel they add an advantage to your career.

In answer, you can give in-depth details of all the technologies you have used in your work experience. You have to be clear with all the terminologies and techniques you have gone through to emphasize to the interviewer that you have plenty of enough knowledge about the trending industry. In addition, you can also mention that you learned the Japanese language (can be online/offline) as a part of your interest or for business reasons.

Q 7. Can you explain how your experiences match the current job position in our company?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) At this point, the interviewer wants you to give technical reasons so as to match exactly the job position. You need to ensure the interviewer that you have worked on the respective technologies which the current job position requires.

In answer, you can focus on the current job requirement in the company and the experience you worked on respective projects in your previous jobs. You need to be patient and on the verge to explain the interviewer all the minute details of the technologies used for the current job position. 

Q 8. Why do you want to switch to a Japanese language-related job?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Do not lie to the interviewer by just giving some silly answer here.

In answer, you can say as you are passionate about learning new languages, and as part of your few old projects, you dealt with Japanese clients. From this experience, you realized that you have plenty of employment opportunities in this field. Because of what you learned the Japanese language from the reputed institute and has come here.

Q 9. How do you envision your career goals?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Here the interviewer wants to know whether you can set your career according to their company norms and enhance the company’s growth.

In answer, you can talk about your far-off goals. But make sure those career goals align with the current position to match the company’s requirements. And be determined that your career goals are realistic.

Q 10. What are your future dreams?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Elaborating on the above question, the interviewer wants to know a bit more abstract.

In answer, you can talk about your dreams and the steps you have designed to fulfill them. And try to show them that you are motivated and self-driven. (Again, make sure that your answer roams around the company’s required position.)

Q 11. Where do you want to see yourself in the next 5 years?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) It is a related question to the above questions. Here, in Japanese companies, they expect that once they hire you, you stick to them for the long run.

In answer, you should be cautious enough to make the interviewer clear that you are a person who is always enthusiastic about learning more and more about the changing technologies and always strives to be the best in the current position for which you get hired.

Frequently asked technical questions

Q 1. What are your achievements so far?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)Here the interviewer wants to know your teamwork. The interviewer wants to know the achievements you have earned to date and want to know whether you have enough skills to share your credits with others.

In answer, you can mention some of the achievements during your last few projects. You ought to be polite and show your team vibrance because to achieve something in the team is not a one-manship. Show gratitude to be fortunate as a part of such achievements and give credit to the other team members also.

Q 2. What is the reason you left your current job?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)This would be a bit tricky question for you. Here the interviewer wants you to open up if you have any issues or personal reasons for switching the job. Nobody wants to listen to blame or criticism on the job/company.

In answer, you should be cautious about what you want to say. But make sure you do not talk ill about your current company or the team. You must be tactical and convincing to show your positive attitude towards job change.

Q 3. Why do you want to fill the current job position in this company?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)Adding to the above question, the interviewer wants to make sure that you want to join their company on a positive note. They want to assure themselves that you can help the company to grow by providing the required dedication towards the respective team/project/company.

In answer, you should mention the company’s present position in the market. Show that this company is growing with some statistical details about the company. And focus that you would be grateful if you get an opportunity to excel the career in this company.

Q 4. How do manage the situation if you are about the miss the deadline?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)Here the interviewer wants to make sure that you maintain your discipline even under the stress and deadline on the edge.

In answer, you can start by saying that every project would have a deadline. But might be because of some unavoidable circumstances sometimes you would not meet the deadlines in time. So, at this point, you should mention that you will be a clear communicator with the team(sub-ordinates and superiors) and the clients about the current situation.

Q 5. You have a new idea for the project, how will you convince your boss to consider you?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)Usually, at the Japanese company’s workplace, you are often asked to confirm that you sail with your superiors first.

In answer, you should be able to convince the interviewer that you will understand the project’s needs. If you have any new ideas to implement for the progress of the project then you will first tell your teammates and superiors to get their input. If they are convinced and ready to support you, then you will approach the boss with efficient action plans and concrete goals for your ideas. Show the interviewer that you work for the project as a team, not as an individual.

Q 6. Your co-worker is not in agreement with you to work on the same project. How do you think you can solve this issue? 

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)This question is not about the person but the content. Here interviewer wants to dig into your problem-solving ability.

In answer, you should maintain your mediation skills and explain to the interviewer that you will respect the co-worker’s point. Explain to the interviewer that you will find the solution without spoiling the relationship between you and your coworker.

Q 7. How do you think you are able to work in a Japanese environment?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)The interviewer wants to see your compatibility and adaptability to the Japanese working environment.

In answer, you must say to the interviewer that you are friendly in nature and can gell into the Japanese working environment easily. And make sure you convince the interviewer that you are not looking for the job in the short term.

Also, explain to the interviewer that you understand the culture and Japanese etiquette.

Q 8. You are asked to attend so many non-productive internal meetings, how will you manage?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)The interviewer wants you to make an appropriate decision and attend only necessary meetings related to your productivity.

In answer, you should mention that you will reach out to your boss and let him know that you value his leadership and organization. And along with that, you try to convey to him that these non-productive internal meetings are not necessary as part of your required responsibilities towards the project.

Q 9. Where do you see yourself within the starting 30 days of this job?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)Typically company plans for learning of Japanese language for the starting 30 days. Here the interviewer wants to know whether you have a basic understanding of what happens once you join the new company.

In answer, you can say that at first, you will try to know the teammates and try to understand the project. And even emphasis on learning the Japanese language.

Q 10. Do you consider yourself a team member?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Japanese companies consider teamwork over individual contribution to the company.

In answer, you must focus on teamwork progression and emphasis how easily you can incorporate the company’s norms. You can mention some of the team goals you have worked on in your past experience.

Q 11. Your client is frustrated with the issues in the project, how can you manage the client in this case?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Here the interviewer wants to know, how can manage the client under the pressure of the work.

In answer, you can make the interviewer understand that you are a calm-going person and can maintain positivity even in the worst conditions. Make sure that you mention some of your past experiences where you had a chance to deal with the client. Emphasize how you managed to solve the issues by providing new ideas.

Q 12. If you are a team leader, and the team members are senior(in age) to you. How can you deal with them?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)Japanese are respect lovers and would expect the same from you.

In answer, you need to mention that age is never a factor to work together. Even though you are a team leader you will never distinguish any team member by age. Team members can be smaller or more in age than you. Age is just a number and you only focus on the project deliverables rather than personal details.

Q 13. For the Japanese language, what do you prefer is important? What would you prefer, a good listener or a good communicator?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Here the interviewer wants to know whether you are a good listener or a good communicator.

In answer, you can say that both are required to survive in the world. Sometimes you need to listen to others and sometimes you need to communicate with others. You must never choose either of the choices for such questions.

Q 14. At times you need to explain the project to the less technical team member. How can you make him/her understand the technicality of the project?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Here the interviewer wants to know your interpersonal skills.

In answer, you need to show your humble and understanding nature to understand the other person. You must emphasize that you consider each team member as a part of the good progress of the project.

Q 15. You are underestimated at work. How will you cope with that situation?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Here the interviewer is pressurizing on you. So that you get tensed to reveal if any such case happened to you.

In answer, on a positive note if you have come across this kind of situation and you have overcome it. Better take your example and explain the situation. 

But if you have been underestimated and have not come out of the situation, do not reveal it.

Personal related questions

Q 1. What type of person you are?

Ans. (Here you can ask the interviewer what exactly he wants to know, your personal behavior or your work culture)

Based on the interviewer’s reply, you can be specific about your answer.

If the interviewer says – Tell me about personal behavior?

In answer, you can tell them about your personal details where you can say about your educational details and medals you earned during your education. You can mention your friendly behavior and also can mention your list of friends working in certain companies, from different education levels. You can even say how you are still connected with your friends even though you do not meet them regularly.

If the interviewer says – Tell me about professional behavior?

In answer, tell them about how well you are at your profession. Include your professional work culture where you maintain a good rapport with your coworkers and your roles in past experiences.

Q 2. How long do you plan to stay in Japan?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) Japanese companies want their employees to sustain themselves for a long time.

In answer, you need to clear that you are a long-run player. You can mention that you are firm with your ethics to maintain good quality time for any company you work for. And you can show your likeness to Japan and your attachment to the Japanese language and their culture.

Q 3. How do you spend your free time?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view) The interviewer wants to make sure that you are fun-loving and also spend quality free time.

In answer, you can mention that you love to be at home with your family and spend quality time with them. You can also tell them that you hang out with friends at least once in a month or two.

Q 4. What are your hobbies?

Ans. You can be relaxed to answer this question. As this is a personal question, be free to answer in your own style. But make sure you keep in mind the position you are here for the interview.

Q 5. Sometimes due to project deliverables, you may reach home late. Is it okay?

Ans. (Interviewer point of view)Here the interviewer wants to know how can you manage your office and home under certain time constraints.

In answer, you must be clear that each job requires time and also family needs you. But a job pays money which is financially important for your family. So, you can mention that sometimes you can overwork to accommodate the work at the office.

Conclusion

You never know what kind of questions you will be asked. However, the above list can help you prepare with the sample questions and answers along with the tips. And as part of the preparation, you can at least get an idea about how the questions are asked. Along with the tactics to handle the questions by connecting with the company norms, goals, and values.

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