A lot of content about moving to Japan focuses on getting the job offer or the visa approval. That part feels like the finish line.

In reality, it is just the starting point.

The first six months in Japan are where most people feel the most confused, second-guess themselves, or wonder if they made the right decision. This week’s edition breaks down what actually happens after you arrive, what Japanese companies expect early on, and why things often feel harder before they suddenly feel easier.

Many foreigners are surprised to learn that their first role in Japan is often a fixed-term contract, even at large or well-known companies.

This is very normal in Japan.

Common patterns include:

For Japanese companies, this reduces risk. Hiring foreigners still involves uncertainty around visas, language, and long-term fit, so fixed-term contracts give companies time to assess without fully committing.

For employees, this can feel unstable at first. But in practice:

What this means for you:
A fixed-term contract does not mean the company doubts you. It is often the standard entry point. Focus on performance and reliability in the first year rather than the contract label.

Staying behind on tech trends can be a career killer.

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Sometimes this question is asked directly. More often, it is implied.

Japanese interviewers are trying to understand:

A strong answer focuses on process, not personality.

Good points to mention:

For example, instead of saying you are “flexible,” explain how you adapted in a previous role when expectations were not clearly defined.

Japanese companies are not looking for people who say they love Japan. They are looking for people who can function when things feel unfamiliar.

If you’re actively job searching:
I send out two paid editions every week, a simple list of English-friendly roles you can apply to right now (Japan Job List), and a deeper industry analysis covering the hiring trends across Japan (Japan Work Report).
You can join either of them any time if you want more structure in your search.

Many foreigners feel a bit of discomfort during their first months at work in Japan.

This usually comes from three Japan-specific factors.

1. Observation before trust
In many workplaces, colleagues spend months watching how you work before opening up. This is not distance. It is assessment.

2. Fewer verbal cues
Praise and feedback are often subtle. Silence usually means things are fine, not that you are failing.

3. Group rhythm over individuality
It takes time to understand how decisions are made, who influences them, and when to speak up.

Around the 4–6 month mark, something often changes. People start talking more. You get invited to lunch. Instructions become less formal.

Feeling awkward early on is common. Most integration in Japan happens after consistency, not during the honeymoon phase.

Japan’s labor shortage is no longer temporary, and companies know it.

Instead of focusing only on hiring, more firms are shifting toward:

This aligns with broader policy signals encouraging companies to retain foreign workers rather than constantly replace them.

For employers, losing trained staff is expensive. For employees, this means stability improves once you are inside the system.

What this means for you:
The first year is often the hardest. After that, companies are more motivated to keep you than you might expect.

Mercari is one of Japan’s most well-known tech companies and a good example of how onboarding for foreigners can work well.

They are known for:

Many foreign employees describe the first six months as intensive but supportive, with clear expectations and regular check-ins.

Companies with experience hiring foreigners tend to understand the adjustment period better. That can make the first year far less stressful.

Japan Work Report
Weekly insights into 5 industries, salary ranges, and hiring movement across Japan. This is the edition I write for people who want a strategic view of the job market.

Japan Job List
A straightforward weekly list of 10–20 English-friendly jobs in Japan with language tags and visa notes. Made for people who want something simple they can apply to immediately.

You can subscribe to either at any time.
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Also, if you use the code “ENDOFYEAR” at checkout when purchasing the Japan Job Search Toolkit, you’ll get 50% off! This is only available until the end of the year!