True Story: From Learning Japanese to Working Professionally in Japan

The Beginning: No Japanese Skills, But Strong Determination

Raka, a vocational high school (SMK) graduate majoring in IT from Medan, had a big dream of working in Japan. He was fascinated by the country’s disciplined work culture and high earning potential. But he faced two major obstacles:

He didn’t speak any Japanese
He didn’t know the official path to work in Japan

Through seminars and online research, Raka found Nakamura Study Japan, an education consultant that not only teaches Japanese but also helps students legally study and move to Japan.

Intensive Study: Passed JLPT N5 in 3 Months

At Nakamura, Raka joined an intensive Japanese language program designed for fast learning. Within 3 months, he:

Passed JLPT N5 — the basic level required to apply to a language school in Japan

The Nakamura team also helped him:

Choose the right language school

Prepare all necessary documents and student visa

Train for interviews and simulate real life in Japan

Arriving in Japan: Language School & Part-Time Job

Raka moved to Fukuoka and enrolled in a language school for one year. During this time, he:

Attended Japanese classes daily
Improved his skills and passed JLPT N3
Worked part-time (arubaito) at a local restaurant

These real-life experiences helped him quickly improve in language, cultural adaptation, and confidence!

Step 1: Working in Japan via SSW Visa

After finishing language school and obtaining JLPT N3, Raka moved forward with the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) route — a work visa for foreign workers in designated industries. With support from his school and Nakamura, he:

Passed the hospitality skills test

Completed all documents including Certificate of Eligibility

Legally secured a job at a hotel in Tokyo

While working under the SSW visa, Raka learned a lot — Japanese service standards, teamwork, time management, and formal communication. But he wasn’t done yet — he still aimed to return to the IT field.

Step 2: Upgrading to Engineer/Specialist Visa

During two years under the SSW visa, Raka continued developing himself:

Passed JLPT N2
Took online IT courses and gained international certifications
Built a freelance project portfolio

With a combination of Japanese work experience, language skills, and his IT background, Raka received a job offer as a Junior IT Consultant at a Japanese company. He then switched to the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visa — a professional visa that offers better pay and long-term career potential.

Real Result: Professional Career in Japan

Today, Raka works full-time at an IT company in Osaka, handling system integration projects for corporate clients.

Higher salary
More flexible working hours
A long-term career path is now within reach

“At first, I could only say konnichiwa, but now I can attend client meetings and manage projects. The key is: don’t just join a course — have a mentor and a clear pathway. That’s what I got from Nakamura.” — Raka

Lessons from Raka’s Journey

Learning Japanese is just the first step, not the final goal
The path of language school → SSW job → professional visa is very achievable
With the right strategy and guidance, you can level up from physical jobs to a professional career in Japan

Conclusion: From Zero to Professional

Raka’s story proves that working professionally in Japan doesn't require a university degree or fluent Japanese from the start.

With commitment, strategy, and support from experienced mentors like Nakamura Study Japan, you can start from scratch and build a stable career in Japan.

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