Mastering Japanese-Lesson 11-Finding Work in Japanese

Okay, in this lesson I'm going to talk about finding work in Japan
as it relates to one's Japanese language ability. Given that I
worked as a professional staff dispatcher for five years prior
to assuming my present position as a translator at a power company,
I feel that this is a topic I should be able to discuss with some
degree of authority.

During my years as a bilingual staffing agent, I have had
the opportunity to meet with the heads and personnel
departments of some of the world's most prestigious and
well-known corporations in the world such as the Hilton
Hotel, Brinks Japan, UL Apex, Walt Disney, Rolls Royce
Japan and practically every major international law firm in
the world possessing a strong global presence. (Actually,
the same month I made an appointment to meet with
Lehman Brothers was the month the parent company of
the subsidiary I was working at decided to shut us down.
This happened near the end of 2008. Does that year ring a
bell? Well, at least I wasn't the only one to lose my job during
this　time.) I also worked with banks,　shipping firms, IT firms,
PR firms, fashion　companies, department stores, patent
offices, manufacturers, security firms and even travel agencies.

During this time, not only did I become quite familiar with the
Tokyo railway system but via fulfilling a myriad of bilingual
staffing requests which involved countless negotiations with
corporate officers of all different ranks and presiding over a
whole slew of interviews, over the years, both consciously and
unconsciously, I feel like I have acquired a fairly solid understanding
of many of the intricacies unique to the Japanese　workplace
and hiring methods especially as it relates to bilingual positions.　
The experience was quite eye-opening, not to mention the
many hours of Japanese language I absorbed.

I wanted to start off by providing a brief breakdown of the
types of job seekers presently in the market followed by a
brief and general explanation of their potential strengths and
limitations in the job market. Please keep in mind that this
list is not exhaustive by any means or a 100% accurate reflection
of the realities of today's job market in Japan. They are simply
general observations that I have come across from my many
years of working in Japan as a recruiter.

If there is any one thing I have learned in my 40 or so years
of living life on this planet is that life is ultimately wacky and
wild. In fact, if there is any one point that has impressed
itself considerably upon me is the fact that bilingual skill while
highly valued is not some magic silver bullet that will automatically
open the doors to a high-paying lucrative job. The truth is I
have witnessed countless examples of monolingual foreigners
outearn bilingual foreigners. There are so many other factors
that come into play such as one's age, gender, personality,
personal connections etcetera that it is practically impossible
to perfectly predict one's career trajectory based on just a
few outstandiing characteristics such as superb bilingual ability.

However, with regards to the following list, we will assume
the following four points of commonality:

a)
All job seekers have a proper visa to work in Japan
b)
Each person has at least a 4-year or the equivalent of a
4-year college degree (without this, you cannot get a
work visa anyway)
c)
Every person except group three (obviously) possesses
business-level English ability
d)
The job opportunities discussed here will intrinsically be
connected to the invisible skills and knowledge that one
possesses and not one's physical appearance. Hence,
modelling, acting jobs and the like will not be mentioned.

Further, the difference between a "Bilingual" and a
"Perfect Bilingual"listed here is that a "Perfect Bilingual"
can speak both accent-free English and Japanese like a
native whereas in the case of a "Bilingual'', his or her
native tongue is obviously the stronger of the two
languages.

=============================================================
1) Mono-lingual Native English-speaking Foreigners
College-educated foreigners of all ages from this group
in the beginning are pretty much relegated to the following
three types of jobs when they first get here:

a) English Conversation Instructor
b) English Conversation Instructor
OR
c) English Conversation Instructor

After a year or so goes by, some of them remain as English
conversation instructors but acquire more respectable teaching
positions at High Schools, Universities etcetera.

The others, usually those who become totally fedup with
teaching, are seduced into super high-pressure sales jobs
selling financial products or becoming "professional recruiters
(headhunters)". We're are talking about hours upon hours
of cold-calling and engaging in other practices that could be
considered shall we say "morally questionable" in order to
meet a set quota. Those who are able to survive the initial
cutthroat initiation process (usually those possessing both a
thick skin and an even thicker conscience) can move on to
make quite a bit of money and gain the sort of respectability
that I guess they felt like they weren't getting when they were
teaching English. However, for those who for whatever reason
weren't able to hack the pressures connected to a high-pressure
sales job, either end up studying Japanese and graduating
from this group or end up going back to one of the following jobs:

a) English Conversation Instructor
b) English Conversation Instructor
OR
c) English Conversation Instructor

Note:
I am also not mentioning the bartending jobs in Roppongi
or Foreign Guest House Manager jobs (basically apartment
maintenance, toilet/kitchen cleaning, taking out the garbage etc.)
that are sometimes available for monolinguals only.
=================================================================

2) Mono-lingual Non-native English speaking Foreigners

Minus any Japanese-speaking ability, non-native English
speaking foreigners are pretty much the same as native
English-speakers, just of inferior quality (linguistically speaking
that is), Hence, the description above basically applies to
them unless they can find a job doing the following:

a)
A translation job that allows them to translate from
their native tongue into English and/or vice versa.

b)
A teaching job that allows them to teach their
native tongue whether it be Arabic, French or
whatever. (But finding a language that will beat
English in terms of demand is going to be quite
a challenging proposition.)
==================================================================

***********CONCLUSION ONE************************************
If you're an English-speaking foreigner who cannot speak
Japanese, unless you possess some kind of special outstanding
skill or qualification in some field like law, finance, or IT/Engineering
, and I mean something really special, like Ivy League qualifications
followed by a couple of years of hardcore field work, you're teaching
English baby. I can almost 90% guarantee it. Hell, I've even seen
Harvard graduates and experienced lawyers come out here and end
up on the English teaching grill. Think about it like this. If
Tom Cruise somehow became broke, came to Japan and couldn't find an
acting job, he'd be teaching English.
***************************************************************

===============================================================
3) Mono-lingual Japanese

Obviously, the majority of the population falls into this category.
With regards to this group, all I can say is that as long as these
individuals stay based in Japan, linguistically speaking, they have
practically no limitations.

I am about to suggest something here that might jam your gears
a bit. My experience has led me to believe that English is just not
that important to your average Japanese person out there unless
he or she has to perform a job that specifically requires English (like
a translation job to give an obvious example).

Sure I'm aware of the somewhat ridiculous Hollywood star power
connected to English ability because it is the language of the
United States (and let there be no doubt about it, although
England through her colonization efforts planted the initial seeds
leading to the physical spread of English, the US popularized
English, primarily through her entertainment industry), the fact
remains that practically and objectively speaking, English's role
in Japan is quite limited. Consider the following:

-The highest paying jobs in this country are not bilingual positions.
Actually, let me rephrase, the majority of jobs in this country
are not bilingual positions. Did you hear me here? Let me repeat
it so it really sinks in. THE MAJORITY OF JOBS IN THIS COUNTRY
ARE NOT BILINGUAL POSITIONS. If this isn't sufficient evidence
that you're average Japanese person doesn't need English, I don't
know what is.
-The majority of top executives of Japanese corporations are NOT
fluent in English. On the contrary, they tend to take the opposite
attitude of "If somebody wants to work or do business for us,
they had better learn Japanese." If they confront a situation where
English is necessary, they do the intelligent thing and hire a
professional translator.
-Even those who speak English very well have difficulty finding jobs in
which they can use their English. The simple truth of the matter is that
most people seldom have a chance to use English at work. Why?
Because as I just said, IT AIN'T THAT NECESSARY!
-The majority of adult English learners in Japan are female who for the
most part study the language because they see it as a potential way
to escape the confines hoisted upon them by traditional Japanese
corporations.

**************CONCLUSION TWO******************************
Japan as a nation does require English in a limited capacity
(specifically in the import sector), but these needs can be
fulfilled by a relatively small number of language specialists
who normally end up being ambitious Japanese females who
study English as a tool to escape the confining aspects of
Japanese society. Japan's limited need of English can be
perfectly exemplified in my present position as translator/
English proofreader at a power company. At our headoffice,
we have approximately 3000 employees. Now out of this number,
how many native English-speakers do you think we have employed
here? Besides me, there is one other person, so that's two in
total.

In other words, between the two of us, we handle all of the
native-English speaking needs at the head office of Japan's
biggest power company. I swear, people seriously exaggerate
how much Japan really needs English. Heck, even the United
States doesn't rely on the supremacy of the English language
to effectively carry out its international needs. We are also
dependent to a large extent on a large number of language
specialists, especially given the global fight on terrorism we
find ourselves presently entrenched in.
************************************************************

============================================================
3) Bilingual English-speaking Foreigner
If you are a bilingual English-speaking Foreigner who is
fluent in Japanese and I mean really fluent, meaning you
can speak, read and write at a business level, (being able
to spurt out a couple of phrases at a Roppongi bar
after having downed a couple of tequila sunrises doesn't
quite cut it), then give yourself a pat on the shoulder
and congratulate yourself because if you haven't already,
you're about to leave the English-teaching world behind
forever and embark on a new adventure.

Depending on your level of fluency and your age (the age
of 35 is generally considered to be the cutoff line for
those who are considering a career change.), there really isn't
anything you can't do. The question isn't so much, "what can
I do?" but is more along the lines of "what do you want
to do?" The skies, the limit. Finance, fashion, IT, shipping,
real estate, just pick your field and begin rocking and rolling.

If I was to make some general observations, most
corporations will still value your English ability and
might possibly work in a unique role for you that
will play to your native English-speaking ability.
This is actually a really good position to be in
because you'll have your own niche, a safety moat
that will keep your job protected through the years
while the surrounding Japanese characteristically sweat
and fret to meet their quotas and maintain good relations
with both their bosses and clients. And don't worry
about having to use English a little bit here or there,
because for the majority of your day you'll be surrounded
by Japanese.

Hence, when I think of potential employment opportunities
for this group of job seekers, what usually comes to mind
is the position of Coordinator; in other words, somebody
who serves as liason between the Japanese staff and
the English-speaking world. Such positions are normally
found in the hospitality industry, real estate agencies,
shipping companies, and trading corporations. These are
very attractive positions and can be quite high-paying.
=============================================================
4) Perfect Bilingual Foreigner

Basically, this person possesses two native languages,
English and Japanese. When he/she speaks Japanese,
his/her accent and the whole of his/her body language
is 100% native. On the other hand, the exact same
phenomenom occurs when the same person switches to
English. Its actually quite amazing, almost like dealing
with somebody who has multiple personality disorder.
These types are extremely rare. I would gather that
quite a bit of them actually have mixed blood, having
either a Japanese father or mother. Most of them
grew up in Japan. Maybe their parents came to Japan
as Christian missionaries or the father was transferred
to Japan on a long-term company assignment. Depending
on the economic status of the family, some will be sent
to prestigious international schools. Others will end up
going to the local schools.

Obviously, for this group, the skies, the limit. Given that
they essentially face no linguistic barriers, their limitations
will lie in other areas. However, those out of this group
who do decide to focus on the exploitation of their linguistic
talents, usually make great DJs and bilingual TV announcers.
And for obvious reasons, they also make great simultaneous
interpreters.
============================================================
5) Bilingual Japanese

As mentioned earlier, the majority of this population
are Japanese females, who view English ability as a
means to escape the stifling confines of a society that
keeps them boxed into certain predesignated roles
that are very hard to break out of minus a very strong
personality and even stronger ambition.

During my years as a temp staff dispatcher, this was
the group I dealt with the most. Bilingual executive
secretaries, group secretaries, receptionists, accounting
assistants, paralegals, booth translators for company
events etcetera.

I should also mention that this group does also include
those male Japanese who decide to work at a foreign
company in Japan. Basically, renegade Japanese who
dissatisfied with traditional corporate life decide to hedge
their bets for the fast track and fast cash to potentially
be had at the number of foreign-capitalized firms
primarily concentrated in the Minato Prefecture area
of Tokyo (think of investment banking). Many of the
existing GAIJIN headhunting firms deal specifically in
this area.
===========================================================
6) Perfect Bilingual Japanese

The majority of Japanese who can speak native-like
English are usually Japanese returnees who have spent
an extended period of time oversees and like their
foreign counterparts (#4 in this article) have no linguistic
limitations. Given that they also have no racial barriers,
I would say that they are at a distinct advantage when
compared to the Perfect Bilingual foreigner as they are
as capable as fitting into Japanese society as much
as they'd like or for those of these who feel somewhat
qualitatively superior than their Japanese peers as much
as their ego will let them. The sky is basically the limit
here.

One weakness I have noticed with this group however is
their tendency to attach too much importance to their
bilingual ability. The best way to illustrate how this can
be a weakness is to share something that the late great
martial artist Bruce Lee once said when asked how he
would react if attacked by somebody with a knife. I wasn't
able to find the direct quote, but it goes something
like this:

"The person holding a knife is likely to be too focused on
it. In his mind, all he has is one weapon. His only concern
is with how he can use the knife. That's all he can see.
He has essentially become blinded. I, on the other hand,
mentally and physically am not encumbered in such a way.
I've got my two hands and my two feet, all four of which
are deadly striking weapons. I could run or maybe pick up
some heavy object to bash his head in with. I am thinking
360 degrees all around this guy who thinks he's somehow
got the upperhand on me because of the one measly knife
he's holding."

Now let's rewrite the above quote a bit by substituting the
"blingual ability" in exchange of knife, and it will become
crystal clear how attaching too much importance to a certain
skill can hamper rather than help one's career prospects.
Here we go:

"The person with perfect English and Japanese bilingual ability
is likely to be too focused on his linguistic capabilities. His
only career concern is how he can utilize this bilingual ability.
That's all he can see. He has essentially become blinded to
all other potential skills and experiences he might be able to
offer and to a multitude of other possibly very lucrative
domestic opportunities he might be a good match for
because he insists on the utilization of his English skill at the
expense of everything else. He has become too attached to
this one skill, forgetting that language is simply a communication
tool, nothing more, nothing less."

I submit to you, that for the Japanese national, in practically
every industry, not only are there overwhelming more career
opportunities where English ability is not a decisive factor
but that the most juiciest opportunities lie within this category
as well. After all, if you're Japanese, remember Japan is your
country. Why shouldn't the best opportunities be available
to you?

Unfortunately, in general, I do not think the same thing
can be said for the foreigner staying in Japan for the longterm.
Lack of Japanese ability will only serve as an unwelcome
pair of handcuffs that will incapacitate your potential
both socially and professionally.

**************FINAL CONCLUSION****************************
If you are a foreigner in Japan planning to stay here for the
long-term, study Japanese, study Japanese, study Japanese!
Study Japanese with the motivation that a drowning man has for oxygen.
Every phrase learned, every Chinese character (KANJI) firmly
inputted into your memory bank will be paid back in spades
guaranteed. Even if you decide to remain an English instructor
or do some other type of work not necessarily requiring Japanese,
I would still recommend studying the language for how it
will greatly enhance your social life outside of work and the
tremendous amount of personal fulfilment you will derive from
engaging in such a stimulating and challenging endeavor.
*******************************************************