My first day working in Japan was very different than I had been expecting. I had read articles about Japanese work hours, Japanese business etiquette, and the Japanese approach to science and engineering, and the combined impression that my research in these three topics left on me was daunting, to say the least. I was worried that I would be scampering about the lab for fourteen hours a day, skipping meals and avoiding interaction with others to increase my productivity. I resolved to do my best, preparing for the worst. As it turned out, my first day was indeed an intense one, but not quite in the way that I had predicted.

The day began at seven with short briefing from my boss, a prominent professor at Keio University, which took place as he walked ... Read More

Japan is one of the 1st world countries engaging in high-technology. However, the population with formal education capable of working as technology operators (e.g. IT and engineers) is not enough to cover up the high demands. That is why Japan hires thousands of gaijin (foreigner) engineers and IT professionals to be stationed and work in Japan. Most of these employees are from Philippines, Europe, US and India. The Japanese companies pays the minimum salary of ?250,000 and they sponsor visas and gave some privileges like free housing (usually studio type), free bus and train tickets, and free hokensho (insurance). But for the unlucky ones who were hired through agency, they are paid less. It’s a fact that they pay gaijin professionals lower than ... Read More