Being an executive in Japan

By Karl Stubbe on November 24th, 2009

When one hears the phrase, “Working in Japan,” nine out of ten times the average foreign resident of Japan would either assume this implies an English teaching position or living the life of an expat in a western style apartment in the heart of Tokyo. However, there is a third possibility, which might actually be the most favorable for all parties involved. Why not work as a foreign executive in a Japanese owned company?

A recent survey conducted by the consulting firm, Zehnder International, suggested various ways on how working as an executive in a Japanese company could be advantageous to your career. While moving and working in a foreign place may present some obstacles to get over, there might be more pros than cons to taking this step.

A few months ago, I had written an article on the pros and cons of working in foreign and Japanese companies. This time, however, I would like to spend just a little bit more time highlighting the plentiful advantages of working at a Japanese company. Even though Japan is slowing opening itself up to foreign workers and businesses, the number of non-Japanese executives at Japanese companies is still minutely small. However, this has created a high demand for skilled foreign individuals to help the Japanese economy remain successful in the next round of globalized business games.

For starters, just about any future employer will recognize the amount of personal initiative involved in even applying for a management position at a non-English-speaking company. Even by sending in your CV, you are clearly displaying the ability to rise to challenging situations, which will impress any employer.

As I said before, working in a Japanese firm can be fulfilling, especially in terms of personal growth. In addition to learning and experiencing the various styles of conducting business, there is also a very eminent geographical incentive. That is, working in an internationally oriented company inside Japan can also provide opportunities to meet business partners from other foreign areas, particularly in the ever so popular Asian market.

Therefore, not only will you be able to take in Japanese business culture and language, but you will also have experience with handling firms from places such as China, Korea, or India, which can be useful in the future, even if you leave the Japanese firm. Admittedly, there are only a few places in the world that would offer you this kind of strategic advantage.

So if you are looking for a new direction in your career, a break from the usual day-to-day living, or simply want to gain some valuable experiences to aid in your future endeavors, you should consider working as a foreign executive, particularly with a Japanese company. It may not be easy, but an executive position at a Japanese firm will most likely be one of the most unforgettable and rewarding experiences you will ever come encounter.

So what are you waiting for?

Karl Stubbe

Born and raised in Germany, his education at an International School left him no other choice than to pursue his career on an international level.

Consequently he moved to London to complete his BA in Japanese Studies at the University of London with the one year experience of studying at a Japanese university. Following his graduation he spent another year in Japan, working his way through a number of multi-lingual companies and gathering experiences.

It is these experiences which have made him take his latest step: A Master's degree at a Japanese university with the focus on the Japanese perception and understanding of "work".

Alongside all of this, he has continued to work as a freelance writer on Japan and Japanese culture for major German magazines and is currently working on a novel.

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