Writing a "Reason for Applying" (Shibou Douki) can be the most challenging part of the Japanese hiring process. In this article, you will learn:
- The specific logic Japanese recruiters look for in software and mechanical engineers.
- Proven templates for "Why Japan?" and "Why this company?" questions.
- Key etiquette to stand out from other candidates. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to transform a vague motivation into a professional statement that gets you to the next interview stage.
Contents
Why is "Reason for Applying" So Important in Japan?
Unlike many Western countries, where the focus is solely on skills and experience, Japanese companies place high value on "Culture Fit" and "Long-term Commitment." For engineers, this means you need to explain not just what you can code, but why you want to do it in Japan and specifically at their company. Recruiters want to ensure you won't leave after six months due to culture shock or a lack of interest in their product.
The Three Pillars of a Strong Application
To build a convincing "Reason for Applying," you need to address three main pillars:
Why Japan? (Your Motivation for the Country)
Japan is a global leader in robotics, automotive tech, and has a rapidly growing SaaS ecosystem. Mentioning your appreciation for Japanese work ethics, the safe living environment, or specific tech trends (like Japan's Digital Agency initiatives) shows you are serious about building a life here.
Why This Company? (The Tech & Product)
Avoid generic praise. Mention the company’s tech stack, their specific engineering challenges, or their mission. Example: "I am impressed by your use of Go and Microservices architecture to solve scalability issues in the fintech space."
Why You? (The Value Proposition)
Bridge the gap between your previous experience and their current needs.
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Sample Answers for Software Engineers
Here are templates you can adapt for your cover letter or interview.
Focus: Interest in Technology & Work Culture
| "I have 5 years of experience in Java development and have always admired Japan’s 'Monozukuri' (craftsmanship) philosophy. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to high-quality code and your recent expansion into AI-driven logistics. I want to contribute my expertise in backend optimization to help your team scale internationally while immersing myself in Japan's unique innovation ecosystem." |
Focus: Why Japan? (For overseas candidates)
| “Japan has always been my top destination due to its unique blend of traditional values and cutting-edge technology. Having worked in a fast-paced environment in [Your Country], I am eager to bring my problem-solving skills to Tokyo’s vibrant tech scene. I am currently studying Japanese (aiming for N3) to ensure smooth communication with the team.” |
If you would like to learn not only about the reasons for applying job but also about how to generally treat Japanese job interview, please read the following articles.
Master the Tech Interview in Japan: Common Questions & Professional Tips for Foreign Engineers
How to Answer "Job Change Reasons" in Japan: Interview Tips for Foreign IT & Tech Engineers
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Being too vague: "I like Japanese culture/anime" is not enough. Relate it to your professional growth.
- Focusing only on what you "get": Instead of "I want to learn from you," say “I want to contribute my skills to help you achieve [X].”
- Ignoring the "Shibou Douki" length: In a Japanese resume (Rirekisho), this section is small. Be concise. For a Cover Letter, you can expand.
Pro-tip: The Difference Between Rirekisho and CV
In Japan, you often need two documents: the Rirekisho (Personal Profile) and the Shokumu Keirekisho (Work History). The "Reason for Applying" should be consistent across both.
Related Guide:
[Free Template] Complete Guide to Japanese Resumes for IT Engineers
[Free Template]Japanese CV Guide for Engineers: How to Write a Shokumu Keirekisho
Conclusion: Get Professional Support
Navigating the Japanese interview process is much easier with an expert by your side. At GTalent, we specialize in connecting international IT and mechanical engineers with companies that offer visa support and English-speaking environments.
Your dream tech career in Japan starts here.
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