Life in Japan as a foreigner

Name: Dr. Gazi Mohammad Sharif

ENGLISH VERSION

I came Japan in 2010 to study PhD in engineering. My plan was to go back after completing my study. I came here alone but after two years my wife and two sons came Japan. My sons were 6 and 1 year old that time.

My sons started going to school and kindergarten. My family started loving Japan. My sons liked their schools, their friends and everything in Japan. I realized that we wanted to stay here. It was a difficult decision. In one side, Japan is wonderful country to live in. A safe, clean, developed country, high class education, medical facilities, etc. Japan is a very comfortable country compared to so many countries.

On the other hand, I had a good job in my country, we have paternal business there. I could spend a decent life in Bangladesh working in a good university and taking care of our business. I was in dilemma what to do during my doctoral graduation in 2014. I could realize that it would be a tough journey for me if we try to stay in Japan and raise my children here. I did not have much ideas about getting jobs in Japan. I could not speak Japanese at all that time. For any documents, I had to request my Japanese friends and others to read or write any documents or to talk over phone in Japanese language.

My elder son already started his first-year elementary school in Japan and he enjoyed the fullest in the school. His class teacher was so kind. She loves our children so much and takes care a lot. Even now we have contacts with her. Anyway, I asked my family about their opinions and they wanted to stay in Japan. I also set up my mind that I would try to continue staying here by the will of Almighty Allah.

My PhD supervisor is an amazing, good-hearted person. Without his help, our dream may not come true. He gave me the first opportunity to start working in Japan as a post-doctoral research fellow.

From then (2014), my journey as a job holder starts. Till now, I have the experiences to work in several universities and companies. My journey was not so smooth always. I had to face several challenges as well.

The biggest challenge was the Japanese language. At first as my intension was to go back Bangladesh, I did not study Japanese. However, during working in Japan, I felt that it is really very important to learn Japanese. I started learning Japanese by myself by reading books, watching videos and attending volunteer class.

In that case, I must mention “Nihongo volunteer sorairo-no-tane; it’s means sky blue seed” in Higashimurayama. The volunteer teachers are kind and experienced dealing with foreigners. The teach very well with joy. I never felt bored to attend the classes. I feel that my confidence on speaking Japanese is growing. I got JLPT N4 certificate in 2019.

However, I think my Japanese level maybe better than JLPT N4. The volunteer class teach the students according to their level and requirements.

My main target was to talk in Japanese and prepare myself to work in Japanese company. After working several laboratories, I got appointed to a Japanese company and my interview was completely in Japanese. I am grateful to “Nihongo volunteer sorairo-no-tane”.

Now in 2023, my sons are studying in grade 11 and 6. Now I do not need to go to any one for documentation. My elder son can do it. My journey to help my sons to settle in Japan in not finished yet.

However, I can communicate with easy Japanese language and I feel if I could have this level of Japanese earlier, my life here could be smoother earlier. Even with my limited Japanese language level,

I help many foreigners to speak on behalf of them. Before, I took help from others. Now I help others. It is a great feeling.

Thank you very much for your time and attentions.