Top 30 Japanese language interview Questions and answers

The Coming of the Japanese Language-Its History

The Japanese Language found its root in the Japonic or Japanese-Ryukyuan language family. Its usage is seen to be prevalent in the Japanese community. Japan is the only country that has Japanese as the national language, and over 128 million people, primarily in Japan, speak Japanese.

The origin of the language dates back to the 3rd Century AD when the Chinese documents first started recording new Japanese words. It was not until the 8th Century that the substantial old Japanese texts appeared. The Heian period (794-1184) recorded the first massive influx of Sino-Japanese vocabulary into the language, bringing changes in phonology or Early Middle Japanese. 

Late Middle Japanese saw changes in grammar and the introduction of European loanwords. It is during this period the region of standard dialect moved from the Kansai region to the Edo region in the Early Japanese period (early 17th century-mid 19th century).

Japan’s self-imposed isolation in 1853, marked a huge increase in the flow of loanwords from the European languages, and words from the English roots have been propagated. 

What makes the Japanese language a priority of students today?

The oncoming of the new educational era where education is more feasible and trouble-free allows candidates to study any course at any given time from any given place. This change in the educational makeup has further accelerated the expectations of the companies. Candidates today are expected not only to have good subject knowledge but also to show skill in other areas that add value to the organization. 

Second language proficiency is one such proficiency companies expect candidates to exhibit. Aspiring candidates with Second Language proficiency can bag better jobs and even access education from universities that use the same language of their expertise.

This clearly shows the importance of a second language in today’s world. 

Now, Let’s Start with the Top 30 Japanese language interview Questions and answers–

Top General Questions

1. How would you describe yourself?

This is a common first question in every interview. The interviewer here wants to know about your name, educational qualification, and other professional details. 

So, your answer would be mentioning your name and your recent professional experience. 

2. Why did you think of this job?

Here, the interviewer is seeking your reason for choosing his company to work for. 

So, your answer would be mentioning your reason to choose the company and also show appreciation for the company. 

3. Which place do you belong to?

Here, the interviewer wants to know which part of the globe you belong to or from which place you come. And also want to know whether you know about your place. 

Your answer would be mentioning the place you belong to and also giving some insight into its culture and tradition. So, if possible you can research your company and the list of employees from your place working in it. 

4. Do you know Japanese?

Here, the interviewer wants to know whether you can speak Japanese. Remember he doesn’t expect you to be a fluent speaker. 

In answer, you can mention that you can speak Japanese as a beginner or professional. If you have learned from any institution, you can also state that. 

5. How did you learn Japanese?

Here, the interviewer wants to know whether you learned Japanese by yourself or from any institution. 

In answer, you can mention if you have learned by yourself or from any institution. It is always better to elaborate on the levels of learning-

1. Elementary level 

2. Pre-intermediate level

3. Pre-advanced level

4. Advanced level 

Also, mention your progress with these levels. 

6. Can you explain how your experiences can benefit the company?

 The interviewer here wants to know whether your experiences can help your current position in the company. Here he wants to know whether you have worked in the required areas in the past. 

In answer, make sure you explain in detail your past experiences and how it can benefit your present position in the company. Mention the projects, skills, or anything related relevant to your job to secure your position. 

7. Why did you choose a Japanese-based job?

The interviewer here clearly wants to know your interest in the subject. 

In answer, be completely honest about why you wish to work in a Japanese-based job. You can mention if you are someone who is truly passionate about the language and is interested in Japanese culture. You can also mention if you have worked with Japanese clients in the past and have realized the plenty of employment opportunities that the language provides. 

8. What are your career goals?

Here the interviewer wants to know whether your career goals align with the current position in the company. 

You can answer by stating your futuristic goals but make sure your career goals support the current position and company requirements. Make sure your career goals are realistic. 

9. What is your future plan?

The interviewer here wants you to give a little clearer picture of your future goals. 

You can answer by mentioning the steps you have designed to achieve your goals and talking about how motivated you are. Always remember to keep your goals close to the company’s requirements. 

10. Where do you envision yourself in the next 5 years?

This question is related to the above questions. Japanese companies expect candidates to work in the long run. 

Be careful with your answer. Make sure you convince the interviewer by showcasing your interest in learning more and more about the changing technologies and how you can get the best to the table. 

Technical Questions

1. Can you mention your achievements?

Here the interviewer wants to know about your achievements and how can it help in the development of the company. 

You can answer by mentioning recent achievements and showcasing your teamwork as that is what matters. How well you work in a team. Also, express gratitude for your achievements because no achievement is one-manship, and give credit to your other team members. 

2. Why did you leave your previous job?

This can be a difficult question because here the interviewer wants to know about your problems with the previous job. 

In answer, be careful with how you present your answer. Mention your reason that does not put the previous company in a bad light and also show your enthusiasm for changing your job and your flexibility in adapting to change. 

3. Why do you want the current position in the company?

Here the interviewer wants to see your attitude toward your job. 

In answer, show a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards your new job and state how you can contribute to the new company. 

4. How would you manage if you miss a deadline?

The interviewer here expects you to maintain calm and discipline under stress. 

Be honest with your reply by stating that sometimes circumstances can cause a delay in achieving deadlines. But talk about your communication skills with the other team members and how you can manage such a situation with a deadline on edge. 

5. How would you convince your boss to accept new ideas for the company?

Here, the interviewer wants to test your confidence and your attitude toward conveying your ideas to your seniors. 

In answer, you can mention how you believe your ideas can benefit the company and what difference it can make. State your ideas clearly and politely but make sure you must sound convincing. 

6. How would you convince your co-worker to work on the same project?

Here the interviewer wants to see how you manage problems. He wants to see your problem-solving ability.

In answer, show that despite your viewpoint you respect your co-worker’s viewpoint. State to the interviewer that you can solve the problem without disturbing your relationship with your co-worker. 

7. How will you manage if you are given several non-productive internal meetings?

The interviewer wants to check how you respond to unnecessary work to clearly state what responsibilities he can assign to your expertise. 

In answer, you clearly state your areas of expertise and what you bring to the table also showing respect and admiration for your bosses’ leadership. 

8. How do you envision yourself in the first 30 days of work?

Generally, Japanese companies have a training program for teaching Japanese in the first 30 days. The interviewer wants to check whether you have a fundamental awareness of what happens in a company.

You can answer by saying your willingness to interact and know your teammates and understand the project. Also, emphasize learning Japanese. 

9. Will you be able to work in a Japanese environment?

The interviewer here wants to know your enthusiasm to work in a new cultural environment. 

You can answer by showing interest in Japanese culture and how you are looking forward to working in the company. 

10. Do you think you are a team member?

Japanese companies look for teamwork over individual contribution to the company.

In answer, show your skills as a team worker and also mention some of the team goals you have achieved in the past. 

11. How would you manage a frustrated client?

Here the interviewer wants to know how you can manage clients under work pressure.

You can answer by saying you are a calm-going person and handle any situation under any situation. You can bring positivity even in the worst of times. 

12. If you are a team leader, how would you deal with a team member senior in age to you?

The interviewer wants to know how you bring values and culture to work. 

Answer by saying that as a team leader you will never distinguish team members in age but also show decency when managing the team.

13. To learn a language, what is more important, being a good listener or communicator?

Here the interviewer wants to know whether you are a good listener or a communicator. 

Answer by saying both skills are important to be competent. 

14. How would you deal with criticism?

This is again a personal question. The interviewer wants to know how you can deal with criticism.

Answer by saying that you are a strong person and can distinguish between good and bad criticism. 

15. How well do you know Japanese?

Here the interviewer wants to check what level of learning you are. 

Answer by saying whether you are a beginner or professional in speaking Japanese. 

Personal Questions

1. Describe yourself. What type of person are you?

Here the interviewer wants to know you as a person in general. 

You can here answer by saying that you are friendly, disciplined, or any other quality that you feel like mentioning. This will help the employer help you know you as a person personally. 

2. How long do you want to live in Japan?

Here again, the interviewer wants to know your future goals. 

Answer by saying that you plan to stay here for a long. Mention your desire to know Japanese culture and seek to work for the company for personal development apart from professional benefit. 

3. How do you like spending your free time?

Here the interviewer wants to see that you are a fun-loving person as well. 

Answer by saying you like to move out in your free time, spend quality time with family members, or also meet friends once a month or two. 

4. What do you do for fun?

The interviewer wants to know about your hobbies. 

Be relaxed in answering this question as this is a personal question. But keep in mind that you are in an interview. 

5. How would you manage office and home life?

Here the interviewer wants to know about your management skills. 

Answer by saying that both home and work life is important. So you will work towards both in the future. 

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• Get Prepared for a Japanese Language Interview
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Conclusion

The given questions will help aspiring candidates to appear for any Japanese-based job. Prepare the questions and crack the exams with ease. 

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