On February 12th, the Japanese Program, in collaboration with Oshaberi-ka (Japanese Language Table), hosted a special workshop titled “Life in Japan – Ask Senpai.” The session was led by James Luk, a UCSC graduate who has lived in Japan for over three years. Drawing from his experience studying Japanese and building a career abroad, James shared insights into why he chose to move to Japan, how he adjusted to life there, and how living abroad helped him grow both personally and professionally.
 

During the talk, James discussed what daily life in Japan is like, highlighting both the pros and cons of living there. He spoke about topics such as cultural differences, transportation, cost of living, language barriers, and workplace expectations. He also shared his professional journey, including his work experiences in Japan, strategies for job hunting, changing jobs, and useful online and in-person resources. In addition, he addressed how students can improve their Japanese language skills, emphasizing the importance of motivation, consistent practice, and actively using the language.
 

Approximately 15 people attended the workshop, engaging enthusiastically and asking a wide range of questions about life and career pathways in Japan. We would like to thank all participants for joining and contributing to this lively and informative session.
 

For anyone who was unable to attend the workshop, feel free to contact Mitsuhashi-sensei with any questions. We are also planning another professionalization workshop next academic semester, so stay tuned! The Japanese Program looks forward to offering more opportunities for students to explore professional pathways while utilizing the knowledge accumulated in the Japanese Program.