❓ How did you adapt to Japanese work culture?

Dmitry: I joined nomikais, local festivals, and even volunteered. These really helped! I also had a Japanese coworker who understood what it’s like to be a foreigner.

Anastasia: My manager always gave simple and clear instructions. Also, speaking more Japanese and joining group events helped me become part of the team.

Armine: It was hard at first, but we actively used AI to help us understand each other better. Actively participating in various events like nomikai and karaoke also helped ease the waters.

Oleg: Work in Japan is very different. I had to join many meetings and read a lot of emails, even when I didn’t say much. Writing was easier because I used translation tools, but the hidden meaning was hard. My skills helped me build trust.

❓ Any advice for newcomers?

Rustam: Living in Japan is very different from traveling here. If you only want quick money or a fast career, maybe choose another place.

Stan-san: Some things in Japan can’t be changed. It’s better to accept them and move on.

Dmitry: It’s important to know some Japanese. Also, find hobbies you enjoy. After moving, check local events—you’ll find something fun every week.

Armine: The first few months are always going to be lonely. It was something pointed out to me by a friend who moved to France. Pity I wasn’t as prepared for it, but it will pass! And then the new life will begin. It's worth it. You just need to pull through. Oh, and definitely practice Japanese—the more, the better!

Tap 🦄 if you found this interesting!

#life_in_Japan

How Our Engineers Adapt in Japan

We asked our developers from past batches—those who are already living and working in Japan—to share their honest experience of adapting to life here. Here's what they said👇

❓ What was hardest at first?

Stan-san: Everything started all at once. I moved into an empty apartment and didn’t understand basic things like how to sort garbage or where to hang out after work. Starting a new job was also challenging. On top of that, I didn’t know anyone, so it felt like too much at once.

Anastasia: Shopping was confusing at first. So many unfamiliar items, and it was difficult to find things I was used to from home.

Armine: I missed home, my friends, and family a lot, and I could really feel the emptiness. Making new friends and connections in Japan is also extra hard mode.

Rustam: Basic tasks like getting a SIM card or paying bills are tough without Japanese. Finding an apartment is also challenging, but companies usually support you. Be ready to buy appliances and furniture, though—sometimes the company covers it and deducts the cost from your salary.

❓ What helped you settle in?

Stan-san: Living in Japan felt like being in an anime, and that helped me a lot. I already had a small idea of what life here would be like.

Dmitry: Funny enough, karaoke helped me the most! It was fun, and I practiced reading and speaking Japanese. Visiting onsen and joining events helped too.

Anastasia: Our IT community in Izumo was great. They shared a lot of helpful advice with me.

Oleg: After-work talks with coworkers helped me improve. Just being around Japanese people at the office helped me get used to their way of speaking and working.

Hackathon highlights from Tokyo 🇯🇵

On April 18, our IT engineers joined a one-day hackathon in Tokyo. 4 teams worked side-by-side with Japanese professionals to tackle a real-world problem: how to keep knowledge inside a company when people change departments — and how to help employees grow within their careers.

📌 Team A created a knowledge submission system to prevent information loss during department transfers.

📌 Team B developed a community-powered Q&A platform that uses AI to structure answers and reward helpful content.

📌 Team C built a lightweight knowledge logging tool with reminders and clean UX.

📌 Team D implemented ML-based job matching to support internal career development.

Everyone used Adalo, a no-code platform that made it easy to quickly build and test their apps. Some teams also integrated custom stacks like Python, Java, PHP (Laravel), Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, Gemini AI, and AWS.

For many participants, it was their first time pitching a product to Japanese colleagues and working in a cross-cultural team. But more than just a tech challenge, it was an opportunity to demonstrate their skills to potential employers and take a meaningful step toward a career in Japan.

Want to be part of something like this? Batch 7 – Opening in early June! Follow us here so you don’t miss the announcement 👀

#about_HY_program

📣 After helping 20+ engineers move to Japan through our past batches, we’re now launching Batch 6 with 12 new participants!

Our process stays the same: Japanese language training, resume and interview preparation, and personalized job matching — because it works.

📩 We’ve sent selection results to all applicants via email — don’t forget to check your inbox (and spam folder, just in case)!

Let’s welcome the next wave of future engineers in Japan 🇯🇵

#about_HY_program

Week one in Izumo: complete ✅
Check out some highlights!

#about_HY_program

Batch 4 is finally here!

10 developers are starting their program in Izumo today. Orientation is done — now it’s time to explore Japan, connect with companies, and prepare for a full-on hackathon in Tokyo next week.

Let’s gooo!

#about_HY_program

+1 Developer in Izumo!

Our IT community in Izumo keeps growing! Timur, a frontend developer in our 2nd batch, has recently moved to Japan with his wife and joined SAMI.

SAMI is our IT company, specializing in software development. We work with highly skilled engineers from Eastern Europe, driving innovation and supporting global talent in Japan’s tech industry.

Timur shared his thoughts:
What stood out to me the most were the amazing people behind this project and those I got to meet throughout the process. The energy and talent surrounding this program are truly inspiring.

I want to give special thanks to Alinа-sensei (♥️) for her guidance and motivation. She made learning Japanese and understanding its deep and complex culture so much more approachable. The language course was very welcoming and supportive, making it a great experience for beginners.

Relocating to Japan was also made so much easier with the help of Anatolii-san and Boris-san (♥️), who guided me through every step of the process. Handling documents and legal matters was a smooth experience thanks to them.

I cannot express enough gratitude to this program and everyone who has been part of it. It has fulfilled a dream I never thought I could achieve—moving to Japan.

There is still a long road ahead as I integrate and adapt, but I’m now stepping into my future with confidence and excitement!


Big welcome to Timur! 🎉

#relocation_case