As interest in the space industry continues to grow, an increasing number of foreign engineers are considering career opportunities at Japanese space companies.
However, many feel a sense of uncertainty, with questions such as:
- “Are Japanese companies truly foreigner-friendly?”
- “Can I manage even if I’m not yet fluent in Japanese?”
- “What is the actual work environment like?”
To explore these questions, we spoke with Dario, an engineer from Italy, about his experience working in the Japanese space sector.
After building a 10-year career in New Zealand, Dario made the move to a Japanese space startup. As it turns out, there were surprising differences between the “classic Japanese image” he had before coming to Japan and his actual experience on the ground.
Preconceptions: “A Very Strict Company”
Before arriving, Dario’s image of the Japanese workplace was colored by common stereotypes. “I just had maybe an image a bit different from what I actually experienced,” he admits. “A bit more classic Japanese image. Very strict company, very rich in Japanese”.
Despite having visited Japan four times as a tourist, the prospect of navigating society and a professional environment without being fluent in the language was a significant concern. “I wasn’t sure until you work in the company, you don’t know,” he says regarding his initial worries about fitting in.
A “Very Smooth” Transition with Talisman
When Dario decided to look for a role in Japan, the process moved faster than expected thanks to a timely connection with Talisman. “It actually was a bit of a coincidence… it’s been very smooth,” he recalls, noting how the support from Talisman put him in direct contact with the space industry.
Dario felt particularly supported by the Talisman team during the hiring phase, noting that the support was comprehensive and transparent. This included “describing the job and being sure that I had the right skill and probably negotiating a bit for salary… and being flexible with the interviews”. He appreciated that it wasn’t a rushed process: “We had quite a few interviews. It was not just one… I took my time to decide“.
Life in the “Real Japanese Way”
Once he joined the startup, Dario found himself in a team that was mostly Japanese—a contrast to other teams in the company that are more international. However, he views this as a unique advantage. “I like it because I feel I can experience the real Japanese way,” he explains.
He describes his colleagues as a “very committed team” where, despite the high-pressure environment of the space industry, the atmosphere remains “quite collaborative” and “everybody is very respectful”. Having a supportive manager has also been key: “My boss is very happy to help and even in moments of stress, it’s very nice. That definitely helps”.
The Reality of Daily Life: Stress and Success
While Dario insists that “living here is great,” he is honest about the hurdles. “The only source of stress is that I don’t know yet the language too well. In many situations, it’s quite stressful,” he says. Even the daily commute can be a challenge, noting that “taking the train every day… feels uncomfortable”.
To bridge the language gap, Dario has also focused on hobbies, like sports or social dances, where he can interact more actively with Japanese people: “most of the people in these communities are Japanese, don’t speak English at all, really,” he says. This immersion forces him to practice: “with most of my friends, I have to speak Japanese. So I improve, definitely. At least I improve using what I know”.
Advice to Aspiring Candidates: “Just Try to be Brave”
For those considering a move to the Japanese space industry, Dario emphasizes the importance of an open mind. “You have to be definitely a bit flexible, open-minded,” he advises.
Ultimately, he believes the journey is worth the effort. “Coming to Japan can be a very rewarded experience to grow as a person to see a different way of working,” he says. His final word of encouragement to fellow internationals? “Just try to be brave and do the experience discover by yourself but it’s worth it”.
Launch Your Career in Japan with Talisman
Are you inspired by Dario’s journey? At Talisman, we are dedicated to supporting international professionals who want to make their mark in the Japanese space industry. From identifying the right roles to navigating salary negotiations and interview processes, we provide the personalized support you need for a “very smooth” transition.
Contact us today to explore your future in Japan’s space sector!
