From a senior foreigner working in a construction company
one thing

I came to Japan because I wanted to see how work was done. Someone I know had come to Japan to work, and in Japan, there was a set order for tasks to be completed and strict rules for working safely, so I really wanted to learn more about the work style, which was different from my home country, the Philippines.

When I first came to Japan, I was worried that the Japanese people around me would not speak to me because I was a foreigner.
However, the president and my seniors spoke to me kindly, so I was soon able to work with peace of mind.

He teaches me about my work so that I can understand it, and everyone in the company studies with me when I get my qualifications.
And in 2021, I was able to get a second-class Certificed Skilled Worker.
My current goal is to continue to do my best in Japan and start my own company.

I came to Japan in 2017 because I wanted to support my father and mother in the Philippines.
It all started when a friend who works as a carpenter told me that there were a lot of good jobs in Japan.

Reinforced concrete work is hard and sometimes difficult, but there are also many happy things because I've made friends.
Working with my friends makes every day feel so much fun, so I'm really glad I came to Japan.

On my days off, I play basketball with my coworkers and friends I made in Japan.
I also love cooking, so I make and eat my own food, but it's so delicious that I end up eating too much.
If you ever come to Japan, I'll treat you to some of my cooking!

I worked as an electrical engineer in the Philippines.
Since it's the same construction industry, I thought I would be able to understand something about rebar work, and it also sounded interesting, so that's what led me to come to Japan to try working for my current company.

There are many fun places in Japan, and on my days off I enjoy shopping in Odaiba and Ueno in Tokyo.
One day I'd like to go to Universal Studios Japan, the amusement park in Osaka.
There are some interesting rides and attractions, so if you have the chance, be sure to check it out.

I have two children, ages 13 and 11.
They also say they would like to live in Japan, so my goal now is to become a Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
My family always supports me, so I will continue to work hard.

The thing that made me happiest about coming to my current company was how warmly I was welcomed by all the Japanese people.
I was very nervous about living in an unfamiliar country, but thanks to you I was able to get used to it quickly.

I'm sure the company has put a lot of thought into making things easy for me as a Vietnamese person to work at.
Wanting to express my gratitude for such kindness, I even held a party inviting people from work to my room.

At first, I didn't think about working in Japan for a long time.
However, as I continued working there I grew to like Japan more and more and wanted to stay forever, so I got Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
I would like to continue working in Japan so that my efforts can serve as a good model for future foreigners coming here.

I came to Japan to save money and buy a farm in Indonesia.
My goal on the farm is to produce bioethanol and earn money for my family.
To do that, I need to buy things like trucks, so I want to keep working hard in Japan.

I don't really like studying, so I learn Japanese by watching YouTube.
I like channels that introduce Japanese recipes, and I learn the words by watching the Japanese subtitles.

Every Friday we get together to play futsal, which is our hobby.
On my days off, I play soccer games on the PlayStation, and I enjoy having fun every day outside of work.

What made me happiest about coming to Japan was how kind my company president and seniors were.
When I had a cold and a fever, I called someone at work and they came to my apartment right away and took me to the hospital. I was very happy about that.

I wanted to continue working in Japan, so in 2022 I became Specified Skilled Worker (i).
I want to start a company like Tezuka Komuten in Indonesia, so I want to learn more about the job and become a skilled craftsman.

There are many beautiful things in Japan, and I have seen cherry blossom viewing and fireworks many times. I think it is truly beautiful.
Every experience I had climbing Mount Fuji has become a precious memory for me.

I came to Japan in 2019 and became Specified Skilled Worker (i) in 2022.
I saw the cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji on TV and thought to myself, "I want to go to Japan!" That's what got me started working at my current company.

Japanese is difficult, but I'm trying to learn the words by watching anime.
My favorite anime are One Piece, Naruto, and Captain Tsubasa.
I'm not good at studying, but if I like anime I can keep going, so I recommend it.

We love soccer, and on our days off we all get together and practice.
My favorite team is Real Madrid and I'm a big fan of Ronaldo.
Right now I'm just training, but I'd like to play matches in the future.
If you'd like, would you like to come and play soccer with me in Japan?

I have been in Japan for over 10 years.
I also worked in rebar construction in China, but the types of rebar used in China and Japan are different. I had to relearn the names, but the work I did was almost the same, so it wasn't that difficult.

The good thing about becoming a Specified Skills is that my salary has increased compared to that of a Technical Intern Training student and that I have a high level of skills.
The president and everyone at work support me in my work, life, and Japanese studies, so I am living a very comfortable life.

Japanese uses kanji, so I think it is easy for Chinese people to read and write. I was able to pass the Level 1 Certificed Skilled Worker exam because the president taught me how to study.
The next goal is to become a Specified Skilled Worker (ii).

I came to Japan because I wanted to learn how Japanese people work.
It all started when I was 17 years old and a friend told me about Japan. We talked about going to Japan together and I was able to make my dream come true.

I talk to my family in Indonesia on the phone every day.
They support my work in Japan, and even when things get tough at work, I do my best thinking about my family.

My fondest memory at work is when, when I had just started working, my senior colleagues kindly taught me until I was able to do the job.
Whenever there was something I didn't understand, he would explain it to me in a very easy-to-understand way, saying, "Agus, when you do this, then do this," so I've now been able to master the basics of the job.

In Indonesia, many people aspire to work in Japan.
I am one of them, and I have always wanted to live and work in Japan someday.
I am happy that this dream has come true.

Work was going well and I was involved in the construction of a 38-story building in Tokyo.
We worked hard, learning everything from tying the rebar to assembling the slabs.
I'm proud to have been involved in such a large project, and I think my family is happy too.

On my days off, I go to Shibuya or Shinjuku to eat.
I've also been to Osaka and Nagoya, and the most fun I've had so far has been to Universal Studios Japan.
Roller coasters are so much fun, I would encourage everyone to try them.

The best thing about working in Japan now is having so many friends.
I work together with someone who is also from Indonesia, so we help each other out when we don't understand something about work.

My twin brothers have also come to Japan and work as welders in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
They are good friends and keep in touch often, talking about their troubles and encouraging each other, so they are a comfort to each other.

Badminton is a popular sport in Indonesia, and I play it as a hobby.
There are people in Japan who play badminton as well, and we get together after work or on weekends to practice badminton.
Thanks to this, I have been able to make more Japanese friends and I am very happy.

Indonesia and Japan have different customs and cultures.
The first thing that surprised me when I came to Japan was the toilet. In Indonesia, we wash our hands with water, but in Japan, we usually wipe with paper, so it took me a while to get used to it.
I'm currently using a Washlet.

The CEO is very kind and explains the job in an easy to understand way.
When I told them I liked dancing, they took me to a dance club. I had so much fun dancing with everyone and it's a very fond memory.

On my days off, I enjoy going cycling and visiting other prefectures to soak in hot springs.
I also love motorcycles, and my dream is to return to Indonesia and open a motorcycle shop.
I would like to work in Japan for a little while longer and save some money.