“My Japanese isn’t very good… Can I still apply?”
It’s one of the questions we hear most often from international applicants. The employees featured in this article had the same concern before joining ZenGroup. So, what was it actually like after they joined? Here’s what they had to say about working in Japan, using Japanese at work, and finding their place at ZenGroup.
At ZenGroup, both Japanese and English are official working languages. How much you use each language depends on your team and position, so we don’t decide whether someone can apply based solely on their JLPT certification.
In fact, several of the employees we spoke with applied while feeling unsure about their Japanese, and some joined without holding a JLPT qualification at all.
Real Voices from Employees: What It Was Like Before and After Joining ZenGroup
We asked several international employees what it was really like to apply while worrying about their Japanese ability.
What would you like to say to people who are worried about their Japanese before applying?
Summary
One message came up again and again throughout these interviews: Don’t let language stop you from taking the next step.
The level of Japanese needed depends on the role, but every employee we spoke with agreed on one thing: what matters most isn’t speaking perfect Japanese—it’s being willing to communicate, learn, and take on new challenges.
If you’re looking for your next opportunity in Japan, we hope this article gives you the confidence to take that first step with ZenGroup.
Changes to Japan’s Visa Requirements in April 2026
Some of you may have heard about the recent changes to Japan’s visa requirements and may be wondering how they could affect you.
Beginning in April 2026, certain application requirements for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa were revised. Depending on the role, applicants joining companies classified under Categories 3 or 4 may now be required to submit documentation demonstrating proficiency in the language used for their work, such as Japanese.
ZenGroup, however, is classified as a Category 1 company and is therefore not subject to these newly introduced documentation requirements. Rest assured, applicants to ZenGroup do not need to be concerned about the impact of this visa requirement change.
If you have any questions or concerns about the visa process, our Recruitment Team would be happy to answer your questions—even before you apply.
Bonus: Japanese Language Support After You Join ZenGroup
We also asked what helped employees overcome their worries about using Japanese.
Many mentioned that they gradually became more comfortable by making use of company support programs and simply getting involved in daily life at ZenGroup.
“If you want to keep improving your Japanese while working, ZenGroup offers Japanese lessons and a Language Buddy Program to support your learning.”
“The biggest thing that helped me grow was simply saying ‘yes’ and joining in. Through club activities and company events, I naturally learned the language, the culture, and built friendships. If you’re willing to take that first step, ZenGroup provides plenty of opportunities to support you.”
