“My Japanese isn’t very good… Can I still apply?”<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Can I apply even if I’m not confident in my Japanese?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The level of Japanese required depends on the role.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> We asked several international employees what it was really like to apply while worrying about their Japanese ability.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> I was slightly concerned the interview process might have required more Japanese, but I was relieved to find that my interviewer was American, and communication was smooth throughout the interview.<\/p>\n<\/div> When I found ZenGroup, I saw a company where my background wasn’t just welcome\u2014it was relevant. As a Japan-based company with a global outlook and a strong focus on Spanish-speaking markets, it felt like a place where I could genuinely contribute.<\/p>\n I still know I have room to grow in Japanese communication, but ZenGroup’s international environment gave me the confidence to believe I could make a difference. That’s why I decided to apply.<\/p>\n<\/div> Sometimes I need to communicate with Japanese-speaking colleagues, which still makes me feel a little nervous because office Japanese can be quite complex for me.<\/p>\n However, because of our company’s international working environment, everyone is very kind and understanding. That support really helps ease my nerves, and it gets easier with every interaction.<\/p>\n<\/div> Even having worked in Japan for many years, in jobs where I would go weeks without even using English, I still had some struggles with new vocabulary related to this line of work.<\/p>\n I don’t think future applicants need to worry too much, though. I picked up the important words surprisingly fast. I was actually more worried about my lack of knowledge of Japanese pop culture\u2014but even that turned out not to be a problem.<\/p>\n In the end, language was only one small part of whatl I needed to learn working here.<\/p>\n<\/div> Even if your Japanese isn’t perfect, ZenGroup is a place where you naturally improve while working.<\/p>\n Being surrounded by Japanese colleagues gives you plenty of opportunities to experience both the language and the culture every day. Everyone is supportive and welcoming, so it never felt as intimidating as I expected.<\/p>\n<\/div> One message came up again and again throughout these interviews: Don’t let language stop you from taking the next step.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2014it’s being willing to communicate, learn, and take on new challenges.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Some of you may have heard about the recent changes to Japan\u2019s visa requirements and may be wondering how they could affect you.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> 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.<\/p>\n If you have any questions or concerns about the visa process, our Recruitment Team would be happy to answer your questions\u2014even before you apply.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> We also asked what helped employees overcome their worries about using Japanese.<\/p>\n Many mentioned that they gradually became more comfortable by making use of company support programs and simply getting involved in daily life at ZenGroup.<\/p>\n “If you want to keep improving your Japanese while working, ZenGroup offers Japanese lessons and a Language Buddy Program to support your learning.<\/i>”<\/p>\n<\/div> “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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/careers.zen.group\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/qanda-face-2.png\" "\\"qanda")
QUESTION:<\/span><\/h2><\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/careers.zen.group\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/qanda-face-1-1.png\" "\\"qanda")
ANSWER:<\/span><\/h2><\/div>
Real Voices from Employees: What It Was Like Before and After Joining ZenGroup<\/h3><\/div>
An English Job Interview Helped Me Relax<\/h4>\n
<\/i>\u2014 R.M. (England)<\/h6><\/div><\/div><\/div>
I Found a Place Where My Background Could Make a Difference<\/h4>\n
<\/i>\u2014 D.D. (Chile)<\/h6><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Supportive Colleagues Helped Me Gain Confidence<\/h4>\n
<\/i> \u2014 P.V. (Vietnam)<\/h6><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Learning New Terminology Is Part of Any New Job<\/h4>\n
<\/i> \u2014 K.S. (United States)<\/h6><\/div><\/div><\/div>
What would you like to say to people who are worried about their Japanese before applying?<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Don’t let language stop you from pursuing an opportunity<\/h4>\n
<\/i>\u2014 D.D. (Chile)<\/h6><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Summary<\/h3><\/div>
Changes to Japan\u2019s Visa Requirements in April 2026<\/h4>\n
![](\"https:\/\/careers.zen.group\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/photo_qa4-scaled.webp\" "\\"photo_qa4\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Bonus: Japanese Language Support After You Join ZenGroup<\/h3><\/div>