Understanding Japanese Interviews (面接)

Understanding Japanese Interviews (面接)

At Jobagus.id, candidates are interviewed first. A job offer letter is only given after you pass the interview, so the interview is the most decisive step. In Japanese, an interview is called 面接 (mensetsu, interview). This lesson explains who will interview you and what they look for.

Who interviews you?

• The receiving company (受入れ企業, ukeire kigyou, receiving company). Usually the company head, the HR department, or your direct supervisor at the workplace. They are the ones who decide whether to accept you.
• The supervising organization (監理団体, kanri dantai), often called kumiai. It supports companies in the technical intern training program. Under the Ikusei Shuro program starting 1 April 2027, this role is taken over by the 監理支援機関 (kanri shien kikan, supervising and support organization), which must be licensed.
• The registered support organization (登録支援機関, touroku shien kikan). It helps Tokutei Ginou (SSW) workers with daily life and work in Japan.
• The interpreter (通訳, tsuuyaku, interpreter). Many interviews can be held in Indonesian with an interpreter's help.

Interview formats

Interviews can be online (by video) or face to face, one-on-one or in a group. Some companies add a simple test, such as a math test, an accuracy test, or a light hands-on task. Ask about the format before the interview day so you can prepare.

What do they assess?

1. Attitude. How you greet, sit, listen, and answer. Being polite and sincere matters more than fluent Japanese.
2. Motivation. Why you chose Japan, this field, and this company. A clear, sensible answer is more convincing than a long one.
3. Health. Jobs in kaigo (elderly care), food factories, and manufacturing often require physical strength and shift work. Answer health questions honestly.
4. Commitment to stay. Japanese companies want workers who stay for the long term and do not quit halfway. Show that you have thought about completing your contract.
5. Honesty. An honest answer, even when you cannot do something yet, is valued more than an answer that sounds impressive but is not true.

Preparing one week before the interview

• Find out the company name, its location, and the type of work.
• Practice your self-introduction out loud every day.
• Prepare answers to common questions, especially why you want to go to Japan.
• Get enough sleep and take care of your health before the interview day.

Things to remember

• Interviewers assess your whole attitude from start to finish, not just the content of your answers.
• If you do not understand a question, ask them to repeat it. That is better than giving a random answer.
• Passing the interview does not guarantee departure. There are still the medical check, documents, and visa, which are decided by the authorities.

Beware of brokers

JOBAGUS never charges a registration fee; beware of brokers. JOBAGUS is a contributor that connects candidates with companies, not a broker. If anyone asks you for money in the name of JOBAGUS or promises that you will surely pass, do not pay and report it to us.