After nearly five months of working in Yamaguchi Sangyo and Hatsukaze, companies in Japan, three Kenyan professionals reflect on their experiences inside Japanese companies. From expectations and cultural challenges to personal growth and holiday traditions, their stories offer a candid look into life and work in Japan through Kenyan eyes.
1. Expectations vs. Reality
Before arriving in Japan, each of the participants carried their own assumptions about Japanese work culture.
For Baraka, the biggest surprise was how easy it was to connect with colleagues. He initially expected a lonely experience due to Japan’s online representation, imagining reserved coworkers and limited social interaction. Instead, he found himself constantly invited to social events with colleagues, a vast difference from the “cold society” often depicted online. The warmth and openness of his colleagues challenged everything he had assumed.
Luwate arrived with a Western-influenced perception of Japan—long working hours, minimal holidays, and relentless pressure. Contrary to those expectations, his experience has been overwhelmingly positive. While he acknowledges that some stereotypes about Japan do hold true, he admits that reality has been far kinder than what he had imagined.
Aoko, having lived in Japan before and with a little work experience from part-time jobs did not have any expectations. However, she did not know what to expect in a traditional Japanese company, but the experience has turned out to be very positive, and she actually feels more comfortable working here than most of her previous experiences.
2. Personal Growth
Working in Japan has proven to be a powerful catalyst for personal development.
Both Baraka and Luwate agree that the Japanese work environment pushes individuals to adapt in order to survive—and ultimately grow. While it is common for people to refuse tasks that fall outside their job description, stepping up and attempting unfamiliar responsibilities often leads to significant growth.
For Baraka, this translated into a boost in self-confidence. Being surrounded by highly accomplished professionals pushed him out of his comfort zone and forced him to communicate clearly and confidently. Trust from managers and colleagues, especially when being assigned projects, strengthened his sense of responsibility and determination.
Luwate describes his transformation as profound. His outlook on work, self-confidence, and problem-solving has evolved significantly. Interacting with established and distinguished professionals accelerated his way of thinking and reshaped his mindset. He considers his decision to work in Japan one of the best choices he has made.
Aoko did not experience drastic personal change, largely because she had prior exposure to Japanese work life. However, she noticed an increase in her seriousness and discipline at work, particularly due to the structured nature of a typical Japanese company.
3. Skills and Habits Gained
Working in Japan has helped each individual develop valuable skills.
Baraka learned how to be assertive without being disrespectful, mastering a balance between clarity and politeness. He also developed a deeper understanding of interpersonal psychology, particularly in navigating Japanese communication styles.
Luwate gained multiple skills, with project management standing out the most. Managing frequent projects taught him how to plan effectively, meet deadlines, and maintain professional relationships. He also improved his people skills, performance skills, and communication abilities. Interestingly, his personality shifted from introverted to more extroverted after repeatedly engaging with clients and pitching products.
Aoko learned how to take initiative and lead. This is because the nature of the job requires more proactiveness, considering it is a new business, this hand on approach proved effective and helped her demonstrate value through action.
4. Sense of Contribution and Pride
Pride in their work emerged through moments of responsibility and trust.
During business trips across Africa, Baraka realized the importance of being bilingual in an international company. As an English speaker, he often became the main point of contact, representing the company abroad. Being entrusted with projects made him feel valued and capable.
Luwate’s proudest moment came during a business trip to Las Vegas, where he was responsible for daily planning and client communication. Earning respect as an IT engineer and being recognized for his problem-solving mindset gave him a strong sense of achievement.
For Aoko, pride comes from working as a Kenyan woman in rural Japan. She feels fulfilled knowing that her research, communication, and networking efforts contribute tangible value to the company and local community.
5. Cultural Challenges in the Workplace
Despite the positive experiences, cultural challenges were inevitable.
All three participants noted the scarcity of “direct” feedback as one of the most difficult aspects of working in a Japanese workplace. Whether the work is done well or poorly, feedback is often minimal or indirect. Additionally, instructions are frequently delivered as subtly stated suggestions, rather than explicit requests, which makes it easy to overlook things that may actually be expectations.
They also observed that indirect communication can result in reduced problem-solving efficiency and stunt reconciliation in the event of conflict. This contrasts sharply with Kenyan culture, where directness is more common. However, that directness if taken to the extreme can be equally detrimental, thus necessitating the need to find a balance. Adapting to this communication style requires patience, emotional resilience and a teachable spirit.
6. Overcoming the Challenges
The key to overcoming these challenges was a shared mindset shift.
Rather than taking things personally, they learned to view indirect communication as a cultural norm rather than an act of malice. Understanding that this behaviour stems from discomfort with confrontation helped them adapt and maintain positive working relationships.
7. A Message to Fellow Kenyans and Japanese Companies
Advice to Kenyans aspiring to work in Japan:
They emphasize that Japan should not be approached merely as a place for fun. One must come with purpose, discipline, and a clear goal. While enjoying Japan’s rich culture is important, self-control is essential. Open-mindedness, patience, and willingness to sacrifice comfort—especially at the beginning—are key.
Understanding that rules vary by prefecture, preparing mentally and socially, and respecting Japanese culture are crucial. They stress that working in Japan means representing Kenya, acting as informal ambassadors, and striving to add value wherever possible.
Salary should not be the sole focus; the experience, growth, and learning opportunities matter more. For those seeking a workplace that feels like family, Japan can be a deeply rewarding choice—if approached with the right mentality.
A message to Japanese companies:
They encouraged Japanese companies to hire Kenyans, emphasizing that Kenyans are versatile, multi-skilled, and capable of adapting to different environments. They believe there is no “average Kenyan,” as many are willing to learn the culture and deliver results. Kenyans thrive when given meaningful tasks and opportunities. They also suggested that companies be more flexible with rules and create stimulating work environments.
8. Holidays in Japan: Christmas and New Year
The holiday season offered yet another layer of discovery.
Baraka and Aoko were invited to a Christmas dinner hosted by a company executive, where they enjoyed an array of Japanese delicacies at a level of quality surpassing the expectations they carried before leaving Kenya. Baraka also shared Toshikoshi soba (soba noodles eaten on New Years’ Eve) with highly intellectual Japanese friends on New Year’s Eve and participated in Hatsumōde, the traditional first shrine visit of the year.
Aoko chose a quieter approach, using the New Year to relax and plan ahead. She expressed excitement about traveling more within Japan in the coming year.
Luwate spent Christmas working due to preparations for an upcoming business trip, with the office closing on December 27th. On New Year’s Eve, he joined a group of foreigners, witnessed people jumping into a freezing river, and later joined friends in an evening celebration.
Despite their different experiences, they all agreed on one thing: Japan is truly a land of discovery.
Yamaguchi Sangyo company link:https://www.yamasan-grp.co.jp/en/
Hatsukaze company link: https://www.hatsukaze.co.jp/en/