Visit our website to download this flyer and other available resources:
https://jpf.org.au/classroom-resources/advocacy/© 2021 The Japan Foundation, Sydney

Japanese study andfuture opportunities
WHY LEARN A LANGUAGE?
Learning languages enriches students’ lives
on a personal, social and cultural level, andpresents opportunities for employment in
an increasingly interconnected world.
On a personal level, if students know alanguage, it deepens their experience of
discovering a new culture and making
friendships. Many students who havevisited or experienced homestays in Japan
have found it a life changing experience.
On an employment level, languages provide
a distinct advantage. Language skills are
an indication of reasoning ability, communication
skills and an open, enquiring mind. They are a
key element in a job application, regardless ofoccupation. Even if not specifically related tothe job, the fact that you have studied Japaneseindicates that you are open to new ideas andadaptable to different environments.
One example wherelanguage learning has
been shown to be an
important skill is in thefield of computer codingand programming. Thisis because learningprogramming languages
resembles learning anatural language!
Then there are career opportunities
in working for or with Japanesecompanies if you have Japanese
language skills. Japan is the thirdlargest economy in the world, andmany Japanese companies haveexpanded overseas.

Big companies that have businesses in Australia
include Asahi, Canon, Fujifilm, Fujitsu, Hitachi,Honda, Kirin, Mitsubishi, Nintendo, Sekisui
House, Sony, Suzuki, Toyota, and Yakult. Morerecently these have been joined by Muji, Rakuten
Securities, Recruit Holdings, Uniqlo, and others.
As of 2016, there were 97 Japanese companies
ranked in the top 2,000
companies in Australia employing
58,128 Australians.
There are some jobs that require
Japanese / English bilingualskills in Japanese companies inAustralia. However, even
if the job doesn’t requirea high level of Japaneseskills, your ability andwillingness to communicate
in Japanese will always
be an advantage, as thispromotes goodwill and canhelp to build relationships
and teamwork in theworkplace.にほんごがんばって！Nihongo ganbatte!
© 2021
1 The Japan Foundation, Sydney

Current as of April, 2021

Messages
fromSenpai

Career pathsfor Japanese learners～わたしと日本語～

Shannon Whiley
Cultural Affairs Officer,
Consulate-General of Japanin Brisbane

Q1. What motivated you to study
Japanese?
I was captivated by Japan’s remarkableculture and its beautiful language
through hosting students and watching Studio Ghibli films,
so wanted to learn as much as I could.
Q2. How did Japanese study influence your choiceof career?
I really enjoyed learning Japanese, so I decided on a career
where I could use the language while sharing my love ofJapan and Japanese with others.
Q3. How do you use your knowledge of Japaneselanguage and culture in your current position?
In my position I can speak Japanese and teach others about
Japanese culture, acting as a bridge between Australia andJapan. It’s great!
Message to students of Japanese
Don’t be afraid to explore the possibilities - there are so manythings you can do with Japanese, even within Australia!

Jaryd Sarky
Consultant, Mergers &Acquisitions, Deloitte
Japan

Q1. What did you study at University?
I studied Japanese as part of a double
major degree in Arts and Science(Chemistry) at university. I was able tostudy in Japan on a student exchange
program, and this opened up a world of
new opportunities.
Q2. What opportunities did you gain?
I now work in Tokyo at Deloitte
Japan as a consultant assisting
Japanese companies with strategicplanning of international mergers andacquisitions. I specialise in the fields ofpharmaceuticals, chemicals, precision
machinery, and energy. My work hastaken me all over Japan, and also toKorea, China, Thailand, France, the UK
and Germany!
Message to students of Japanese

Queenie Chan
Graphic Designer

Q1. How did Japanese study
influence your choice ofcareer?
Japanese was a compulsory
subject in middle school, and I became motivated tounderstand and use the language as I think the best
way to learn about a culture is through the language.
I had wanted to work in the creative industry since
I was a child. My Japanese language skills enabled
me to look for inspirations in Japanese artwork, andto study and gain new knowledge from a different
perspective. Ultimately, I decided to work in Japan topursue my goal of becoming a graphic designer whoworks internationally.

© 2021 The Japan Foundation, Sydney

Study Japanese and a world ofopportunities will open for you!
Q2. How do you use your knowledge of Japanese
language and culture in your current work?
Since I am now working in a Japanese company, all
the Japanese language and culture that I have learnt
has become essential to my work. My knowledge offormal Japanese allows me to communicate withmy team and clients clearly and effectively.
My knowledge of Japanese culture helps me tocarry out projects and blend in with workgroups.
Message to students of Japanese
Even though there may be difficult times when you
are learning unfamiliar things, I am sure it is worth
your time and effort because a world of the unknown
full of excitement is waiting for you!

Current as of April, 2021

Sara-Jane Seery
Technical Delegate Translator(Equestrian) Tokyo 2020

Q1. How do you use yourknowledge of Japanese
language and culture
in your current work?
Knowledge of Japanese language and culture
is imperative to perform the role of translator/interpreter. Culture influences language and as aninterpreter/ translator this affects word selection,delivery and tone.

with Japanese sign language and braille. I started
learning Japanese sign language whilst living in Japanon the JET Program and it was my first experience
with disability and inclusivity. I believe we have a
responsibility to explore the multiple avenues oursecond languages provide and create value for all
members of the societies we serve.
Message to students of Japanese

You do not need to make a career with your Japaneseskills, it can be for you own personal enjoyment.
However, should you want to use your Japanese
language skills in your work, explore as many
possibilities as you can - integrate your hobbies andQ2. What are your plans for the future?
interests - and diversify your language skills. Enjoy theAfter the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, journey, marvel at the new experiences and cherish
I would look to explore further career possibilities
the connections you make with people along the way.

Carol Cheng

Matthew Todd

Research and Liaison
Officer, CLAIR Sydney

Japanese Language Teacher

Q1. How did
Japanese study
influence yourchoice of career?
After graduating from university, I
participated in the Japan Exchangeand Teaching (JET) Programme as aCoordinator for International Relationsfor 3.5 years. This fortified my Japanese
language skills and initiated my interest ininternational relations relations, which led
me to my current role.
Q2. How do you use your knowledgeof Japanese language and culture
in your current work?
Japanese is the main language usedin my current workplace and I use
Japanese at work every day. My main
responsibilities include compilinginformation about Australia in Japanese,
explaining Australian culture in Japaneseand cross-checking English articles with
their Japanese source.
Message to students of Japanese
Choosing to learn Japanese back in Year
7 was one of the best decisions I havemade in my life as it led me to where I
am now. Throughout the process, I havemade a lot of discoveries about myself
and my own cultures. I would highly
recommend learning Japanese to anyone
who wants to challenge themselves!

© 2021 The Japan Foundation, Sydney

Q1. What motivated you to studyJapanese?
I chose Japanese in Year 7 because
I really liked Pokemon when I was akid! When I started studying it I foundthat I enjoyed it, so kept going.
Q2. How did Japanese study influence your choiceof career?
I knew I wanted to do work related to Japan in some way. Ichose an Arts degree majoring in Japanese language andHistory at ANU for two reasons: one, I really liked learning
more about Japan and its history and culture; and two, I
knew that all the skills I would learn in this degree would be
useful, no matter what kind of work I would do in the future.
Q3. What do you find satisfying about your work
as a high school teacher?
I get to share my knowledge of Japan with the next
generation of Japanese scholars. I love watching people
learn about Japan for the first time – so often, they arecaught up in the excitement I had when I was learning
to write kanji when I was a kid, or the thrill of making
connections between things they might know about Japan
already and the new stuff they are learning in the classroom.
Message to students of Japanese
You might not be planning on a career focused on Japan,
but Australia and Japan have such a close relationship,
it’s always useful to have some knowledge ofJapanese language and culture. Employees
and businesses will always be keen to havesomeone on staff that can interact with Japan
whether you plan on becoming a lawyer,a scuba diving instructor or a scientist.

Current as of April, 2021