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It changed everything!
Encounter with "Japanese Fathers"
2022.09.01
Working abroad is a major challenge in life. What experiences have Specified Skilled Worker gone through to get to where they are today? What dreams do they have for the future? We introduce the careers of these challengers.
NicknameHIEP(25 years old)
Specified Skills start date: August 1, 2021
Length of stay: 7th year
Origin: Vietnam
I decided to work in Japan based on advice from a relative.
When I consulted a relative who works for a sending organization about working abroad, they advised me, "Why don't you try to acquire skills in the Japanese construction industry?" and that's how I ended up where I am today. At the time, I knew almost nothing about Japan and was anxious about what kind of country it would be, but I was also excited about living abroad.
I joined Matsuei Kogyo Co., Ltd. as a welding Technical Intern Training
"I've taken on a really tough job...!" due to the weight and heat: 1
I'd never done any heavy lifting before, so I lacked muscle strength, and the tools and rebar were so heavy that I honestly thought, "Wow, I've got myself into a really tough job..." (laughs).
"I've taken on a really tough job...!" due to the weight and heat: 2
Since the job involves handling fire, working in the blazing sun is incredibly hot. Even though I was only doing manual labor at the time, I was exhausted every day until I got used to it.
My technical skills improved after meeting "Japan's Dad"!
My Japanese was shaky, and I was still a novice at my job, so I was worried about the future. That's when I met my senior colleague, Mr. Nagase. I could talk to him about anything, from work to personal matters, and he taught me a lot of Japanese and treated me with such kindness. I was able to acquire basic welding skills and improve my everyday Japanese conversational abilities thanks to Mr. Nagase. Now I respectfully call Mr. Nagase "Dad."
I felt I had grown as a person by being able to discuss things with other craftsmen and move the project forward on my own.
I gradually started to understand the flow of the construction work, and my work speed increased. When I didn't have the right tools, I was able to find them myself, and when there weren't enough materials or the rebar placement was wrong, I was able to consult with the rebar contractor on my own. When I spoke in Japanese and the other person replied, "OK, I understand," I was happy and thought, "Yes, I got it!" There were times when I couldn't get my point across, but in those cases, Mr. Nagase would immediately support me, which was very reassuring.
Since it doesn't snow in Vietnam, I was deeply moved by its beauty when I actually saw snow during a company trip to Hokkaido!
I want to expand my field of activity as a craftsman!
I took The Specified Skills (i) Evaluation Exam for Construction Industry. I passed and obtained Specified Skilled Worker (i) residence status.
I met my current wife at a party at a friend's house, and we hit it off. She was also a Technical Intern Training trainee in the manufacturing industry and lived nearby, so we became closer.
My current dream is to raise children in Japan!
I'm hoping to raise my children in Japan in the future, and I'm currently researching support systems for foreigners giving birth and whether it's possible to raise children here.
A message from senior employee Nagase
When we first met, he could barely speak Japanese, so communicating was quite a struggle. But he's very curious and asks questions about everything from work to his personal life. We were always together, even when traveling, so we were constantly talking. Gradually, his Japanese improved, and now we converse in Japanese as if it's the most natural thing in the world. He even communicates with other craftsmen in Japanese, which is very reassuring. On site, he's the one who's supporting me!
PHAM TUAN HIEP
Interview conducted on June 29, 2022. This article on this page was created with the help of JAC staff member To HIEP, who provided interpretation.
