Voice of SenpaiChose to Work in Yamanashi While Raising Children - With the Company that Supports Each Individual's Work Style

Ms. Thi Mo came to Japan after graduating from high school and now works in sales and trade department while raising her children in Yamanashi Prefecture. She dedicated herself to learning Japanese. When mentoring junior colleagues from Vietnam, she intentionally communicates with them in Japanese rather than relying on Vietnamese, encouraging their independence in the workplace. We spoke with her about how she balances childcare and her work, and the supportive environment at Shiima Electronics.

After graduating from high school in Vietnam in 2014, I began thinking about my future path, I decided to go to Japan after being encouraged by my cousin, who was studying at a Japanese university at the time. I had always been interested in Japanese cuisine and dreamed of learning to cook in Japan so that I could open a restaurant in Vietnam someday.
After arriving in Japan, I studied at a Japanese Language School in Osaka for two years. During that time, I discovered a new goal that is using my Japanese-language skills in a trade-related career. I spent two years studying trade administration and import/export at a vocational school and found a job in Osaka after graduation.
In 2022, I moved to Yamanashi Prefecture after getting married and started a new job. My husband is also Vietnamese, and we both work under the “Technical/Humanities/International Services” residence status. We now have a child and live together as a family of three.
As I wanted to further develop my skills in trade administration, I began searching for a new opportunity through a career website. Thankfully, I got an opportunity at Shiima Electronics in October 2024.

Founded in 1983, Shiima Electronics is involved in semiconductor design, prototyping, manufacturing and R&D. The company also has subsidiaries in Taiwan and Vietnam, allowing it to operate internationally. Shiima Electronics places a strong emphasis on employee development. Every month, external experts are invited as consultants, and training sessions are held throughout the year during working hours. When I was looking for a job, I wanted to join a company with a strong internal training and education system. Being in an environment that supports continuous learning helps me keep improving my knowledge and skills.
Shiima Electronics treats both foreign and Japanese employees equally and values everyone as an important member of the team. I have young children, and when I receive sudden calls from the daycare center, my colleagues support my work so that I can balance my job and childcare without unnecessary stress.

I handle both sales and trade related queries. In sales, I am mainly responsible for processing and placing orders for overseas transactions. I am also involved in managing and preparing various import and export documents. In my daily work, I try to support the sales team and create an environment where they can do their jobs smoothly. I find a lot of satisfaction in my role because it allows me to support others and contribute to their success.
I am also involved in HR work, supporting Vietnamese colleagues who joined the company this spring and fall. My responsibilities include helping with visa related procedures, conducting training sessions, and acting as a mentor by offering guidance when they face challenges. While I provide interpretation and translation support when needed, I make a conscious effort to communicate with them in Japanese at work. This is because relying too much on Vietnamese could limit their growth.In addition, using Japanese allows Japanese employees to understand the content as well, which helps facilitate smooth communication.

Yamanashi is surrounded by beautiful nature, and it’s relatively easy to enroll children in daycare centers, which makes it a wonderful place to raise a family. I especially love Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes. On weekends, my family and I often go camping and spend time outdoors. In midsummer, the mountains are so pleasant and refreshing that I never feel like going back home. Watching my children play freely outside and seeing how much they enjoy nature is one of the greatest joys of living in Yamanashi.
That being said, living and working in Yamanashi often means you’ll need a driver’s license. If you’re thinking about working here, I recommend getting car driving license as early as you can.

Professionally, I hope to keep improving the knowledge and skills I have gained so far and continue growing in my field. I plan to keep studying Japanese and business etiquette so I can communicate more smoothly in Japanese. The company is deepening ties with my home country, Vietnam, and expanding collaborations with local universities, so I want to contribute to this project as well.
Above all, Yamanashi is a region with clean air and a healthy living environment. The people here are hardworking and trustworthy, and I truly wish to raise my children in this place where I feel a strong sense of security. I am happy with my career in Japan and the environment for living, so I am now thinking about applying for permanent residency.

To find a job in Japan, I believe it is important to understand Japanese culture well. In many Japanese workplaces, teamwork is highly valued, and respecting this mindset helps you build smooth and positive working relationships. In business situations, clear and accurate Japanese is required. Therefore, constantly improving your Japanese language skills is also important. If you are in an environment where you can interact with Japanese people, I encourage you not to be shy. Try starting simple conversations with them and learning natural expressions through day-to-day communication. These small steps will help you build your confidence and improve your Japanese skills.

JETRO publishes a corporate database (the “List of Japanese Companies Interested in Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals” [OFP List]) for those who are interested in working in Japan.
See various companies from traditional corporations to dynamic startups, that want to grow their business together with highly-skilled foreign professionals.