This time, for "Voices of Jelper Club Members," we spoke with Hikaru Un, a student at the University of British Columbia, who secured multiple opportunities in Japan through various channels, including Jelper Club. His journey from a Combined Major in Business and Computer Science to product management in Tokyo's startup scene shows how international students can successfully navigate Japan's tech industry. In this interview, Hikaru shares his experience working remotely and in-person in Japan, his thoughts on product management, and insights into working at a global startup.
―― Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Hikaru: My name is Hikaru Un, and I'm studying Computer Science and Business at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. I'm currently taking a gap year between my third and fourth year to work in Japan. I'm half Japanese, half Chinese, and grew up in Canada, which has given me a unique perspective on working in global environments.
―― How did you first start working in Japan?
Hikaru: My first opportunity actually came through Jelper Club, where I worked remotely as a full-stack engineer for Sekijin, developing Django applications. That experience gave me the confidence to explore more opportunities in Japan. Currently, I'm working as a product manager intern at Mode Inc., a U.S. startup with a significant presence in Tokyo, where I'm leading mobile development initiatives.
―― What attracted you to product management?
Hikaru: Product management sits at the intersection of technology, business, and user experience, which perfectly aligns with my combined degree in Computer Science and Business. I realized that to be an effective product manager, you need to understand both the technical and business aspects of product development. That's why I made sure to gain engineering experience while pursuing product management opportunities.
6
―― Could you tell us about your experience working at a global startup in Tokyo?
Hikaru: It's been an incredible learning experience. At Mode, we have a truly international environment where we switch between English and Japanese depending on the context. All our documentation is in English, but our Tokyo office meetings are in Japanese. What I particularly appreciate is the autonomy I've been given – I'm currently leading a mobile development project where I'm building a prototype, handling everything from product documentation to actual development using Flutter.
―― How do you manage the cultural aspects of working in a Japanese office?
Hikaru: The environment is very hybrid and flexible. I go to the office once a week, which gives me a good balance of in-person collaboration and remote work. The culture is a unique blend of Silicon Valley startup and Japanese work styles. We have team members from various countries including the U.S., Vietnam, and China, which creates a very diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
―― What has been the most valuable aspect of your experience?
Hikaru: The most valuable aspect has been the opportunity to work on end-to-end product development while being immersed in both Japanese and international business cultures. My role is split between learning from high-level product decisions and leading my own initiatives. This balance of observation and hands-on experience has been crucial for my professional growth.
―― What advice would you give to students considering working in Japan?
Hikaru: Start with your "why." Don't just focus on working for a prestigious company or chasing a high salary. Understanding your true purpose is crucial – it's what will motivate you every day. I believe in putting purpose over passion, and that principle has guided me well in making career decisions. Also, don't be afraid to reach out directly to companies you're interested in, even if they're not actively recruiting.
―― How do you see your future career developing?
Hikaru: While I plan to complete my degree at UBC, this experience has opened up many possibilities. The rise of remote work means I might be able to maintain connections with both Japan and Canada in my future career. Whether I end up staying in Japan or returning to Canada, the skills and perspectives I've gained here will be invaluable.
At Jelper Club, we're here to support ambitious students like Hikaru in their journey to work in Japan. Our platform connects students from top universities worldwide with exclusive internship and full-time job opportunities in Japan, regardless of their Japanese language proficiency level. We also provide access to practical information, member-only events, and a professional community of like-minded individuals.
If you're a student interested in tech and startup opportunities in Japan, or if you want to connect with Jelper Club members like Hikaru who have successfully secured positions in Japan, we encourage you to register with Jelper Club today.
(Interviewer/Editor: Jelper Club Editorial Team)
Comments