Hello,
I am currently in the hiring process for Rakuten, specifically for the Cyber Security Solutions team. I am a Software Engineer working for the Space Sector in Spain. I passed the JLPT N4 last year and am now preparing for the N3 this year.
The position is based in Tokyo (I forgot to ask which office, but I found several Rakuten offices on Google Maps). The salary is around 6.5 million yen, and I’ve heard it increases by 15% once the contract becomes permanent. They are offering a rolling three-month contract. I performed well in the interview, which took place about a week ago, so I should be hearing from them this week. (I hope so :,) )
Has anyone here gone through this rolling contract process with Rakuten while applying from overseas?
I have a few questions:
- Work culture at Rakuten: They mentioned a schedule from 9:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday, but I’ve heard this varies depending on the team. Can anyone confirm?
- Contract conversion: Is it likely to become permanent? It seems strange to go through a lengthy hiring process just for a three-month contract.
- Cost of living in Tokyo: Is 6.5 million yen enough to live comfortably? This would be my first job in Japan, but I would aim to find a higher-paying position in the future. In the meantime, I don’t want to survive on just rice every day (bad joke).
- Visa options: Would it be okay to go with a Working Holiday or Student visa and then search for jobs while in Japan? I’ve heard that many hiring managers prefer candidates already in Japan due to concerns about commitment, and some even filter applicants on LinkedIn based on location.
Overall, I’m not in a rush to move, but learning Japanese takes up a lot of my free time. Working there would be a great way to "save time" while also gaining international experience. However, I sometimes feel a bit desperate, as time seems to be flying by…
Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
by adri172