My Journey from Language Student to Digital Marketing Professional in Japan

I majored in Japanese at a top Chinese university (985). My days were filled with intensive language training. Like most language learners, I practiced listening, speaking, and writing every morning and night, including weekends, building a strong foundation step by step.

I started a dual degree in Business School, attending full-day classes on weekends. It was more exciting than studying language alone and broadened my perspective.

During this time, I met someone who changed my life. She shared how overseas volunteer programs shaped her future. I applied but failed the interview. I also failed an exchange application to Waseda University.

Instead, I joined a rural teaching program in Hunan for two weeks. Even within China, this experience gave me meaningful growth and new perspectives.

I joined a self-funded exchange program in Nagasaki, Japan, for one year. I believed that no matter where, I had to see the world during university.

I had my first part-time job and, outside of school structure, pushed myself to relearn English. I went from struggling to communicate to speaking comfortably with Western classmates.

I intentionally chose English-taught courses (like Japanese culture in English), wrote full English reports, and prepared for TOEFL. I scored 81, which marked my progress at that stage.

After returning to China and securing graduate school admission, I entered a "long break."

I reapplied to overseas programs and finally succeeded. I spent about 4 months volunteering and interning in Europe, including Montenegro and Poland, and traveled to around 10 countries.

Back at university, I joined student organizations to help others find international internships. I wanted others to gain confidence through experience, just like I did.

Just like Taylor Swift's 22, my 22 was full of color.

First year of graduate school. I studied Spanish for a year while continuing volunteer work and organizing events. I also helped local students pursue overseas opportunities.

During summer, I interned at a major internet company in Shanghai for two months. Since my career would be in Japan, this became my only experience in the Chinese workplace.

I joined Hitotsubashi University as an exchange student in Business School and started job hunting in Japan.

Job hunting as an exchange student was extremely difficult. Opportunities were limited, and even small companies rejected me.

Emotionally, it was also a challenging year. I appeared confident in interviews, but often cried after leaving the room.

I didn't achieve a dramatic comeback at 24, but I chose to focus on building my own life instead of proving anything to others.

Back in China for graduation. I completed my thesis and spent meaningful time with friends.

After a long visa process, I graduated in June and moved to Japan in July to start working.

Adapting to work life was tough, but I earned my manager's trust through effort. Even though the salary was low, I focused on gaining skills and preparing for the next step.

Because of low pay and no holidays, I started considering a job change early on.

I faced many rejections due to lack of clear specialization and short experience.

Then I was assigned to digital marketing. With no prior experience, I learned everything from scratch, including advertising and campaign operations.

I decided this would be my career path.

I also started creating overseas lifestyle vlogs and met many international creators. But eventually, I realized that focusing on career growth was more important at this stage.

My manager was younger than me but already leading projects, which gave me strong peer pressure.

At the end of 27, I successfully changed jobs and joined an international company in Japan.

I also tried dating apps, even tracking experiences in Excel, but it didn't go well. Like many people in their 20s, I experienced confusion in relationships.

I joined a global company, and my career became more stable.

I worked on larger marketing budgets, learned new tools, and experienced an English-speaking work environment. I collaborated with colleagues from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

I also worked on digital campaigns with regional headquarters.

Life improved significantly, including finally having proper holidays.

I quit dating apps and explored new hobbies like fishing, drumming, and horseback riding.

Facing limited salary growth and shrinking budgets, I reconsidered my career again.

Through LinkedIn, I successfully moved to a major global manufacturing company. This was a company I once thought was out of reach.

I also got my driver's license and passed two IT certification exams, boosting my profile for long-term residency in Japan.

I welcomed my 30th birthday in a sauna, running into a cold bath at midnight.

I wasn't fully ready for my 30s, but I started the day with my favorite food — salmon roe.

I hope my future feels like an all-you-can-eat buffet of happiness and warmth.

The biggest milestone: I received permanent residency in Japan and started investing through NISA.

Life feels slower after 30. Friends are in different life stages, and I'm learning how to live more peacefully with myself.

I also realized the importance of cherishing friendships earlier in life.

Although externally I still look like I'm in my 20s, internally this is a clear turning point. Progress feels less dramatic but more stable.

Outside of work, life is still rich. I travel, attend concerts, watch anime, and enjoy games like Stardew Valley, where I build a small, peaceful world of my own.

And it feels like this kind of time will continue for a long while.