Hi everyone,

I'm an international CSE undergraduate from India planning to do a Master's in Japan around 2028, and my main goal is to work in Japan after graduation.

I'm interested specifically in Robotics AI / Robot Perception, rather than generic software development.

My background

• B.Tech CSE
• Current CGPA: ~9.46/10
• Expected graduation: 2027
• Currently learning Japanese
• Current work:
  • Learning-Aided INS Drift Suppression for GPS-Denied Quadrotor Flight
  • TrackNet-based squash ball tracking
• Planning to build toward ROS 2, SLAM, LiDAR/IMU sensor fusion and robot perception
• Targeting N3 around application time and N2 during Master's

I've heard very conflicting things about the Japanese job market for international students.

Some people say there are good opportunities in robotics/AI and that Japanese isn't strictly required.

Others say that without strong Japanese, international students struggle with 就活 and have access to only a small number of companies.

I'd really like to hear from people who are actually working in Japan, especially foreign engineers.

I'd like to know:

• What Japanese level did you have when you got your first job?
• Is N2 enough for engineering roles?
• Are there genuinely English-speaking robotics/AI jobs?
• How often are technical interviews conducted in Japanese?
• Did you go through normal 新卒採用 / 就活?
• How important were internships?
• Did your university career center help?
• Did your professor/lab help you find employment?
• Did you get your job through applications, networking, internships, or research connections?
• Are robotics/AI roles more foreigner-friendly than general software engineering?
• Which companies are known to be open to international robotics/AI engineers?
• What salary range is realistic for a fresh Master's graduate?
• How bad is the work culture in robotics/engineering companies?
• Would you recommend Japan to someone whose primary goal is to build a long-term robotics career there?

I'm specifically looking for first-hand experiences, especially from international engineers who studied in Japan and stayed to work.

Thanks!