Real life in Japan: salary, savings and career growth
What can working in Japan really change?
For most Indian candidates the first questions are simple. How much can I earn? How much can I save? And what kind of future can I build back home?
Three NAVIS HR alumni answer those questions in their own words — about earning, working, growing and building a life in Japan.
Three years in Japan, and a ₹50 lakh home for her family
- 3 years in Japan
- Financial independence
- ₹50 lakh home
“A whole family's future took flight.”
For nearly ten years, Shilpa held on to one plan: to work in Japan. Language training, guidance and interview preparation with NAVIS HR finally turned that plan into an offer letter.
She spent three years living and working in Japan. In that time she became financially independent, and later reached the milestone her family had been waiting for — a home of their own, worth ₹50 lakh.
Her job abroad did more than change one salary. It changed what her whole family could plan for next.
A salary higher than in India, and a career she wants to go back to
- Earned more than in India
- Nursing background
- Planning to return
“Compared to India, the salary is more, Japan is actually a very peaceful country.”
Athira began her Japan journey after completing her nursing studies and learning Japanese.
Ask her about money and she is direct: the salary is higher than what she was earning at home. She is just as direct about the other half of it — how much you keep depends on which part of Japan you live in, so managing your expenses matters from the first month.
Alongside the earnings, she describes a country that is clean, calm and easy to settle into. Now, having adapted to the language, the work culture and the pace of life, she is considering going back to continue her career.
From care worker to manager in three and a half years
- Care worker → Manager
- 3.5 years in Japan
- Registered nurse, Kerala
“Japan is a very nice country, they will teach you and they will embrace you.”
Manju is a registered nurse from Kerala. She built around three and a half years of work experience in Japan, starting out as a care worker.
That role grew. She moved into a managerial position, supporting Indian nurses who are finding their feet in Japan the way she once did.
Her story answers a question many candidates ask quietly: is this only a job abroad, or is there somewhere to go from here? With experience, language and consistent work, the door to more responsibility does open.