Dear Diary – An opportunity

In October 2022, I embarked on my journey to Japan as a Japanese Language School student with the aim of starting anew in my professional career and evaluating my comfort level for potentially living here for the next decade. At that time, my proficiency in Japanese was limited to JLPT N4 certification, barely allowing me to engage in conversations or read signboards. Nevertheless, I felt optimistic about my upcoming Japanese Language education. 

By November 2022, I had come to the realization that Japan was not as daunting as some may portray it. I began my quest to find a company that resonated with my values. Given Japan’s distinct culture and traditions, I sought an organization that embraced diversity and embraced change without hesitation. Towards the end of November 2022, I was fortunate enough to be connected with Colorkrew, a software engineering position, through an external recruiter. 

Impressions Lasts

By the end of November, I had undergone multiple rounds of interviews with various companies. However, Colorkrew stood out to me in a profound way. Two key aspects caught my attention: their super-flat organizational model and their commitment to prioritize employee interests and morale, reflected in their motivating slogan “Color Your Work with Excitement.” These characteristics instantly set them apart from most other companies I had encountered or interviewed with in Japan. Naturally, my interest was piqued, leading me to apply for their job posting. 

Initially, I maintained a level of skepticism during the early stages of the interview process, questioning whether their claims truly aligned with reality. However, any doubts I had were swiftly dispelled when I had the opportunity to engage in direct conversations with their engineering team and even the CEO himself. As part of my routine, I inquired about their journey and what brought them to their current position. To my surprise, the consistent response I received was that they were genuinely passionate about their work, and Colorkrew had provided them with an environment conducive to exceeding their initial expectations and personal growth. The CEO echoed this sentiment, expressing his vision to break away from traditional norms, recognizing that the success of the business hinges upon the success and growth of the team. 

By the end of the process, it became abundantly clear that joining Colorkrew would not only enable my growth as an engineer and leader but, more importantly, my contributions would have a significant impact, shaping the trajectory of the business beyond mere numbers. 

Time flies while having fun

In February 2023, I embarked on my journey with Colorkrew, and to my pleasant surprise, the language barrier proved to be less significant than anticipated. The employees at Colorkrew were adept at conversing in English, particularly within the diverse Engineering team, which consists of individuals from various nationalities. The onboarding process was seamless, thanks to the assistance and support of everyone involved. However, it is worth noting that the HR department deserves special recognition for their invaluable expertise in handling complex immigration matters and assisting me with essential tasks such as setting up a bank account. Their support has been a true blessing for foreigners like me relocating to Japan. 

Furthermore, it is an understatement to say that Colorkrew’s super-flat organizational model is exceptional. I often find myself in a position where I can freely communicate with anyone and contribute my opinions on product direction or seek advice during technical design reviews, without the fear of judgment. At Colorkrew, every individual’s perspective is valued, and the company takes great pride in fostering an inclusive environment. 

As of June 2023, I have successfully completed my three-month probation period and will soon celebrate six months of working with the company. Time seems to have flown by swiftly. During this period, I have made meaningful contributions to the success of one of Colorkrew’s products, while also actively engaging in upcoming projects. My experience as a Software Engineer continues to expand as I collaborate with talented engineers within the team, gaining exposure to all aspects of application development under their guidance. 

Reflecting on my journey so far, I am confident that I made the right decision by joining Colorkrew. With their ambition to expand globally, I am genuinely excited about the growth opportunities that lie ahead for me within the company. I eagerly anticipate the next chapter of my professional development and the exciting path that Colorkrew will lead me on.