Working as a Foreigner in Sony R&D – Embracing Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges

The Sony Research and Development division in Japan is continuously looking for new talents to join the team, both from Japan and overseas, holding a firm believe that a workforce with diverse backgrounds is essential for fostering innovation. But what does the experience of working as a foreign employee at Sony R&D in Japan entail? What opportunities are available for foreigners? And what challenges might they encounter? To gain insight into these questions, we spoke with Mr. Lai Chen, who currently works as an engineer at Sony R&D.

Journey to Innovation: Embracing Technology and Excellence at Sony in Japan

First, could you introduce yourself?

I am originally from Zhejiang province in China, which is located near Shanghai. I moved to Japan five years ago for my studies and majored in robotics.

Why did you decide to come to Japan?

My strong interest in robotics and Japan’s reputation for technological advancements motivated my decision to study and then build my career here. This passion also led me to join Sony’s Research and Development team two years ago, right after my graduation.

What other reasons made you decide to join Sony?

I wanted to make the most of my expertise and engage with work that I was passionate about and that matched my skills, and Sony seemed like the perfect fit for this ambition. Additionally, Sony’s reputation as an outstanding place to work played a significant role in my decision. The company is home to many exceptional engineers, offering a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the industry.

Engineering the Future: A Day in the Life at Sony’s R&D Team

Can you tell us a bit more about your current job?

My main responsibility is the development of electrical systems for robots, with a particular focus on designing the systems that actuate motors and collect data from various sensors. I also dedicate a portion of my time to researching machine vision, which is an essential aspect of advancing robotic technologies.
At Sony, teamwork is very important. Several people work on the same project, and even though everyone is assigned individual tasks, smooth communication is necessary. I belong to the electric group, but we collaborate tightly with other groups, such as the software and mechanical group.

Could you describe your work routine?

I allocate around 30% of my time to meetings, which mainly take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The rest of the time, I concentrate on my individual tasks. Since testing the systems I design and running experiments are crucial parts of my work, I typically spend four days a week in the laboratory. On the remaining day, I work from home, focusing on planning and design tasks that can be done remotely.

What do you think is the best thing about working for Sony?

I believe it is the emphasis on work-life balance that sets Sony apart. Employees at Sony can work productively and enjoy their personal lives at the same time. The company actively promotes a healthy balance between professional duties and personal time, which is uncommon and something I deeply value.

Overcoming Barriers: Navigating Communication in a Multicultural Place

Next, I would like to hear a little more about any language or cultural barriers you may have encountered as a foreigner working in a Japanese company. First of all, do you speak Japanese? And what language do you use in your daily work?

Yes, I do speak Japanese, and it is the main language used in my department. When I first joined the company, my fluency in Japanese was not strong, which led to some initial language barriers. To compensate, I prepared extensively for meetings by creating and revising material in advance to ensure I could follow and contribute to discussions. Gradually, I gained confidence in my Japanese skills, and now, I no longer feel those language barriers.

So, is it necessary to speak Japanese to work in Sony R&D?

Many foreign employees in Sony R&D use English as their work language, so while knowing Japanese can help reduce language barriers in certain situations, and learning it is encouraged, it is absolutely acceptable to speak only English. Additionally, Sony offers free Japanese lessons for foreign employees who wish to learn or enhance their language skills.

Apart from the language, did you experience any other cultural barriers? For example, did you notice a difference in communication style compared to China?

I did not experience any other cultural barriers. Although the Japanese communication style tends to be more indirect compared to other countries, in Sony R&D, communication is direct and efficient. For instance, whenever I am assigned a new task, the reasons for the assignment and the details are clearly explained, facilitating smooth cooperation.

Embracing Japan: Life Beyond the Workplace

What is life like in Japan outside of work? Has it been easy to adapt to life in a new country?

Invitation to Innovate: A Call to Join Sony’s Mission of Emotion

Finally, do you have any messages or suggestions for other foreigners interested in joining Sony R&D in Japan?

Sony’s mission is to fill the world with emotion. Please join us, I believe you will be able to find your own emotion, and together we can create emotion for the world together!

■ Interviewer’s Comment