The “LIFE IN JAPAN” series showcases the lifestyles of PayPay employees from 50 different countries and regions who have moved to Japan.
In this issue, we interviewed Mariana Perez from Brazil about how she came to join PayPay and the secret to maintaining her unique lifestyle in a country with a different culture!
Perez Mariana
Product Group Payment Product Division Design Department Core App & Growth
Hi! I’m Mariana from Brazil. In 2016, I began my career in Japan, and in January 2023, I joined PayPay. Since May of the same year, I have been working as a Senior Product Designer in a team focused on addressing challenges in the Core App and Growth areas. I also participate in various internal research projects and improvement teams for the design work environment, continuously striving to enhance my skills. My hobbies include visiting cafes (since I love coffee), enjoying the four seasons and nature in Japan, visiting shrines and temples, and working out at the gym.
What sparked your interest in Japan?
I’ve been interested in the Japanese language since I was a child. Back in Brazil, I can’t forget the shock I felt when I first saw Japanese characters in well-known Japanese hero TV shows. I was determined to somehow decipher the meaning of those characters; it was my childhood fascination (laughs). Coincidentally, there was a small Japanese community in my hometown, and I started learning about the Japanese language and culture during high school. It was during that time that I began to think about visiting Japan someday.
Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan? And if so, how did you overcome them?
I had concerns about the language barrier. While I was studying Japanese in my home country, it was only for about 30 minutes a week, and I had limited opportunities to practice, so my speaking ability was quite limited at the time.
Upon arriving in Japan, I had to handle tasks like opening a bank account and finding a place to live, situations I hadn’t specifically studied in Japanese language school… (giggles) It’s a bit frustrating because I know how to express everything in my own language.
Nevertheless, I had to manage it myself. I had to search for words and phrases related to the situations I encountered on the internet. For instance, when opening a bank account, I studied in advance what I needed to communicate in Japanese, making sure I was well-prepared go through the basic procedures. As a result, I not only learned new vocabulary but also paid close attention to the key terms used in the conversations during the process. It was challenging, but it has since become one of my good memories.
Did you ever get homesick?
In my first year in Japan, everything was so new and exciting to me that I honestly did not have time to feel homesick. It was not until the second year, when I was getting used to life in Japan, that I felt homesick, especially because I missed my family and friends in my home country. However, as I lived in Japan, I gradually made more friends and acquaintances, and I felt less homesick.
How’s your life in Japan going?
Life in Japan is very comfortable for me. One of the aspects I really appreciate is the safety, cleanliness, and overall organization in daily life.
Last week, I had a drinking party with my coworkers and returned home around 11:30 pm. I was walking the long distance from the station to my house, talking on my phone while carrying my laptop. During that moment, it struck me that in my home country, it would be too unsafe for a woman to walk alone at such a late hour. On another occasion, I lost my phone twice at the station, and both times, kind individuals handed it to the station attendant, who later returned it to me. This might be a common occurrence in Japan, but unfortunately, in my home country, a lost phone will rarely show up. I genuinely hope Japan can maintain this level of safety and honesty indefinitely.
Another aspect is the abundance of charming, “hidden” details that can bring a smile or pleasantly surprise you. Japan experiences all four distinct seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—and this seasonal awareness is reflected in many aspects of daily life, from clothing and fashion to food presentation and even the packaging of food items.
Just a couple of weeks ago, while I was in Tokorozawa, I noticed something delightful. As I peered over a street-side fence, I spotted small squirrel-shaped iron decorations. Their cuteness naturally brought a smile to my face. When I’m out and about, I take the time to observe my surroundings closely (laughs). If you pay attention to your surroundings, I’m sure you’ll discover similar delightful details! I love the fact that people here take the time to create and appreciate these little details.
What are some useful phrases for living in Japan?
I find the Japanese phrase “Ano, Sumimasen (Um, excuse me)” very practical when you need to communicate with someone and request their attention while being considerate of their situation. I often use this phrase as it effectively prepares the person I’m addressing to engage in a conversation with me.
How’s it been working at PayPay?
It’s safe to say that PayPay has become an integral part of everyday life in Japan as a payment service. I decided to join PayPay with the aim of personal growth and gaining insights into the payment behaviors and mindset of Japanese people. I also sought to better understand the Japanese way of thinking, and this experience has exceeded my expectations.
PayPay provides a Japanese Boot Camp (JBC) for those interested in learning Japanese. Currently, my ongoing challenge involves enhancing my language skills further through weekly business-focused Japanese lessons at JBC.
A message for those considering working in Japan at PayPay!
If you’re planning to work and live in Japan, it’s important to clarify what values matter most in your daily life – the things that truly motivate you. Remember, there’s no perfect country in the world, and Japan has its downsides as well. For me, the downsides don’t outweigh the important aspects I value here in Japan.
PayPay is a company that values self-initiated action for service improvement, regardless of position or role. With the company’s growth and the expansion of its services, there are numerous opportunities for personal growth. It’s a comfortable and welcoming place where you can enjoy your work while actively contributing to the company’s development. Everyone is approachable, discussions are lively, and the work environment is exceptionally open.
Next time…
Stay tuned for our next issue, where we’ll be chatting with PayPayers who moved to Japan with their families. Don’t miss it!!
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*Job openings and employee affiliations are current as of the time of the interview.