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Hikari Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
As of January 9, 2026
"I felt it must be a good company" and applied on my own. Building a career in Ayase City! A Vietnamese Engineer's Challenge
From Ninh Binh City near Hanoi, Vietnam
Visa Status: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Mr. Tran Van Khanh
[Profile]
Majored in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Transport and Communications(UTC) in Hanoi, graduated in September 2020, and joined Nissan Automotive Technology in Hanoi.Came to Japan and worked at a company in Saitama Prefecture in September 2022. Changed jobs to Hikari Seisakusho in March 2024.
Job responsibilites: Mold design based on product drawings in the design department.
Uses NX-CAD and Auto-CAD certifications to perform precise designs.
Hobbies: Reading mystery novels (Keigo Higashino, etc.), traveling
Favorite Japanese food: Cold ramen (often eats out with friends on holidays)
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Working in Japan
What inspired you to work in Japan, and why did you choose Kanagawa Prefecture?
After graduating from university in Vietnam, I worked for a Japanese company and admired Japan's advanced technology. This experience made me want to work in Japan someday.What was most important to you when choosing a job in Japan?
I focused on location and job content.Why did you choose this industry and company?
I found Hikari Seisakusho’s recruitment information online and felt it was a good company. I called and requested a company tour. When I visited, I felt the employees were very kind and the atmosphere was great, so I strongly wanted to work here and applied.How did you prepare to work in Japan?
I studied Japanese for one year at the university and obtained JLPT N3. Just before coming to Japan, I also obtained N2.About your Current Job
What are your current responsibilities?
I am currently in charge of mold design.When do you feel most fulfilled at work?
When a perfect product is completed according to the customer's request.
Of course, there are challenges.How do you manage challenges at work?
Sometimes, even if we manufacture according to the drawings, the product might not go as we expected. In such cases, I keep on trying until it meets the cutomer’s needs. I also communicate with Japanese staff using Japanese, drawings, and pictures from the internet to share visual information.What do you focus on most in your work?
There is a language barrier, but I try to speak actively without fear of making mistakes.
I enjoy working every day with Vietnamese colleagues and others. The company's policy is "help those in need" and "do not blame for mistakes," which matches my beliefs, so it's a very comfortable workplace.
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Employees of various nationalities work together
Deputy Factory Manager of Plant 2, the ‘motherly figure’ for everyone: Ms. Keiko Hirano
Manuals created by employees
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Life in Japan and Future Goals
What surprised you most about life in Japan?
I was surprised by the number of crows in the city. At work, seeing veteran employees in their 80s teaching employees in their 20s was impressive. In Vietnam, people usually retire at 65, so I feel Japan's environment where you can work longer is amazing.
Part of the Japanese learning materials. Employees teach each other and grow together.
What do you find attractive about living in Kanagawa?
Convenient life with nearby convenience stores and supermarkets. Beautiful sea and city, nature and tourist spots are close. My hometown also has the beach, but I had never swum before.
Everyone loves Enoshima beach. After sightseeing around Enoshima Island, it was hot, so we all went swimming in the beach. It was a very fun memory.What are your feature goals in Japan?
I want to become a department manager and play a bigger role. -
Advice to People Who Wish to Work In Japan
Any advice for those considering working in Japan?
Study Japanese well before coming to Japan and learn about Japanese culture and customs to adapt quickly. Even if communication feels difficult, "don't be afraid of making mistakes." Reading books and actively talking with Japanese people will help improve your Japanese.Tips for adapting to Japanese culture.
I have liked Keigo Higashino's mystery novels since I was in Vietnam, and through reading, I learned about Japanese culture.
So reading Japanese Novels might be one of the way to get used to Japan.
Company Profile
- Company Name
- Hikari Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
- Address
- 8-21-17 Fukayakami, Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Founded
- December 1970
- Business
- Manufacturing and assembly of metal press products, as well as design and production of related molds
- Number of Employees
- 120
- Number of International Employees
- 66 (Cambodia: 1, Thailand: 5, Philippines: 1, Brazil: 10, Vietnam: 40, Peru: 3, Laos: 1, China: 4, Myanmar: 1)
- Company URL
- https://www.hikariss.jp/
As of January 9, 2026
