Debugging Life in Japan: My 2-Month Adventure at HENNGE’s Global Internship Program

Two months ago, I stepped off a plane in Japan armed with a HENNGE internship offer, and the confidence of someone who thought “arigato” and “Sumimasen” would get me through everything. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.

Here’s what I learned during my whirlwind adventure in the land of the rising sun (and incredibly punctual trains).

The Great Train Mystery (Or: How I Became a Professional Tourist in My Own Neighborhood)

Here’s a little secret that no Japan guide ever bothers to bring up. The Japanese train system is really something special. It is a true engineering wonder that keeps everything on time like clockwork (almost). Thing is I didn’t fully get that until about week two of your trip. My first week mostly involved getting lost in stations.

I ended up spending way more time being totally disoriented than actually figuring out where I was. Google Maps turned into my go to friend. Just like a true friend, it also led me astray more than once. Take the time it suggested I stroll through Zoshigaya Cemetery at night — as if I’d come for a horror film audition, not an internship.

The “Hai” Trap (And Why You Should Learn More Than Just “Yes”)

Keep up that Duolingo streak. Pro tip from someone who learned this the hard way. Not just the polite phrases you’ll forget under pressure, but practical stuff like how to ask where the bathroom is without acting it out.

I cannot count the number of times I found myself nodding enthusiastically and saying “Hai!” to questions I didn’t understand, only to realize I’d just agreed to… well, who knows what? You could probably get away with it until your order arrives and you agreed to get the buffet.

Hidden Talents and the Great Bukatsu Discovery

HENNGE has this thing called Bukatsu, which is basically workplace clubs it’s kind of like university extracurriculars but with free food. We’re talking board games, expeditions, sweets-tasting, and Japanese language study groups. It’s not very often you look forward to closing from work so you can stay in the office some more.

I discovered a new hidden talent at the climbing bukatsu. Turns out, I’m actually decent at this whole “defying gravity” thing. Who knew? Certainly not me, considering my athletic experience doesn’t go past night jogs at a pace that could be considered walking by some.

The climbing sessions quickly became my weekly highlight. There’s something deeply satisfying about conquering a route that looked impossible five minutes earlier. This was my comeback from the time I tried my hand at music production. Sometimes you have to travel 18,000 kilometers to discover you’re surprisingly good at something you never thought to try.

The Cinderella Rule: Where did all the trains go?

Here’s a crucial piece of information, trains stop running around midnight. Depending on the line it may be 12:30, so make sure to check that. Miss it, and you’re either walking, taking an expensive taxi, or sleeping where you are. It’s not all bad, the streets do look quite cozy, but I can only tell you that as an observer, and I very much prefer to keep it that way.

I didn’t learn this lesson the hard way, but only because I found myself doing a light jog through Ikebukuro station at 11:58 PM like I was the main character in Subway Surfers, trying to catch the last train home after an enthusiastic performance at the karaoke Bukatsu. Nothing quite prepares you for the adrenaline rush of trying to catch that last train.

Car Culture Heaven

If you’re a car enthusiast like me, Japan is basically paradise on four wheels. The country that gave us legends like the Skyline, Supra, and RX-7 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to automotive culture or just basic car spotting.

I highly recommend checking out the Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokohama if you get the chance. Walking through that museum felt like stepping into automotive history. Seeing iconic JDM legends up close that I’d only ever admired in YouTube videos. It’s a must go for every car lover.

To be honest, I’ve been trying to get into some of the famous car meet locations around Tokyo, but so far my luck has been about as good as my initial Japanese conversation skills. The car scene here is pretty tight-knit, and breaking in as a foreigner takes some time and connections. But hey, I’ve still got time left, and I’m optimistic that’ll change soon. Until then, I’ll keep enjoying the incredible street spotting.

The Suica Symphony

Here’s something no one warns you about: the satisfying beep sound when you tap your Suica card at the station gates is so satisfying. It’s such a perfectly pitched, oddly satisfying little chime that you’ll find yourself looking forward to it every single commute. The problem? You might get so enchanted by that delightful beep that you completely forget that’s real money.

If you’re staying far from the office (like I was), do yourself a financial favor and get a commuter pass. Shoutout to the ETA team at HENNGE for this life-saving recommendation! The beautiful thing is, the beep is still just as satisfying with a commuter pass, but it just doesn’t make your wallet cry every time you hear it. Trust me, your bank account will thank you, and you’ll still get that little dopamine hit every morning and evening.

Final Thoughts

Looking back on these two months, every confusion, every “hai” said in uncertainty, and every mad dash to catch the last train was worth it. The GIP didn’t just teach me about software engineering , it gave me a unparalleled experience, and I’ll definitely recommend this experience to anyone.

Plus, I can now navigate the Tokyo train system like a pro newbie, and my language skills have been challenged.

Shobi, from Nigeria (living in Rwanda), interned with the HENNGE Global Internship Program from August 1st — September 12, 2025