is it true if I dont speak japanese some places wont hire me? (hotels, job market)

[danicraig]

Hi, so glad I found this site.

I haven't made my mind yet about moving to Hawaii. I have been reading all types of comments.

-So,I have never been to Asia and I have never lived anywhere where there is a big asian influence so I don't know what it is like.
According to Wikipedia "A large proportion of Hawaii's population is now of Asian ancestry (especially Chinese, Japanese and Filipino.)

Me, being the minority ...Will I have a hard time meeting people? please be honest!

-I have a degree in Hospitality Management, I read that If I don't speak japanese or korean, some hotels wont even hire me? is that information correct?

Thank you.

[PacificFlights]

Speaking a language often used by the guest is a plus. If two people about equal in qualification were for the same job and one spoke japanese and the other didn;t which would you hire? You don;t have to speak it and many people are working for hotels and resorts who only speak english. but it may be that edge needed to get the job.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by danicraig

Hi, so glad I found this site.

I haven't made my mind yet about moving to Hawaii. I have been reading all types of comments.

-So,I have never been to Asia and I have never lived anywhere where there is a big asian influence so I don't know what it is like.
According to Wikipedia "A large proportion of Hawaii's population is now of Asian ancestry (especially Chinese, Japanese and Filipino.)

Me, being the minority ...Will I have a hard time meeting people? please be honest!

-I have a degree in Hospitality Management, I read that If I don't speak japanese or korean, some hotels wont even hire me? is that information correct?

Thank you.

Perhaps an extended vacation to Hawaii to check it out might be something you should consider before taking on such a big move.

Do you meet people easily where you live now? Are you open-minded about other cultures? If so, you shouldn't have a problem in Hawaii. If you don't already meet people easily - then you will probably have the same experience here.

Many jobs require Japanese - some say, Japanese a plus - but there are plenty of jobs where you don't need to know Japanese. Certainly learning Japanese can only help - if you make the move, you may want to consider Rosetta Stone. 幸運

[Mar0]

No, places will hire you. It is probably a bit easier if you could speak Japanese but its not required unless the position is for a japanese speaking position (some hotels have japanese speaking guest services managers/associates dedicated to japanese gsts).

[Spammasubi]

To take it a step further, some properties specialize in accomodating Japanese guests, and many others do not. There are a fair number of corporate Japanese owned properties in the islands too.

If I was much younger, I'd learn Chinese. I think the demand for people who can accomodate the needs of the Chinese traveler to Hawai'i will be huge in the next decade.

[KonaKat]

If I were a young person seeking work in the hotel industry of Hawaii today, I would definitely make an effort to learn Japanese. Everything everyone said above, is true - you can certainly find a job, but being fluent in Japanese would be a real positive addition to your resume.

[UHgrad]

It is not required but it doesn't hurt either. I worked hotel security and valet in Waikiki for years, I only spoke enough Japanese to pick up on tourist girls.

[Tiger Beer]

I live in Japan, and my Japanese isn't that great.

I'd think that if you knew some Japanese, it would certainly be a novelty. But I doubt if anyone is expecting you to break out fluent Japanese.

Most Japanese do study English, regardless if they are good at speaking it or not. There are also tons of other Japanese, that if they have problems/issues, they'll be talking to their friends, co-workers, family and referring to dozens of other resources that already are in Japanese.

I could definitely see that someone who knew fluent Japanese would find some employment centered around that. But someone who didn't know Japanese, certainly wouldn't be excluded from the job market whatsoever.

[Tisambas1]

No need to speak Japanese. This is one of the United States so we speak English here!! Of course being bilingual is always an asset but not a requirement! If you treat people kindly, they will treat people the same way!

[leilaniguy]

Domo Origato Mr. Robato?