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IIT Delhi graduate in Japan opens up about Tokyo work culture: ‘Never faced any toxicity’

An IIT Delhi graduate shared life in Tokyo, speaking about work culture, daily experiences and rising living costs while working in Japan.

Updated on: Jan 16, 2026, 20:54:17 IST
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An Indian engineer who studied at IIT Delhi and is now working in Japan has sparked online discussion after sharing his experiences of living and working in Tokyo. The conversation featured in an Instagram video posted by Sunakshi Sharma, an Indian woman based in Tokyo, shows her speaking with him about his professional journey, daily lifestyle and the work culture in Japan.

An IIT Delhi graduate discussed living in Tokyo, highlighting work culture, expenses and how life in Japan felt different and exciting. (Instagram/desigirlinjapan)
An IIT Delhi graduate discussed living in Tokyo, highlighting work culture, expenses and how life in Japan felt different and exciting. (Instagram/desigirlinjapan)

The clip opens with Sharma asking, “Hello. Hi, can you introduce yourself?”

He responds, “I am Shresth Somya. I am from Bihar and currently living in Japan.”

From IIT Delhi to Tokyo

When asked how he landed a job in Tokyo, Somya explains that his move was the result of campus placements. “I studied in IIT Delhi. From there, one company, Honda, came for placements. I got the job offer and then I came here last year,” he says in the video.

Living in Japan and everyday experiences

Sharma then asks how he is finding life in Tokyo. Somya replies, “It’s pretty fun. A different environment and culture that you can experience. So every day is something new.”

Monthly expenses in Tokyo

On the subject of costs, Sharma asks whether Tokyo is expensive. Somya admits that living costs rose sharply after his move. “When I came to Tokyo, my expenses from a lakh just doubled to 1.50 lac yens. I only eat lunch outside, I cook my dinner daily. But still the expenses are not coming down,” he says.

However, he adds some relief when Sharma asks about accommodation. “Yeah, my rent is covered by my company,” he confirms.

Work culture and toxicity

Addressing a common concern about Japanese work culture, Sharma asks if he finds it toxic. Somya’s answer is reassuring. “No, I’ve never faced any toxicity in the team,” he says, offering a positive view of his professional environment.

Take a look here at the clip:

Online reactions pour in

The clip, shared with the caption “IIT Delhi graduate talks about his Japan life,” has drawn several reactions from viewers. One user commented, “I also want this kind of life,” while another joked, “I can agree Japanese skies are brighter than my future.” Another user wrote, “His lifestyle is so cool,” while one more added, “This conversation is so insightful.”

HT.com has reached out to them for comment, and the copy will be updated once a response is received.

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)

  • Mahipal Singh Chouhan
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Mahipal Singh Chouhan

    Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. He primarily covers offbeat, trending and human-interest stories, with a focus on emerging social media trends, online conversations and real-world incidents that capture public attention. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal works on identifying and developing fast-moving digital stories, adding context and journalistic perspective to viral moments while maintaining accuracy, clarity and readability for online audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling. He holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. Beyond journalism, he has a keen interest in history and sports and enjoys expanding his general knowledge.Read More

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