Experience Overview

During my internship at SMBC Nikkou Securities Inc., a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), I gained hands-on experience in finance, investment products, and the operational workings of major financial institutions in Japan. The internship was conducted entirely in Japanese, which allowed me to apply and improve my language skills in professional, real-world settings. I learned how banks and securities firms contribute to the larger goal of transitioning Japan from a cash-centric society to card-based and digital payments. Day-to-day, I studied different financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds, analyzing their risk profiles, expected returns, and market behavior.

Projects & Learning Experiences

Throughout my internship, I was exposed to a wide range of practical and observational experiences, all conducted in Japanese:

• Investment Product Analysis – Learned to differentiate risk levels among various securities, ETFs, and mutual funds, analyzing trends and discussing findings entirely in Japanese with colleagues.
• Cashless Payment Initiatives – Observed SMBC's strategies for promoting card and digital payments in Japan, participating in discussions and presentations in Japanese.
• Site Visits & Field Learning – Visited key financial and historical institutions in Osaka, engaging with staff and interpreting materials in Japanese:
  • Osaka Stock Exchange – Observed market operations and trading floor dynamics.
  • Bank of Japan, Osaka Branch – Learned about central banking functions and monetary policy.
  • Osaka Mint – Explored currency production processes and secure money supply management.
  • Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory – Observed Osaka Bay and the Osaka Expo 2025 "Grand Ring" construction, linking infrastructure investment to financial strategy.
  • Panasonic Museum – Studied corporate history and technological innovation, connecting real-world corporate decisions to finance.

Cultural & Language Development

Working entirely in Japanese provided exceptional language practice and cultural immersion. I improved my business Japanese, learned financial terminology, and developed confidence in professional communication. This experience also deepened my understanding of Japanese business culture, work ethics, and the collaborative decision-making processes common in large Japanese corporations.

Industry Knowledge & Skills Gained

The internship provided foundational knowledge in:

• Financial product analysis and risk assessment
• Market trends and investment strategy evaluation
• Banking operations and customer service protocols
• Japan's digital payment transformation and policy implications
• Cross-cultural communication and professional etiquette in Japanese business settings

Lessons Learned

This internship was pivotal in confirming my interest in both finance and technology, while also strengthening my Japanese language skills. I learned how financial institutions operate at scale, the importance of regulatory compliance, and how technological innovation drives industry change. Most importantly, I gained confidence working in a multicultural, multilingual environment and developed a deeper appreciation for the intersection of finance, technology, and cultural adaptation in global markets.