Tales of a Tokyo Intern: Exploring The World of HENNGE
What am I doing here? These words echoed through my mind as I walked through Haneda Airport, a bustling gateway to a city known for its luminous skyscrapers and busy streets. Just two months ago, I nonchalantly submitted an application for an internship from the comfort of my room in London. Within a matter of weeks, I received the green light and found myself bound for a 16-hour flight to HENNGE, a prominent Tokyo-based tech company.
A Blossoming Start in Nakameguro
Before embarking on this adventure, securing a place to stay in Tokyo was a top priority. I opted for a sharehouse in Nakameguro, a quiet neighbourhood renowned for its ethereal sakura blossoms, which gracefully lined the picturesque Meguro River.
Given that our office was situated in the heart of Shibuya, I had two delightful options for my daily commute: a swift 10-minute train ride via the Fukutoshin Line or a leisurely 30-minute stroll through serene neighbourhoods and a couple of charming parks. Of course, I chose to walk every day.
The Office: Where Work Meets Comfort
HENNGE’s Shibuya office is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Its open-plan layout, ergonomic workstations, and a multitude of collaborative spaces create an atmosphere conducive to innovation. Oh, and let’s not forget the free and unlimited Dr. Pepper vending machine — an embodiment of Japan’s fascination with vending machines.
Yet what truly sets HENNGE apart is its corporate culture — a departure from traditional Japanese norms, it exudes an air of informality and friendliness that fosters a deep sense of belonging. Despite finding myself in an entirely unfamiliar environment, the office instantly felt like a second home.
The Internship Assignments
During my six-week sojourn at HENNGE, I was entrusted with a diverse range of assignments that both challenged and nurtured my technical prowess. The initial three weeks were dedicated to crafting a Twitter clone, with the freedom to choose between Go, Python, or TypeScript. This project was not just a coding exercise but a hands-on opportunity to apply our skills to a real-world scenario.
The following week was a deep dive into the world of DevOps as we explored the intricacies of AWS Terraform. It served as a crash course in cloud infrastructure management and automation and we got the rare chance to experience AWS at scale.
The final two weeks were spent collaborating with fellow engineers on an internal project relating to the company. Personally, this phase was the most enjoyable, as I genuinely felt my contributions were making a meaningful impact while working on a real codebase.
Social Soirees and Donut Delights
HENNGE isn’t just about work; it’s also about building connections and creating memories. Once a week, the interns enjoyed paid lunches at a variety of restaurants with other engineers, exploring Tokyo’s diverse culinary landscape. Occasional dinners at izakayas, nights of bowling, bar hopping, arcade adventures, and board game nights were also sprinkled throughout the weeks.
One standout memory was our picnic beneath the sakura blossoms— a relaxing yet vibrant celebration of nature’s beauty. Adding to the camaraderie was the weekly “Donut” event where you are assigned to chat with two random employees for casual conversations, something the CEO also participates in. It was a brilliant way to meet new colleagues and expand my network.
Weekend Explorations
While the internship demanded dedication and hard work, it also generously granted free time to explore Tokyo and its myriad wonders. I seized my weekends to traverse the cityscape, with visits to Odaiba’s futuristic wonders, the mesmerising shores of Enoshima, and the industrial churn of Kawasaki, where each expedition added a new layer to the rich mosaic of my Tokyo experience. After all, you have to make the most of your free time!
Closing Thoughts
My journey as an intern at HENNGE was nothing short of transformative. From navigating Tokyo’s intricate streets to immersing myself in its tech ecosystem and culture, it was a whirlwind of excitement and enlightenment. At HENNGE, the Global Internship Program is more than just work; it’s an all-encompassing experience.
Ayu is a student at the University of Warwick in the U.K. He interned with the HENNGE Global Internship Program from March 13th to April 21st, 2023.
