There were three different people who interview you. They will mainly go off of your SOP for questions, but the one they will probably for sure ask you is the "Why Japan?" question. Took about 25 minutes total. In the end, they ask if you want to do a Japanese test for extra credit.

You will be interviewed by a panel of around 3 people. One person was kind of the "bad cop" who would ask tough questions, so be prepared for that. The main interviewer will ask you about your professional and educational background, and be sure to highlight any activities that involve cultural exchange or involvment in the Japanese community, rather than strictly interest in Japan. Another interviewer will try asking you questions in Japanese, but this is usually only bonus points for the interview.