A Guide for Foreigners to Finding IT Jobs in Japan
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to work as a software developer in Japan? This article focuses on finding IT jobs in Japan, specifically in the field of software development and other related positions.
Most of us have a desire to travel to foreign countries, immerse ourselves in different cultures, and expand our horizons. However, truly understanding a country comes from living there for an extended period of time, typically one or two years or even more.
Foreign professionals who work in IT jobs in Japan often have incredible experiences. It is a captivating place to work, live, and explore. For software professionals seeking a perfect balance between career growth, job security, remuneration, and personal life, Japan offers excellent prospects. IT jobs can be highly rewarding in Japan, taking into consideration the aforementioned aspects.
While salaries in Japan may be lower than US standards in certain areas, foreign individuals with valuable skills can find jobs with decent salaries and promising future prospects. So, if you are contemplating working as an IT professional in Japan, let's delve into how to find a software engineering job in Japan.
Information Technology Job Opportunities in Japan
If you're curious about the salary range for IT professionals in Japan, you may find this article on average IT salaries in Japan very helpful.
Naturally, if your native language is not Japanese, you might be wondering whether you can find a job in Japan without knowing the language. The good news is that modern tech companies in Japan place a strong emphasis on increasing workforce diversity and are highly open to English-speaking talent.
Another positive aspect is that Japan boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates among developed countries. As per the Japanese government's statistics for May 2022, job vacancies in Tokyo outnumbered job seekers by a staggering 44%! This is due to the country's low birth rates, declining population, and the increasing demand for people, especially in young, tech-focused industries.
In Tokyo, the job-openings-to-applicants ratio was 1.44, while in Osaka, it was 1.18, and 1.24 nationwide. To explore the differences between these two major cities in Japan, you can refer to this article on the differences between Osaka vs. Tokyo.
Employers often find it challenging to hire bilingual candidates proficient in both Japanese and English. Therefore, if you possess bilingual skills, particularly in Japanese and English, you are in high demand. There are numerous job opportunities for individuals who can communicate in both languages.
Even if you haven't yet learned Japanese, landing a job in Japan without Japanese language proficiency is not overly difficult. Many Japanese companies are now open to hiring foreigners who do not speak Japanese. Additionally, there are recruitment agencies specifically focused on English-speaking candidates, which greatly assist in finding the right job for you.
Finding an IT Job in Japan
While most IT jobs in Japan require Japanese language skills, this obstacle can be overcome by having niche IT skills such as Cloud Computing, Data Science, Data Engineering, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning.
What if My IT Skills Are Not Specialized?
If you possess broad IT skills, you still have the opportunity to secure a job in Japan for several compelling reasons.
Many progressive medium-scale companies and startups in Japan are actively seeking English-speaking candidates to enhance diversity and compete on a global scale, aligning with their expansion goals beyond Japan.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes, both positive and negative. One positive outcome is that companies have become more flexible, with some even offering remote job positions.
Can I Find an IT Job In Japan while Abroad?
Yes, it is possible to find an IT job in Japan even if you are not currently residing there. However, there are certain challenges associated with this endeavor:
1. Preference for Face-to-Face Meetings:
Face-to-face meetings hold great importance in Japanese work culture, even for brief discussions that could be handled via phone calls. While the COVID-19 situation has prompted some changes, traditional values still hold strong. Job interviews also follow this trend, as Japanese companies prefer to meet candidates in person before making employment decisions.
2. Language Differences
Communication is generally easier when conducted face-to-face, especially for bilingual Japanese individuals who find it more convenient to interact with English speakers in person due to accent variations.
3. Preference for Candidates in Japan
Japanese companies have a preference for hiring candidates who are already in Japan. Large corporations in Japan have historically employed the Shūkatsu system, recruiting students from universities before their graduation. These companies would train and retain these employees until retirement. While this system has evolved in recent years, it still influences hiring practices in major corporations.
Nonetheless, Japanese companies, including foreign multinationals operating in Japan, rely on recruitment agencies to source potential employees.
How Do I Find an IT Job In Japan Before I Arrive?
1. Recruitment Agencies
To secure an IT job in Japan while abroad, recruitment agencies are one viable option. Larger agencies boast an extensive client base, offering a broader approach, while mid-sized agencies may provide more personalized attention to your profile.
Some notable recruitment companies specializing in English-speaking candidates or bilingual English-Japanese talent, with a significant focus on IT recruitment, include:
● Michael Page
● Robert Walters
● Robert Half
● Hays
● En World
Mid-sized, fast-growing, and IT recruitment-focused companies include:
● ReachExt K.K.
● Skill House
● Specialized Consulting
● Vision Consulting
2. Job Boards
Additionally, job boards such as DaiJob, CareerCross, and Jobs in Japan cater to a wider audience but do not specifically target IT positions. Alternatively, EJable.com features job boards focusing on tech recruitment in Japan, including bilingual and English-speaking roles. Other valuable resources for IT-focused job listings in Japan include Tokyo Dev, HN Tokyo on Slack, and AngelList.
3. LinkedIn
With 2.6 million registered users in Japan, LinkedIn provides opportunities to explore companies in Japan seeking English-speaking talent. However, applying directly to hiring companies on LinkedIn may yield limited results due to the high number of applicants, potentially leading to your applications being overlooked. To maximize your chances of success, it is important to learn effective strategies for utilizing LinkedIn.
Can I Secure Another Job in Japan before Finding an IT Position?
Embarking on an unrelated job in Japan and subsequently transitioning into an IT role is a viable approach to fulfill your dream of living and working in Japan. Pursuing jobs that do not require extensive Japanese language skills enables you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and potentially learn the language before switching to an IT position.
English teaching, particularly at international schools, is a common option for non-Japanese speakers. The increasing number of international schools in Japan, coupled with the demand for English-medium education, creates opportunities for native or near-native English speakers.
The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) recruits Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) for elementary and high schools, while various English conversation (Eikaiwa) teaching positions are available across Japan.
Finding An IT Job After Arriving in Japan
If you are already in Japan and searching for IT job opportunities, expanding your network and connections is crucial. Networking plays a vital role in discovering and accessing various career prospects. To explore networking opportunities specifically focused on Information Technology, consider the following IT-focused links:
- Meetup Tokyo list - Developers
- Meetup Dev Japan
- Meetup - Tokyo Tech
- Doorkeeper
- Hacker's News on Doorkeeper
- Additionally, you can find more meetups and tech communities by exploring further resources here.
Conclusion
In summary, Japan is an exceptionally modern country that deeply values its culture and traditions, making it a truly unique place. With one of the highest standards of living globally, it offers a safe environment for both living and working. The future of Japan holds numerous transformative dynamics in terms of society, economy, and outlook, creating plentiful opportunities for those interested in exploring Japanese social and work culture, as well as personal and career growth.
Moreover, Japan is experiencing a significant decline in its population, primarily due to aging, resulting in a substantial gap between the demand and supply of tech job opportunities and available talent. This situation makes Japan an ideal destination for individuals seeking to advance their IT careers. If you aspire to reach new heights in your IT profession, consider coming to Japan.
