IT Jobs in Japan: Your Guide To Landing Tech Jobs in 2025
13 May 2025 22:20
How to Build Your IT Careers in Japan in 2025
As Japan enters 2025, its economy is undergoing a significant digital transformation as it addresses demographic shifts (an aging and shrinking population), the need for increased productivity (to compensate for limited resources and staffing), and the ambition to maintain its position as a global leader in technological innovation and economic influence. In 2025, Japan ranks fourth in the world—just behind China, India, and the United States—for the number of IT engineers employed domestically, with a total of 1.44 million engineers, representing a 9.1% increase compared to 2024 (+120,000). With an estimated 58,000 foreign engineers working in Japan, the percentage of foreigner engineers represents about 4% of all engineers working in Japan (96% of engineers are Japanese nationals).
The country's push toward innovation in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continues to fuel a high demand for IT professionals and engineers. Whether you're already based in Japan or considering relocation, understanding the dynamics of the Japanese tech job market is critical to navigating and securing career opportunities in 2025 and beyond. With over 789,000 IT jobs expected to remain unfilled by 2030 (according to METI), the door remains wide open for skilled engineers, software developers, data analysts, and IT leaders to make their mark.
Whether you're a software engineer in Tokyo or an AI specialist abroad considering a move, we hope this report offers you a useful and practical guide to help you better understand Japan’s rapidly evolving tech employment landscape and develop your tech career in Japan.
Source available at: https://www.athuman.com/news/2023/18297/
Source available at: https://www.athuman.com/news/2023/18297/
In this article, we will cover the following topics
7) Career Playbooks for Junior vs. Senior Engineers
8) Gender Diversity: Changing the Face of Tech in Japan
9) Japan’s Hottest Tech-Driven Industries
10) Where to Job Hunt: Best Job Boards, Recruiting agencies, Tech Meetups, Networking Events & Career Events
IT Jobs in Japan - Tech Jobs in Japan - Japan Tech Labor Market
1) Key Trends Shaping Japan’s Tech Labor Market in 2025
Japan's digital transformation (DX) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a national strategy in motion. Government initiatives like Society 5.0 and smart city investments are accelerating digitization across multiple sectors. In response to challenges such as an aging population and declining birthrate, Japan recognizes the need to invest in technology to improve productivity. The country is also increasingly open to welcoming foreign professionals to help address labor shortages and drive innovation in the tech sector.
🔹 KEY DRIVERS:
• Digital Acceleration: Rapid adoption of cloud computing, cybersecurity modernization, and AI integration—especially in traditionally non-digital industries—is fueling demand for data scientists, DevOps engineers, and AI professionals.
• Labor Gaps: Japan's IT workforce is projected to fall short by nearly 800,000 workers by 2030, according to METI.
• Global Labor and Hiring Policies: More companies are offering visa sponsorships and English-friendly environments as they seek to diversify their talent base and remain globally competitive.
IT Jobs in Japan - Tech Jobs in Japan - Top In Demand IT Roles
2. Most In-Demand IT Roles & Salary Ranges
Based on aggregated job posting data from HirePlanner.com and TechJobsinJapan.com, along with insights from leading recruitment agencies in Japan, here is a concise overview of the most in-demand IT roles and their corresponding annual salary ranges.
Please note that actual salaries can vary depending on several factors, including the employer (Japanese vs. international company), the candidate’s background and skill set, Japanese language proficiency, and other individual qualifications.
Software Engineer | ¥6M–¥10M | Java, TypeScript, React, Go expertise is in high demand
DevOps Engineer | ¥7M–¥12M | Companies migrating to CI/CD and containerized infra
Data Scientist / Analyst | ¥6.5M–¥11M | Demand in fintech, retail, and healthcare analytics
Cybersecurity Expert | ¥7.5M–¥14M | Critical in finance, manufacturing, and critical infra
AI / ML Engineer | ¥8M–¥15M | AI startups and R&D labs hiring aggressively
Product Manager (Tech) | ¥9M–¥16M | Agile, bilingual PMs are highly sought after
UX/UI Designer | ¥5M–¥9M | Mobile-first and user-centric designs drive demand
IT Jobs in Japan - English and Japanese Level Required
3. Japanese-Only vs. Bilingual vs. English-Only Jobs: Where Do You Fit?
While fluency in Japanese is always preferred—especially for roles involving communication with clients and external counterparts—companies in Japan have become more flexible in recent years. Many are lowering their Japanese language requirements and are even open to hiring English-only speakers, particularly when candidates bring strong technical expertise. This is especially true for roles in engineering, data, and product development, where technical skills often outweigh language proficiency.
Although official government data on language requirements is limited, recent insights from the tech recruitment market offer a clearer picture of current hiring trends:
🇯🇵 Tech Hiring By Japanese Companies
Getting hired as a tech engineer at a traditional Japanese company typically requires Japanese language proficiency at the JLPT N2 or N1 level. These companies often emphasize internal harmony, effective communication, and customer service—all of which demand a strong command of the Japanese language.
According to a 2024 survey conducted byIT Jobs In Japan, among foreign engineers hired by Japanese firms:
90% had N2 or N1 level Japanese
Only 10% were hired with N3-level proficiency
While this shows that opportunities for candidates with limited Japanese are still limited, the trend is slowly improving as companies start to embrace digital transformation and globalization. Some companies, like Rakuten, are leading the way and have even adopted English as their official corporate language to attract global talent—but such cases are still rare exceptions.
In most cases, higher Japanese proficiency will help open more doors to work for attractive and innovative tech companies, access to faster promotions, management roles, and long-term career growth.
Also, many Japanese employers see strong Japanese skills as a sign of commitment to living and working in Japan. Language ability is also seen as essential for participating in meetings, understanding project details, and building team consensus.
Fun Stat: Over the past decade, the number of foreign engineers working in Japan has tripled. Still, 51% of them operate at lower proficiency levels (N3–N5), while 49% have advanced Japanese ability (N2–N1).
🌐 Tech Hiring By International Companies & Startups
Foreign tech professionals with limited or no Japanese ability can still find excellent opportunities at multinational corporations and global-minded startups, provided they have the right technical skills and expertise. These organizations tend to be more agile, diverse, and internationally oriented. Many offer:
A stronger focus on technical expertise over language proficiency
English as the internal working language (especially in engineering and product teams)
Onboarding and internal communication in English
Translation support and Japanese language training programs
International startups can’t always match the salaries offered by larger corporations, so they compete by offering extra flexibility and faster career growth opportunities. They also often offer a more flexible work environment allowing remote work, flexible hours and a less formal business culture.
This adaptability helps startups and foreign firms attract qualified candidates who may still be improving their Japanese level.
🎯 General Observations by Role Type - Technical Roles (e.g., Software Dev, AI, Infrastructure) | JLPT N4–N3–N2 - Client-Facing Roles (e.g., Sales Engineers, Project Managers) | JLPT N2–N1 - Cross-functional / Management Roles | JLPT N2–N1 preferred or required
IT Jobs in Japan - Tech Jobs in Japan - Japanese Business Etiquette - Working Culture in Japan
4. Understanding Work Culture & Work-Life Balance in Japan
Strong communication skills go hand in hand with a deep cultural understanding—and in Japan, mastering both the language and the business etiquette is essential. Culture fit is often considered just as important if not more as your technical and conversation skills when it comes to long-term success in the Japanese workplace.
In Japan, language and culture are deeply interconnected. Learning the language not only can improve your ability to communicate but also can help you better understand unspoken workplace norms, behaviors, and expectations. For many foreigners, Japanese work culture can feel quite different or take some time getting used to, but understanding these cultural differences will be key to establish trust, credibility, and solid long term professional relationships.
🤝 Core Values of Japanese Work Culture
Understanding the core values of Japanese work culture is essential for building trust and succeeding in a professional environment in Japan. Here are some key principles to keep in mind:
Harmony (Wa)
This principle emphasizes group cohesion, mutual respect, and maintaining a peaceful, cooperative environment. In traditional organizations, team harmony always comes first. Unlike in many Western cultures—where decisions are often made by individuals or top management—Japanese companies rely more heavily on consensus-based decision-making, which can involve multiple discussions and approvals across departments. While this process may feel time consuming and frustrating to newcomers, it plays a vital role in promoting alignment, reducing conflict, and ensuring the long-term health of the team and organization. Everyone’s voice is considered before moving forward.
Don’t Rush Into Change
Before introducing major changes or suggestions, it’s important to assess the situation carefully. Consider these three principles:
a) Credibility: Have you established enough trust and credibility to be taken seriously? In Japan, earning your stripes before proposing big ideas is important. Coming in too strong or too soon can make you appear overly aggressive or disruptive.
b) Logic: Is your idea logical, well-structured, and backed by clear reasoning? Japanese professionals tend to be process-oriented and detail-focused, so your plan should be rock-solid and well thought out.
c) Empathy: Have you demonstrated genuine curiosity and empathy toward your team members? Have you taken time to understand your colleagues’ challenges and perspectives? Avoid harsh criticism, even if your intention is to help. It can come off as insensitive or too confrontational. Instead, position yourself as a team player. Invite collaboration, suggest ideas gently, and build support by involving others in crafting solutions.
Rather than saying, “What we’re doing doesn’t work; we should do this instead,” try:
“I’ve noticed some areas where we might improve—what do you think of this idea? Have you tried working on this in the past?” This approach shows respect and fosters buy-in.
Respect for Hierarchy
Always use polite language and respect the organizational structure. Deference to seniority and maintaining clear communication both upward and downward are essential.
Punctuality
Time is highly valued in Japanese business culture. Meetings almost always start and end on time. Being late—even by a few minutes—is seen as disrespectful and unprofessional.
Consensus-Driven Decisions
Decision-making often involves multiple stakeholders and requires input from all parties involved. This can lead to slower timelines, but it ensures team alignment and organizational cohesion. Patience and flexibility are key.
Non-Confrontational Communication
Direct confrontation or criticism is generally avoided. Feedback is usually delivered in subtle, indirect ways. Mastering the ability to “read the air” (kuuki wo yomu)—that is, understanding unspoken cues, mood, and context—is a highly valued skill in Japanese professional settings.
Remote, Hybrid Work in Japan
5. Rise of Remote Work & Hybrid WorkING styles
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in Japan's work culture, accelerating the adoption of remote and hybrid work arrangements—especially within the tech industry. While many traditional companies are gradually trying to return to office-based work, tech firms and startups are leading the way in offering flexible working styles that prioritize productivity and employee well-being. This helps them not only attract top talent but also retain it.
A research from allwork shows that despite many businesses wanting to shift back to office based work, over 70% of workers still spend at least one day a week (or more) working remotely.
This shows that remote and hybrid options are no longer just perks—they’re strategic advantages used to attract skilled professionals, improve retention, and foster work-life balance. Many engineers in Japan now expect some degree of flexibility, and companies that fail to adapt risk losing talent to more progressive competitors.
Resume Tips To Land Interviews For an IT Jobs in Japan
6. Resume TIPS TO Land Interviews in Japan
In Japan’s tech industry, your resume isn’t just a summary of your experience—it’s your first impression and a key marketing tool. To stand out from other candidates, especially in such a competitive market, it's essential for you to customize your resume for each job you apply to.
Here are just a few key tips for tech candidates:
- Start with a strong summary Begin with a brief section that highlights who you are, your core strengths, and what you bring to the table. This helps hiring managers quickly understand your core value.
- Showcase your tech stack List relevant technologies, tools, and programming languages you master using bullet points. Include your proficiency level for each (e.g., Ruby on rails – Advanced, React – Intermediate).
- Quantify your achievements Whenever possible, try including specific metrics to emphasize on the impact of your work (e.g., “Reduced AWS hosting costs by 20%” or “Improved system speed and performance by 30% by refactoring legacy code”). This builds credibility and shows that you are results-oriented.
- Include project links Don’t hesitate to share hyperlinks to your GitHub, portfolio site, or mobile apps—especially if you’re a junior developer or designer with limited professional experience.
- Keep the formatting clean and minimal Avoid overly creative or flashy designs. Japanese employers value clarity and structure. Use a clean layout that makes your resume easy to read at a glance.
✅ Tailor your resume for each position Customize it with keywords from the job description. This shows initiative and attention to detail—qualities highly valued in Japanese hiring culture. Although it may take extra time, this approach significantly increases your chances of being shortlisted for interviews.
IT Jobs in Japan - Tech Jobs in Japan For Entry Level Engineers and Senior Engineers
7. Career Playbooks: Strategic Approaches for Junior vs. Senior Engineers
When searching for IT jobs in Japan, your approach should vary depending on your experience and seniority level. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned tech professional, having the right strategy can make a big difference in landing the right career opportunities.
👩💻 For Junior Engineers – Use a Push Strategy
As a junior engineer, you need to actively showcase your skills and pursue opportunities to break into the industry. This means putting your work in front of potential employers while continuously learning and developing your technical and product management skills.
Key Actions:
Join coding bootcamps to build strong technical foundations and grow your professional network. Popular options in Japan include Code Chrysalis, Le Wagon Tokyo, and TECH::CAMP.
Build a solid GitHub profile. Regularly publish personal or collaborative projects. Highlight clean code, well-documented READMEs, and demonstrate the range of technologies you're mastering.
Attend tech meetups, IT seminars, networking events, and career fairs. Engage in events such as those hosted by HirePlanner.com, which offer access to valuable content, insights from tech leaders, and direct connections to companies hiring in Japan.
Create and maintain up-to-date profiles on LinkedIn and HirePlanner.com to discover entry-level roles that match your skill level.
👨💼 For Senior Engineers – Use a Pull Strategy
As a senior engineer, your focus should ideally be on attracting opportunities rather than actively chasing them. Position yourself as a thought leader, making it easier for top employers to find and reach out to you.
Key Actions:
Create quality content and share your expertise. Publish technical articles, case studies, or project retrospectives on your social media channels or personal website. Focus on the value and impact of your work.
Showcase finalized projects (when not confidential). Keep an updated portfolio website, blog, or social media presence where you can highlight your most impactful work and link to live demos or code repositories.
Join and contribute to tech communities. Participate in discussions in developer groups, online forums, and chat communities related to your area of expertise.
Speak at tech conferences and panel discussions. Public speaking enhances your credibility and visibility. Volunteering as a guest speaker or panelist is a powerful way to attract new opportunities—without raising suspicion from your current employer. It allows you to promote your company while increasing your own exposure and showcasing your expertise and experience. A true win-win.
✅ No Matter Your Level:
Stay visible in the community. The more you engage and meet people, the more likely they are to remember and refer you for future opportunities.
Continue learning and improving your skills all the time.
Build authentic relationships with tech innovators, engineers, and recruiters.
Own your growth. Don’t wait for opportunities—create them.
By aligning your job search strategy with your career stage, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of landing the roles you truly want—faster and more effectively.
Diversity and Inclusion in Japan IT Sector
8. Gender Diversity: Changing the Face of Tech in Japan
Japan's tech industry still has a long way to go in achieving gender balance. According to the 2021 JISA Basic Statistical Survey, women represent just under 20% of the broader IT workforce in Japan.
A global study tracking 33 OECD countries placed Japan 17th in gender diversity among IT engineers, with only 18.8%of engineers being female.
In comparison:
Israel leads with 29.5%
Ireland follows with 26.3%
Estonia ranks third with 24.5%
📈 Positive Shifts and Opportunities
Despite these rather low figures, progress is being made—slowly but surely—as a growing number of organizations and communities are driving the change:
Larger employers are setting internal KPIs for diversity across all functions.
Communities such as Women Who Code Tokyo are organizing events, workshops and other initiatives to help empower women through education, peer support, and career development in the tech industry.
Bilingual women with STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are in especially high demand—especially those with global experience or international education.
💡 How to Find Companies That Truly Embrace Gender Diversity
When evaluating employers, it’s important to go beyond marketing buzzwords (on corporate websites or social media posts) and assess whether diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are truly embedded into the company's DNA. Make sure to distinguish the companies that live and breath diversity versus the employers that just “talk" about gender diversity, Here’s what to look for:
✅ Signs a Company Takes Diversity Seriously
Women in Leadership Positions Check the company’s leadership team. Are women represented in executive or decision-making roles? This is often a clear indicator of the company’s actual commitment to diversity. If the entire leadership team is composed of Japanese male only… (no women, no foreigners… you know what to expect).
Public DEI Reports or Transparency Some forward-thinking companies publish diversity data and progress reports. This level of transparency often reflects real accountability.
Active Participation in Women-Focused Tech Events Look for companies that sponsor, attend, or speak at events like women-in-tech conferences, career fairs, mentorship programs, or other events designed to promote gender inclusion.
Inclusive Recruiting Platforms Platforms like HirePlanner.com host inclusive tech meetup events, seminars and IT career events with diverse speakers and always highlight companies that prioritize diversity and inclusive hiring practices. Joining their events is a good to start to access to the right companies and leaders with the right mindset.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For
All-male Japanese only leadership teams or panels at public events (“manels”)
Vague language about diversity on the company website without any clear metrics or case studies
Lack of participation in external diversity or community events
Hot Tech Driven Business Sector - IT Jobs in Japan
9. Japan’s Hottest Tech-Driven Industries
Japan is investing heavily in technology to address some of its most pressing challenges—from an aging population to urban congestion and climate change. The following industries are leading the hiring wave for engineers, developers, data scientists, and tech innovators.
- Fintech
Key technologies: Blockchain, Mobile Payments, Cybersecurity Japan’s financial sector is rapidly digitizing, creating high demand for engineers who can build secure, scalable financial systems and innovative digital services.
- Health Tech
Key technologies: AI Diagnostics, Cloud-Based Healthcare Platforms, Telemedicine With one of the world’s oldest populations, Japan is advancing health tech to deliver smarter diagnostics, remote care solutions, and AI-assisted treatment systems.
- Green Tech
Key technologies: IoT Sensors, Renewable Energies, Smart Cities, Sustainable Transportation, Renewable Energy Platforms As Japan moves toward carbon neutrality, the clean energy sector is expanding. Tech professionals are needed to build smart, sustainable systems and infrastructure that reduce environmental impact.
- E-commerce
Key technologies: AI, Recommendation Engines, Microservices, Headless CMS Online retail continues to grow, especially in mobile-first markets. Companies are hiring developers to improve customer experience, enhance personalization, streamline payment flows, and deliver seamless digital shopping experiences.
- Mobility / AutoTech
Key technologies: Autonomous Vehicles, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Smart Infrastructure, Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) Japan’s automotive leaders are shifting to software-first strategies, fueling demand for software engineers, AI developers, and systems architects.
- Smart Cities
Key technologies: IoT, 5G, Edge Computing, AI-Driven Infrastructure, Urban Data Platforms Japan is at the forefront of smart city innovation, including projects like Toyota’s Woven City. These initiatives combine urban planning with cutting-edge tech—requiring diverse talent across AI, data, cloud, and connectivity.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
Key technologies: Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning, AI Agents, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Generative AI AI is being adopted across nearly every industry—from marketing, HR, and finance to logistics and product development. Engineers with AI/ML expertise are in high demand.
- Robotics
Key technologies: Humanoid Robotics, Industrial Automation, Industrial IoT (IIoT), Control Systems Japan continues to be a global leader in robotics, especially in manufacturing, logistics, elderly care, and service automation. Mechatronics engineers, control systems developers, and AI specialists play a crucial role in driving innovation in this field.
IT Job Boards in Japan - Find Tech Jobs in Japan
10. Where to Job Hunt: IT Job Boards, TECH Recruiters & IT CAREER Events
Looking for a tech job in Japan? Use the right platforms, connect with recruiters, and attend events designed for bilingual and international-minded professionals.
🖥️ Top Job Boards for the IT and Tech Sector
HirePlanner.com Bilingual job board featuring all kinds of IT jobs from global-minded companies. Also provides access to over 500 recruiting agencies through its Recruiting Agency Directory.
TechJobsinJapan.com Specialized in IT and tech roles in Japan. Ideal for engineers, developers, and bilingual professionals.
TokyoDev Offers curated tech jobs for English-speaking developers in Japan. Great for startup-friendly and international work environments.
JapanDev Showcases tech positions at this tech companies looking to hire foreign engineers (no japanese communication skills required) with modern engineering cultures and English-speaking teams.
LinkedIn Japan Not as widely used in Japan as in some other countries, but still useful—especially for bilingual candidates looking to connect directly with recruiters or hiring managers.
CareerForum.Net (CFN) Hosts large-scale online and in-person career forums for Japanese-English bilinguals, including students and entry-level professionals.
Code Chrysalis Events Offers workshops, demo days, and networking opportunities for developers and tech enthusiasts.
Le Wagon Tokyo Coding bootcamp that hosts regular free events, tech talks, and networking sessions for the local tech community.
Japan IT Jobs - Japan Technology Innovation
JOIN THE PATH OF TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION, CREATE Opportunities and Shape Your Future in Japan’s Tech Scene
Stay connected, stay visible, stay curious and invest in yourself.
Japan’s tech industry is undergoing a significant transformation. This shift is unlocking exciting opportunities for those ready to contribute, adapt, and help position Japan once again as a global leader in technology and innovation. Whether you're a junior developer starting your journey, a seasoned engineer seeking your next challenge, or an international professional looking to enter the Japanese market—2025 holds more potential than ever.
That said, thriving in Japan’s tech sector takes more than just technical ability. It requires language skills (English and ideally Japanese), strategic thinking, adaptability, and a strong understanding of cultural dynamics.
The future belongs to those who take initiative. Build a standout resume, connect with forward-thinking companies, and engage with communities and events that align with your goals. Platforms like HirePlanner.com and TechJobsinJapan.com are here to support you every step of the way.
Japan’s tech ecosystem is evolving—and it’s looking for diverse voices, global talent, and fresh ideas. Make 2025 the year you take your career to the next level and become part of the movement shaping the future of tech in Japan.
