Japan had long established a reputation in being one of the world leaders in technology, ‘Made in Japan’ assuring quality. Many are trying to find jobs in the vast field of programming, but employers may have different demands; understanding them is the first step into landing a job in Japan.
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Why Japan?
A country recognized for its technological advancements, Japan seems not to halt its progress within the field of science and technology. There has been an increase in terms of demand in technological jobs such as engineering and programming. The tech sector of the country continues to innovate. However, there are challenges to such progress. It is expected by 2030 that the tech workforce shortage in Japan could reach between 160,000 at the lowest to numbers as great as 790,000. This provides an opportunity for individuals who have relevant experience and qualifications, even if they are from other countries. One may be interested to pursue their careers in the country, specifically in programming or software engineer. Hence, it is important to know the details of the workplace environment in the country and to work in it with such a job description.
※ Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, “IT 人材需給に関する調査 (Research into the supply and demand of IT human resources)”
Japanese workplaces are known for their corporate spirit. This corporate spirit favors the collective condition and coordination rather than that of the individual. It means that the most important thing to be attained in every office would be the product of the team. This is the same in the programming industry. One will be working in a team and must be able to communicate well with other members to create continuous developments and innovations recognized around the world.
Another interesting aspect of working in Japan is engagement with new, ingenious projects. The onset of the robotics industry in the country and the increase in artificial intelligence-related demands around the world entails an introduction of new projects that would satisfy the demands for innovation. Programmers in the country would be inevitably involved in such projects as they continue to unravel. Interesting, isn’t it? Equipped with pertinent qualifications and an innovative spirit, one could easily land a life-changing career in the country. Here are some of the things you should know before pursuing the career.
Writer's Pick
Breakdown of programming jobs in Japan
There are four types of programmers: application programmers, game programmers, system programmers, and web programmers. Clearly, from their titles, it can be easily deduced in what field their programming skills are applied. But what really is the work of a programmer? In Japan, some may recognize that the job title for a programmer would be software engineers. However, such a notion must be reassessed. Programmers are those who are responsible for writing up codes for a particular software, while software engineers are those who apply such software to specific projects and devices. In this case, software engineers are operate further along the line since programmers are specialized in a specific field, which is writing up codes. Nonetheless, the job market in Japan looks for individuals trained in the general area.
Primarily, programming jobs in the country are responsible for developing, improving, and managing software applications. There are different arrays of programming jobs in the country, suited in distinct fields, but their main roles remain the same. Moreover, a programmer is expected to be educated with diverse programming languages since it is the fundamental medium for their roles.
Developing
Regardless of specialization, a programmer must be capable of creating and developing new software applications. The company, depending upon the sector they belong to, usually provides the instructions or specifications. Programmers perform the role of designing and formulating the applicable codes and computation for an envisioned program. Programmers can work as a team or collaborate with other specializations to work on such a project.
Improving
Provided that programmers are employed and assigned to an existing project, improving the software could be another role that must be filled by the position. The instructions are set in this respect. Improving software may include alteration, enhancement, and omission of features within the existing design.
Managing
Lastly, another main role of a programmer is managing software. This role includes maintenance and troubleshooting any problems that exist in the software, especially when it is in use already. Programmers are immersed within the control system of the software wherein their managing skills could be applied.
Understanding the requirements
Upon knowing the demands of programmers in the country and the essential roles of the position, it is now important to know what are the preferred qualifications to be eligible in the field. First and foremost, applicants must be mindful of acquiring a working visa. For programming jobs, an engineering visa would authorize the employment. Applicants are responsible for the visa application but there are companies who can sponsor the application. The visa sponsorship works through the coordination of the applicant and the prospective employer in which the latter serves as the hosting organization that guarantees legitimate employment. The regional immigration office would then assess whether the set up is worthy of the Certificate of Eligibility, a document that validates the employment arrangement.
Considering that companies in the country prioritize a lengthy arrangement with its employees, even from expatriates, one should consider the following qualifications to not only get a job, but to ensure the advancement of your career.
First, employees consider applicants with relevant working experience. Most employers consider a 2-year minimum working experience may be applicable for positions. However, employees also anticipate entry-level employees that they could train in the long run and retain them within the company’s workforce.
Second, applicants with managerial experience may at times be preferable. Especially for higher programming positions, an employer takes into account a broad managerial experience. Provided that these posts usually handle subordinate programmers and lead the projects, they are expected to have at least a few years of experience with it.
Third, a relevant educational background would be essential. A degree in computer science, information technology, and other related fields would be the basis of the employee on the applicant’s background with programming knowledge. This particular qualification may set the landscape of the application process because it preempts the applicant’s immersion with the field. Although some may prefer practical experience regardless of educational attainment, an applicant with a clear academic background may have the advantage.
Fourth, applicants should have a basic to advance experience and skills with programming languages. Applications such as C++, Python, Java, Rust, XSLT, XML, etc. are the medium used to create software. For applicants, one should have fundamental experience with the above when pursuing a programming job. Check the job ads to see which specific programming applications the company will require you to know and use.
Lastly, the applicant should be able to converse using English and Japanese. It is not necessarily expected that the applicant should be very proficient in the Japanese language. However, at the very least, the applicant could be able to understand and converse using the language. Given that employment is within the country of Japan, most business communication may be done using the language. Many Japanese companies would also prefer proficiency in English.
Summary
In the next decades, Japan will capitalize on the tech sector. Opportunities for work will definitely increase for foreigners, especially in this time of globalization. Pursuing a programming career in Japan would be beneficial because of the limitless possibilities of its industry. Certainly, more technological advancements will be seen by humanity and it could be you that developed them.
