Japan's IT industry is experiencing a significant demand for skilled foreign workers, driven by rapid technological advancements and a shortage of local talent. For those considering starting an IT career in Japan, becoming a web developer is one of the easiest entry positions.
First Published: 2020-11-12
Updated: 2024-08-11
Table of Contents
- High Demand for Web Developers and Other Talents in the IT Industry
- Web Developer Positions: Front-end, Back-end, Full-Stack, Designer
- Why choose to be a Web Developer in Japan?
- Requirements of Web Developers in Japan
- Web Developer Salary in Japan
- Find a Job in Japan with WeXpats
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
High Demand for Web Developers and Other Talents in the IT Industry
Japan’s IT industry is currently experiencing a surge in demand for web developers and other tech talents, fueled by the nation's push toward digital innovation and the global shortage of skilled professionals. As businesses across various sectors embrace digital transformation, the need for web developers, software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts has never been higher. This high demand extends to foreign professionals, who bring diverse perspectives and specialised skills to the table.
Whether you’re an experienced developer or just starting out, now is an opportune time to explore the possibilities of a career in Japan’s thriving tech scene.
Writer's Pick
Web Developer Positions: Front-end, Back-end, Full-Stack, Designer
Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites and web applications that are accessible through the internet. It encompasses a variety of tasks and disciplines, ranging from designing the visual layout of a site to coding its functionality and ensuring that it operates smoothly across different devices and browsers. Web development is called “WEB開発 (WEB Kaihatsu)” in Japanese.
Web development is typically divided into 3 main areas:
- Web Design involves designing the visual aspects and user experience (UX) design of a website, ensuring that it is aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate.
- Front-end Development involves building the part of the website that users interact with directly.
- Back-end Development involves developing the server-side aspects of a website, where developers manage the date, application logic, and databases that make the front-end work.
Roles and positions in web development include:
- Web Designer who is in charge of designing the website. They are focused on the aesthetics and useability of websites, and work closely with front-end developers to create layouts, colour schemes, and typography that align with a brand’s identity. Tools often used by web designers include Sketch, Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Front-end Developer that specialises in the user interface and experience. They are responsible for bringing the website’s design to life, working with languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create visually appealing, responsive, and interactive websites.
- Back-end Developer works on the server side, the back-end of the website that allows it to run smoothly and according to design specifications. They handle the logic, databases, and integrations that power web applications. They work with languages like Python, Ruby, PHP, or Java to ensure that the data and operations behind the scenes run smoothly and securely.
- Full-Stack Developers are versatile professionals that have the expertise of both front-end and back-end developers allowing them to handle the entire web development process. They have a broad understanding of all layers of web technology, making them highly valuable in the job market.
Why choose to be a Web Developer in Japan?
There are many reasons why web developers and other IT roles are recommended for foreign nationals looking to work in Japan.
IT Engineers are High in Demand
In recent years, the demand for IT engineers has been increasing in Japan. This is because there is a shortage of IT engineers. As Japan embraces digitalisation, the demand for IT engineers increases yet supply of IT engineers cannot keep up due to factors such as declining birth rate. As such, Japan has looked to foreign talent as a solution. There is no shortage of IT jobs including web developer positions for interested foreign web developers.
Environment Conducive to Accepting Foreign Talent
The IT industry, including web development, is conducive to accepting foreign talent. Due to the shortage of IT engineers, many companies have created working environments that are easy for those coming from overseas to work in, partly to attract foreign talent and also to retain existing personnel.
Examples of measures that companies take include offering Japanese language classes, preparing an English-speaking or bilingual working environment, providing visa support, and more.
Does not Require High Japanese Abilities
Due to the nature of the job and to make it more welcoming to foreign talent, IT including web development positions usually do not place importance on Japanese skills, so it is possible to find a job and work even if you are not good at Japanese. However, keep in mind that basic conversational Japanese skills are still required so that you can communicate effectively with colleagues within the company.
Flexible Career Path and Easy to Change Jobs
The IT industry is said to be relatively easy to join. It is one of the most open and diverse industries where anyone can succeed. For those seeking to change careers, the IT industry is a fruitful option and easy to convert to. The many vacancies also means it is easy to change jobs if you are looking for better opportunities. In addition, the skills acquired as a web developer will also come in handy for changing jobs to other IT positions such as programmer, etc.
Flextime and Remote Work Options
Some IT companies in Japan have adopted flexible workstyles such as flextime and remote work (partial or full). It is recommended for people who value freedom, flexibility and work-life balance in their lifestyle. There are many vacancies for web developer and IT positions in Japan, so browse and look for what suits you best.
Requirements of Web Developers in Japan
There are many companies offering IT and web development positions in Japan. Each company has its own requirements but these are the general requirements.
Web Developer Visa in Japan
The status of residence (visa type) for IT engineers, including web developers, is the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services”. IT engineers fall under the category of “Engineer”. Available periods of stay under this visa are 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months.
Education Background
In order to obtain the status of residence (visa type) of “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services”, you must have a Bachelor’s degree related to your job, or alternatively 10 years working experience in the same field.
Image from Information-Technology Promotion Agency, Japan.
In the case of IT engineers however, even if you do not satisfy any of the requirements, you may be allowed to obtain the visa if you pass any of the designated information processing technology examinations as set by the MInistry of Justice. For more information, check the link below.
※ ISA, “出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の基準を定める省令の技術・人文知識・国際業務の在留資格に係る基準の特例を定める件”
What are the designated information processing technology examinations?
What is the ITEE?
The Information Technology Engineers Examination (ITEE) administered by the Information-Technology Promotion Agency (IPA) in Japan is a group of national qualification exams in which the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry certifies that you are an IT professional that meets the standards of IT knowledge and skills. There are 13 categories of examinations (refer to image above). The exams held in Japanese.
What is the ITPEC?
The Information Technology Professionals Examination Council Common Examination (ITPEC) is based on the ITEE but held in English. It is only offered in 6 countries - Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Mongolia, and Bangladesh.
Skills and Knowledge
The skills and knowledge required for web development depends on what position you hold.
Web Designer
- UX/UI Design
- Figma
- Sketch
- Adobe Creative Suite
Front-End Developer & Full-Stack Developer
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Framework Skills
Back-End Developer & Full-Stack Developer
- Python
- Ruby
- PHP
- Java
- Database Skills
- Framework Skills
Language Skills
Although having basic Japanese skills is sufficient to find IT and web developer jobs, it will severely limit your options. Due to the shortage of engineers, there are companies that recruit foreign engineers with JLPT N3 level Japanese, but N2 or N1 levels are preferable. We recommend getting minimum N2 level Japanese to widen your options and to get better job opportunities with favourable conditions.
Web Developer Salary in Japan
The average salary of a web developer in Japan is around 5 million yen a year. It is a relatively high salary well above the average annual salary in Japan. The starting salary for web developers is around 2.6 million yen a year.
The average hourly wage for dispatch web developers is 1,991 yen, and for part-timers is 1,098 yen. The amount varies depending on location.
The range of salary for web developers in Japan is relatively wide, from 3 to 9 million yen. Factors that affect salary include workplace, experience and skills.
Find a Job in Japan with WeXpats
WeXpats operates a service for foreign nationals who want to work in Japan. There are jobs in a variety of industries including IT jobs. There are 2 services available on WeXpats - WeXpats Agent for full time jobs and WeXpats Jobs for part time jobs.
Looking for a Full Time Position? Leave it to WeXpats Agent!
WeXpats Agent is a career support service that specialises in employment for foreign nationals living in Japan.
Recruitment agencies in Japan are a service where dedicated career advisors will assist you with your job hunt for free. In addition to introducing open positions, we also provide support to help you create your Japanese resume and practice for interviews. Worried about job hunting in Japanese? We are here for you.
Features of WeXpats Agent
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We have many job openings that are a good fit for foreign nationals to work in, such as translation, interpretation, inbound, etc. jobs that make use of your language skills, as well as engineering etc. jobs that do not require Japanese skills.
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Our career advisors support and help you prepare your resume and practice job interviews with you. Clearly communicate your strengths to the hiring company.
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We will handle communication with companies on your behalf, such as arranging interview dates and negotiating conditions. And thereby reducing your stress and time spent.
Finding a Part Time Job? Browse on WeXpats Jobs!
WeXpats Jobs is a part time job site for foreign nationals living in Japan. You can search for jobs in 11 languages (English, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Burmese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese), including Japanese. Find jobs that suit you by specifying your Japanese language level, occupation, location, and etc.
※ You can register from outside Japan, but only those living in Japan can apply for jobs.
