A good site to represent you is half the marketing done. Website creation is a big chunk of work; maintaining one is even bigger. Japan has an endless need of web developers, crucial to reach the international audience; here are things to know if you want to enter the field.
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What do web developers do?
A web developer’s job involves essentially creating a website through the use of programming code, thus turning an artist’s web design layout into interesting and colorful pages on a computer screen. In short, the job requires translating ordinary languages, sounds, and images into digital commands which will then run a program that will display a visible and readable site.
And now, one can view them on a smartphone, a laptop, or a TV screen and even share them with friends and relatives on the other side of the globe. It’s no wonder that web developers perform very important, creative, and exciting work for which companies pay handsomely.
The job of a web developer requires complex, highly-technical skills and covers various aspects of the entire web-design task, which we can classify according to the type of area wherein each person specializes.
There are basically 3 types, namely: Front-end, Back-end, and Full-stack.
Front-end
Front end developers create the mold that users interact and view. Not only are they expected to be well versed in presentation and prioritization of information, but they must also possess a minimum level of aesthetics that can grip the viewers of the site. A skilled Front-end Developer needs to be proficient in 3 programming languages (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) to accomplish the following tasks:
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Using HTML, the developer can add content to a website while taking care of the overall design format or layout, which would include headings, paragraphs, and tables.
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CSS allows a good developer to compose the web content as if it were a painter’s canvas, taking care of the colors, sizes, and borders.
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JavaScript, on the other hand, is a developer’s handy tool that can manage the incorporation of interactive elements, such as buttons and icons.
Back-end
A Back-end Developer has the more difficult job of working on the requirements on the side of the server, while the Front-end Developer handles the side concerning the client’s content requirements. In this case, a developer creates the code and programs that will generate the website’s server, databases, and whatever application that may be utilized by the website in the most efficient and fastest way. The most common languages the Back-end Developer uses are Python, PHP, Java, and Ruby.
Full-stack
A Full-stack Web Developer, as the label implies, can cover both the front and back end of the web design job. Having a thorough understanding of the whole process allows the web developer to serve a client’s full needs and increase opportunities for earning more and getting more job offers. Moreover, Full-stack Developers are often capable of handling bigger web design projects which increase the potential for higher earnings.
Again, you will see all 3 types and more in the description if you search for a developer job in Japan.
Writer's Pick
Web Developers in Japan
With Japan’s growing need to become more economically productive and competitive in the world environment, the demand for web developers who have the ability to push ideas, products, culture, and social values, whether locally or globally, in a proactive and creative way remains high. That means if you are one of the types of developers mentioned above, you can be a potential candidate for a high-paying job and a satisfying career in Japan.
Having a good website in Japan allows a company to connect with the global community and to be able to promote one’s products and services in the most efficient manner, compared to the conventional or past ways of marketing goods and services. People and businesses can no longer exist and compete without having a private or corporate website that can be accessed by thousands and even millions of potential consumers or viewers.
Web developers in Japan, much like the rest of the world, are expected to embody not only technical qualifications but also be embedded with good working habits like good time management, attention to detail, good communication and a team-player attitude.
Brief look at Salary
The average annual income of web developers in Japan may range due to different factors, some of them being the type of company one applies to, the type of projects or work one undertakes, variety of knowledge and skills in the different computer languages, and the years of work experience when you apply. Below are estimated figures of the average annual income for web developers in the different industries;
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IT companies 4.7 million yen per year
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Website production 4.8 million yen per year
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Game development 4.9 million yen per year
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System development 5.2 million yen per year
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Freelancing 6 million yen per year
It is also noteworthy to understand that those masterfully experienced in different fields, and have more qualifications can expect to enjoy a higher annual salary.
※ Heikinnenshu, "Average annual income of web programmers"
Requirements
Web developers hoping to find jobs in Japan must meet the stringent requirements for the different types of developers, whether in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, in terms of education, training, and experience in the field. For web developers in Japan, flexibility is a word to remember.
While it is superb to be a master in a programming language, dabbling in similar fields will be additional qualifications when applying for a job. Many companies require the collaboration of programmers for some projects, hence communication skills are always a must. For reference, here are the typical requirements:
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Proficiency in English and Japanese
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At least 2 to 3 years of work experience
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Experience and proficiency in programming languages
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Working visa - most commonly the “Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services” status of residence which is provided if the company that hires you sponsors your visa
The requirements of course vary per company. For example, some employers may require a business level English language proficiency and minimal Japanese language proficiency, but it is certain that having a solid foundation in both languages is a huge boost. The number of years of work experience varies and a lower requirement is not impossible to find, but 2 is a safe number. Different employers may need different things, but are a few that may serve as additional qualifications:
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Degree in computer science, web designing, or other similar fields
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Experience in leading projects and great communication skills
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Mastery over a specific programming language that the company needs
There are companies in Japan that may offer visa sponsorship to prospective employees as long as they hold sufficient preferred qualities, and requirements. Visa sponsorship and working under a company is also more recommended than starting out as a freelance, even if the latter may offer more financial gains. One of the due reasons is that freelancing may most likely require one to speak, and properly do business in Japanese, unless one has already a preset English-based client base in Japan, and another is that it is harder to get a visa without a sponsor without a solid work base and proof of sufficient financial means.
Other qualifications include the ability to keep up with technology and industry trends and the use of business information systems and applications. An innovative mind and creativity come in as essential traits of dynamic developers, as well as having the self-motivation to grow and the eagerness to work with a team and communicate openly with others.
More details about requirements can be found here:
Web and software programmer/developer jobs in Japan
Summary
More than knowing your skills and capabilities, adapting to the different preferences of prospective employers is certainly the way to go. Meanwhile, while you are preparing the requirements for working in Japan, gathering different additional qualifications will only help you in the long run. As the world recognizes the worth of a good website, the market for web developers will only increase, and for those that had always aimed for Japan, it is an opportunity. Step up, for Japan could be your next destination to even further your career.
