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How do foreigners work in the IT industry in Japan? Explanation of types of work, required skills, annual income, etc.

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Foreign programmers at work

The IT industry in Japan is expected to face an increasingly large shortage of human resources in the future, making it an easy job for foreigners to find employment. In particular, if you have specialized skills in programming or design, you may be able to work even if you do not have advanced Japanese language skills.

This article details jobs for foreigners in the Japanese IT industry, including job titles, annual salaries, and required skills. If you are a foreigner considering employment in the IT industry, please take a look at this article.

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Types of Jobs and Annual Incomes in the IT Industry in Japan

There are many different types of jobs in the IT industry, and it is important to know what kind of work is involved. Here we describe the main types of jobs in the IT industry in Japan, including the skills required, Japanese language proficiency, and the average annual salary.

1. programmer/system engineer

Programmers and systems engineers are professionals who program and design applications and websites. Skills in the programming languages used are required.

Although Japanese is not used for programming itself, if you work as a programmer/engineer at a company, you should have daily conversational level of Japanese to facilitate your work. However, if you have good programming skills, there is a good chance that you will be hired even if your Japanese is not perfect.

The average annual salary for programmers is 4.19 million yen and 4.96 million yen for system engineers. As experience is gained, annual salaries tend to increase significantly.

Reference:Salary information for popular jobs

2. web designer

Web designers are responsible for website design, and in many cases, production as well. Design skills to create user-friendly and beautiful websites and knowledge of HTML and CSS are required.

Although Japanese is not required for the design itself, some Japanese language skills are required to communicate with clients. However, if you have good design skills and a level of Japanese language proficiency that allows you to communicate online, you can work as a freelancer as well as a full-time employee.

The average annual salary for a web designer is 4.44 million yen, but it is possible to earn an even higher income depending on skills and experience.

Reference:Salary information for popular jobs

3. IT Director/IT Producer

IT directors and IT producers are professionals who manage overall projects and bring together programmers, designers, and other staff members. They are required to have management skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills to lead projects to success.

Since communication with staff is an important part of the job, IT Directors and IT Producers need to have a high level of Japanese language skills. It is desirable to have a level of Japanese language proficiency that allows you to discuss and give instructions to Japanese staff.

The average annual salary for directors and producers is 4.46 million yen, and can exceed 10 million yen depending on the scale and results of the project.

Reference:Average Annual Income Ranking｜Mynavi AGENT

4. IT sales and IT consultants

IT salespeople sell their company's web services and software. IT consultants, on the other hand, develop IT strategies for client companies and provide support for system implementation.

Both require extensive knowledge of the company's products and IT, as well as high communication skills. High business-level Japanese language skills are essential for negotiations and proposals with customers.

The average annual salary for IT salespeople is around 4.72 million yen, and 6.47 million yen for IT consultants, but depending on your ability, you may be able to aim for a high annual salary of 10 million yen or more.

Reference:IT Sales: Average Annual Income Ranking by Occupation , Annual salary, hourly wage, and salary for IT consultant jobs

Japanese IT industry jobs for foreigners

The Japanese IT industry offers a wide variety of jobs, some of which are particularly suited to foreigners. Here we introduce some of the best jobs for non-Japanese workers, focusing on positions that allow them to utilize their specialized skills, such as programming and design.

1. programmer/system engineer

Programmers and system engineers are in particularly short supply in the IT industry. If you are a foreigner with excellent programming skills, you have a good chance of finding a job even if your Japanese is not perfect.

In addition, foreign engineers who are familiar with the latest foreign technologies tend to be highly valued by Japanese companies. Since an increasing number of workplaces allow communication in English, it may be possible to work while taking the time to learn Japanese.

2. web designer

Web designers are another type of job that foreigners can easily take advantage of. If you have good design skills, you can take on freelance work even if your Japanese is not perfect.

In addition, many Japanese companies are expanding globally, and some are actively recruiting foreign designers. Foreign designers who are familiar with the latest overseas design trends can be a valuable asset to Japanese companies.

Photographer / Illustrator

Creating photographs and illustrations for websites and applications is an important part of the IT industry, along with programming and design. Foreign photographers and illustrators can meet the needs of Japanese companies by utilizing their unique sensibilities.

Although there is a language barrier, there are great opportunities for foreign creators with high technical skills because this is an occupation in which they can compete with their works, and if they have the skills to use tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, they will be able to get work in Japan.

4. translation writer

In the IT industry, there is a growing demand for translators to translate websites, applications, games, and other content into multiple languages. Foreign translators who are fluent in both Japanese and their native language are extremely valuable to Japanese companies.

You can also use your unique foreign perspective to write articles and advertisements in Japanese. This is a job where you can hone your language skills while working in the Japanese IT industry.

How to get a job in the IT industry in Japan? The process is explained!

This section describes the general flow of getting a job in the IT industry in Japan, assuming you are working as a company employee, contractor, or part-time worker. Note, however, that there are some differences from this flow when working as a freelancer.

1. find a company you want to work for

The first step is to find a company that matches your skills, experience, and desires. You can use job information sites such as Riku Navi and LinkedIn, or you may be scouted directly by companies that buy your professional skills.

Foreign nationals are especially encouraged to check out Japanese companies that communicate information in their own language. This is because such companies are more likely to be open to hiring foreigners.

It is also effective to use employment agencies for foreigners or visit Hello Work's foreigner employment service section. If you are an international student, you should also actively utilize university career centers and job hunting events for international students.

The following article, which is a compilation of information specific to finding a job in Japan, details recommended employment sites for foreigners. Please find the site that suits you best and search for the company you want to work for efficiently.
▶︎The Complete Guide to Finding a Job in Japan! Finding a job, changing jobs, and part-time work for foreigners

2. apply and have your application reviewed

When applying for a job, you need to prepare documents according to the resume and CV format commonly used by Japanese companies. The Japanese style of resume writing may be a hurdle for non-Japanese.

In such cases, it is effective to use employment agencies for foreigners or the foreigner employment service section of Hello Work. This is because you can receive detailed advice on how to write your resume.

In addition, the following related article explains in detail how to write and obtain a resume in Japan. The tips and cautions on how to write a resume are carefully explained.
▶︎ How to write and obtain a Japanese resume for foreigners

Submitting a portfolio with your application also allows you to showcase your abilities. If you are a programmer, designer, or other professional, showing your past work and productions may be key to getting hired.

3. undergo an interview

If you pass the document screening, the next step is an interview. Job interviews in Japan tend to be more frequent and longer than in the West. In order to assess your personality and aptitude, you will generally be asked a wide range of questions about your hobbies, special skills, personality, and so on.

For non-Japanese applicants, communication skills in Japanese will often be checked. While specialized skills such as programming and design will of course be evaluated, the ability to adapt to the Japanese corporate culture is also an important factor.

If you are unsure about your Japanese, it is a good idea to organize possible questions and prepare answers before the interview. It is also important to be proactive in your communication, asking honest questions if you do not understand something.

The following article explains in detail the manner and flow of job interviews in Japan for non-Japanese nationals. From preparation for the interview to precautions to take on the day of the interview, it is explained in detail.
▶︎ How do foreigners get an interview for a job in Japan? Manners and flow explained

4. obtain a visa

If you pass the interview and are hired, you will need to obtain a visa to work in the IT industry in Japan.

Foreign students will be required to change their visa status from a college student visa to a work visa. In some cases, those who are already working at another job in Japan may need to change their status of residence.

Obtaining or changing a visa requires certain procedures and time. Some companies will assist you in obtaining a visa, but basically you will have to go through the process on your own.

However, it may be difficult to go through the process by yourself, such as preparing the necessary documents and filling out the application form. Therefore, it is recommended that you ask a specialist to help you with the visa application process. The following article provides a detailed explanation of the flow and fees when requesting a visa application from a visa consultant.
▶︎ Explanation of the process and fees when a visa consultant is hired to apply for a visa.

If the visa application does not proceed smoothly, problems may arise, such as a delay in the start of employment, even if the applicant has been hired. It is important to check the necessary documents and procedures in advance and make preparations well in advance.

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summary

The Japanese IT industry offers a wide variety of job types, and although the required skills and Japanese language proficiency vary by job type, overall, the average annual salary is at a high level. For non-Japanese, we especially recommend positions that allow you to utilize your specialized skills, such as programmers and web designers.

It is important to understand the process from application to employment and visa acquisition, and to be well prepared. Although some aspects may be difficult, you should proceed steadily while gathering appropriate information and obtaining support.

The IT industry in Japan is a promising field. Find a job that suits you and advance your career in Japan.

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