Overreacted, the personal blog of Dan Abramov, offers developers insights into React.js development, JavaScript ecosystem, and software engineering principles. Developers can learn about React.js best practices, state management patterns, and performance optimization techniques through Dan's thoughtful analysis and explanations. Additionally, the blog covers broader topics such as functional programming concepts, software architecture, and developer productivity, providing  insights for frontend developers and JavaScript enthusiasts alike.

Overreacted

Dan Abramov, known for his work on React at Meta and the Bluesky app, is seeking a software engineering position in Japan with visa sponsorship. He recaps his 15+ years of professional experience, including creating React Hooks documentation, Fast Refresh, Create React App, and Redux. His recent work involved React Native development at Bluesky, focusing on performance optimization and UI quality. He's looking for roles in UI engineering and web development, preferably in Kyoto, with English as the primary work language while he learns Japanese.

Hire Me in Japan — overreacted

I’ve been in Japan for a decade now. Based on your post, you really haven’t done enough research on moving to Japan… let alone living and working in Japan.
Visiting here and living here full time are VERY different experiences. The language barrier is much bigger than you think. Until you can read and write at an N3 level, you’re an illiterate foreigner. Let that sink in.
You should basically rule out a Japanese company. They won’t sponsor your visa because you don’t speak Japanese, you don’t know Japanese business etiquette, and it’s an expensive pain in the ass.
Foreign companies and startups are your only real options unless you’re going to take a sabbatical and attend Japanese school - however that won’t enable you to sponsor your wife’s visa.
Regarding the cat thing, landlords are allowed to discriminate here. Finding an apartment that will lease to a foreigner can already be difficult. Finding one that is pet friendly is even more difficult. Moreover, unless you got a visa, they won’t lease to you.
I’m not trying to rain on your parade. Just letting you know what to expect.

Being the redux creator isn’t something to brag about, Dan.

Dan, look into self sponsoring your visa. if you are a freelancer and are contracting with multiple clients you can obtain the visa that way that allows you to reside and work in japan. dont need conventional sponsorship from a company especially at your level of influence.
for starters <a href="https://mailmate.jp/blog/self-sponsored-visa-japan" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://mailmate.jp/blog/self-sponsored-visa-japan</a>

From a hiring perspective, this post highlights something critical that many senior engineers struggle to articulate: the difference between building frameworks and shipping products. Your React ecosystem contributions are well-documented, but what stands out here is the intentionality around workflow transitions—moving from DX tooling to end-user products like Bluesky demonstrates adaptability that’s rare at your level. For companies evaluating senior hires in Japan: look for candidates who can navigate both the “meta” layer (tools, infrastructure) and the product layer. The visa sponsorship constraint is real but solvable for the right team fit. Good luck with the search.

Hope he finds good job in Japan, React community supports you!