How Japan's labor shortage equals career opportunities for certain international developers.

Iskandar Zulqarnain Hilmi

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Japan faces a severe labor shortage due to its aging and declining population. This shortage spans all industries but is particularly acute in the tech sector. Japanese companies now seek experienced international developers, especially those with skills in backend development, Python, AI, and machine learning. While not all positions require Japanese language skills, learning the language can enhance career prospects. Digital transformation (DX) is a key driver of demand for tech talent as Japan looks to modernize its industries and address social challenges.

Japan Needs International Developers

Is Japan’s labor shortage a good thing?

Japan requires technological innovation, right now

What, exactly, are Japanese companies hiring for?

Are multinational development teams the solution?

Do they require experienced developers or there is also places for Juniors?
Something also happens in my country - Czech Republic. You see a lot of job listings looking exclusively for Seniors, sometimes Mediors, but for Juniors there is not as much opportunities.

Lol, no thanks. Not in my goals to work 16h a day.

Other than the slight increase in their degree of openness. The job requirement and possibilities of career development don’t look like they have changed much compared to 10 years ago. Unless you are fairly out-going, have a hint of leadership spirit and can more or less embrace the Japanese culture, going to Japan for long-term commitment could be an arduous journey otherwise. Especially for your mental health.

Considering their work culture is notoriously toxic, it’s an unattractive prospect to begin with. Combined with the listings presented offering an insulting 130k AUD for a senior Fullstack position (and 49K AUD for junior/mid) as well as the stress of working international hours or moving internationally. Something tells me Japan is going to be lacking any kind of developer talent for a long time to come.

Who would ever want to move into Japanese work culture? I lived there and Korea for a while, and the only reason I enjoyed my time in both countries was because I didn’t have to work for local companies.