IT Jobs in Japan: Latest Pay, Scope, Trends & More in 2025

Written by

Amitaanshu Midha

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Apr 20,2025

IT Jobs in Japan: Latest Trends, Opportunities & How to Get Hired in 2025 - TerraTern

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The Japanese labour market needs more than 220,000 IT specialists by 2025, providing significant employment chance for IT jobs in Japan to technical experts, particularly from India. Entry-level professionals in IT jobs in Japan earn ¥8 million per year as their starting salary, moving to senior AI positions that can offer ¥15 million annually. Ninety-seven per cent of businesses have invested in digital transformation, which has caused a high level of need for experienced personnel. The employment value of bilingual workers lies in their ability to command 10–15% extra compensation than their monolingual counterparts in the workforce.

Remote work and significant employment opportunities in IT jobs in Japan exist in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. Career opportunities in AI and cloud, cybersecurity, software engineering, and IT support remain highly in demand by Japanese companies. The Japanese system allows friendly entry for skilled IT staff members, facilitating recruitment opportunities for Indian candidates. The Japanese tech industry's rapid expansion and employment efficiency create 2025 as an ideal period to get a rewarding IT position in Japan.

 

Latest Updated Overview of IT Jobs in Japan 2025

Latest Updated Overview of IT Jobs in Japan -  TerraTern

Here is an overview about IT jobs in Japan:

  • Japan’s technological sector shows rapid expansion.

  • Modern technological advancements are reengineering work-related positions.

  • The IT workforce faces a massive employment opportunity in the market.

  • The recruitment opportunities exist for candidates who are native Japanese and international job seekers.

  • Business organisations actively seek candidates for AI positions and positions related to cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development roles.

  • Tower A needs candidates holding Bachelor-level qualifications in Computer Science or related academic disciplines for their IT occupational positions.

  • Knowledge of Japanese proves beneficial, but companies, particularly international corporations, do not strictly need it.

  • The requirement for English only applies to companies operating in startups and multinational organisations.

  • Top platforms to find jobs:

  1. Japan Dev

  2. LinkedIn

  3. CareerCross

  4. GaijinPot

Also Read: Step-by-Step Process of Obtaining a Japan Tourist Visa for Indians

Why is Japan a Hotspot for IT Jobs in Japan in 2025?

This section highlights why Japan has become a hotspot in 2025 for IT jobs in Japan:

  • Japan faces substantial technology skill deficits because of its increasing elderly population.

  • A significant number of knowledgeable workers are currently retiring, while the younger demographic continues to decrease in numbers.

  • Business entities make significant digital transformation investments to maintain their competitive advantage.

  • The country strongly supports artificial intelligence alongside robotics, cybersecurity, and IoT.

  • The government provides special visa advantages for tech professionals worldwide and recruits them to Japan.

  • Telecommuting opportunities and strong benefits packages characterise the high-paying IT positions available in Japan.

  • Organisations currently experience rapid growth in their need for bilingual workers who speak English and Japanese fluently.

  • Various startups and multinational organisations compete against each other for the best global tech professionals available.

Top IT Jobs in Japan: Roles, Salaries & Skills: Updated List 2025

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Here are the top IT jobs in Japan and their roles and salaries, skills and more:

1. AI & Machine Learning Engineer

Here are the details regarding AI and Machine Learning Engineer jobs:

  • Salary: ¥10 million to ¥15 million per year

  • Key skills: Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Data Science

  • Tasks: Building AI models, automation systems, and data pipelines

  • Remote work: Common in this field, especially post-pandemic

  • Top companies: Rakuten, SoftBank, Fujitsu, and startups in Tokyo

  • AI innovation receives substantial investment from Japan's government, which drives its high-demand status

2. Cybersecurity Specialist

Here are the details regarding cybersecurity specialist jobs:

  • Salary: ¥9 million to ¥13 million per year

  • Certifications: The necessary certifications for this work include CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+.

  • Essential Skills: The primary abilities required for this position include monitoring risks while upholding network protection standards and performing penetration testing operations.

  • Remote work: Remote job opportunities exist based on company policies and procedures.

  • Job demand keeps increasing because data breaches and security regulations have surged recently.

  • These positions are available at Trend Micro, Hitachi, NEC, and fintech-related companies.

3. Cloud Architect & DevOps Engineer

Here are the details regarding Cloud Architect and DevOps Engineer jobs:

  • Salary: ¥10 million to ¥14 million per year

  • Certifications: AWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes

  • Essential skills: Cloud migration, automation, CI/CD pipelines

  • Remote work: Flexible options available

  • The leading Japanese technology corporations employing these positions include NTT Data and NEC, their Japanese counterpart IBM, and global Software as a Service providers.

  • The transformation to cloud-based infrastructure has created a high market demand.

4. IT Support Jobs in Japan

Here are the details regarding IT support jobs in Japan:

  • Salary: ¥5 million to ¥8 million per year

  • Requirements: Strong English, basic IT knowledge, and soft skills

  • Common roles: Helpdesk support, tech support analyst, system admin

  • Employment in IT support jobs in Japan requires Japanese language competence, while several available positions exist for English-speaking candidates.

  • The ability to work remotely exists for several selected job positions.

  • Applicants should target global service centers together with outsourcing companies as hiring destinations.

5. Software Engineer & Developer

Here are the details regarding software engineer and developer jobs:

  • Salary: ¥7 million to ¥12 million per year

  • Programming Language: Japan's most sought-after programming languages are Python and Java, followed by JavaScript and C++, coupled with Go.

  • The leading developer positions in Japan consist of backend engineering, followed by frontend programming, alongside full-stack and mobile development.

  • Remote work: Widely available for experienced developers

  • Line Corp, Mercari, Sony, CyberAgent, and DeNA lead this market.

  • Japan requires modern software solutions for every industry, thus creating a high demand for this position.

IT Jobs in Japan for Indian Professionals in 2025

IT Jobs in Japan for Indian Professionals- TerraTern

This section provides details about IT jobs in Japan for Indian professionals:

  • There is a high demand for IT jobs in Japan for Indian professionals due to strong technical skills

  • The Japanese job market chooses Indian employees for positions involving artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, software development, and cybersecurity expertise.

  • The tech industry of Japan currently employs thousands of Indian workers who demonstrate successful performance. Employers in Japan place primary importance on workers who demonstrate problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and strong work ethic.

  • Indian professionals who adapt well to different cultures maintain a major professional advantage

  • Indian applicants now experience a quick and streamlined application process when obtaining their visa in 2025

  • Corporate organisations provide their employees with assistance for both relocation and onboarding services.

  • Resumes from Indian professionals need to follow the Japanese requirements

  • An applicant must use a plain-format document to showcase their specialised skills as well as their language capabilities

  • Present your experience working on international projects and any relevant certifications to the reader.

Also Read: Japan Nurse Salary: Latest Experts Salary Guide

How Easy Is It to Get a Job in Japan in 2025? (For Foreigners & Indians)

How Easy Is It to Get a Job in Japan For Foreigners & Indians- TerraTern

This section answers the question, “How easy is it to get a job in Japan?”

  • Employment procedures 2025 have become remarkably simpler than those used in past years.

  • The country faces a severe deficit of personnel specialised in technological fields.

  • Remote work experience has become the norm, enabling employers to consider candidates who work internationally.

  • The government now provides unrestricted visas to qualified professionals who want to work in Japan.

  • The language challenge exists even though certain positions do not require Japanese language skills.

  • AI developers, together with DevOps engineers and software developers, typically restrict their candidate search to native English speakers

  • Job search platforms and recruiters continuously assist immigrants in locating suitable positions in Japan.

  • Job seekers with up-to-date abilities and work portfolios achieve superior hiring success

For those wondering, “How easy is it to get a job in Japan?” It’s very easy once you understand the requirements for it.

Comparison Table: Japanese Language Requirement

Here’s a comparison table showing Japanese Language requirements for IT jobs in Japan:

Language Requirement

Examples of Roles

Japanese Required

IT Support, Local SME roles

English Only Accepted

AI, Cloud, Software Development

Bilingual Preferred

Project Management, Team Lead, Client-facing

 

English IT Jobs in Japan: Opportunities Without Japanese in 2025

Here are some examples of English IT jobs in Japan:

  • The majority of startup organizations, together with global technological corporations, operate in the English language.

  • The AI jobs, software development, and DevOps practice typically do not require Japanese.

  • The increased international orientation by Japan has led to an expansion of employment positions requiring only English proficiency.

  • Moving between two languages provides workers with better pay opportunities, yet businesses remain active in recruiting individuals who only speak English.

Job Boards With English IT Listings

  • Japan Dev – Focuses on tech jobs with English-speaking companies

  • Daijob – Bilingual jobs across tech and business sectors

  • GaijinPot - The job portal GaijinPot showcases listings suitable for expats seeking remote positions and positions that welcome English speakers.

  • CareerCross – Specialising in jobs for international professionals

Tips for English Speakers

  • Communicate your strong command of English and any international work history you have.

  • Evergreen IT professionals should adapt their resumes according to the language requirements for jobs in Japan that demand English-speaking ability.

  • Candidates should target Japanese offices of world organisations such as Amazon, Google, and Accenture.

  • Job seekers should employ LinkedIn alongside specialised employment websites to contact tech recruiters directly.

  • Showcase remote collaboration skills and project portfolios

There are numerous opportunities for English IT jobs in Japan if one knows how to navigate through the proper channels.

Also Read: 7 Simple Steps for Getting a Japan Tourist Visa

Required Qualifications for IT Jobs in Japan: Updated List

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  • The basic entry requirement for this role is an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or IT fields or related disciplines.

  • The specific roles might consider equivalent work experience and technical diplomas as qualification substitutes.

  • Professional certifications will strengthen your candidate profile (AWS, CISSP, PMP, Azure, CompTIA).

  • The optimal timeframe to qualify for mid-level positions is between two to five years.

  • Workers with skills in Agile methodologies, DevOps tools, and cloud platform knowledge currently find many employment opportunities.

  • The most essential requirement for IT professionals is strong communication abilities, since English must be mastered, but Japanese is very beneficial.

  • A strong portfolio and a professional GitHub profile will substantially increase your chances of success during recruitment.

  • Companies appreciate both experience in worldwide team operations and international team communication expertise.

How to Find and Apply for IT Jobs in Japan in 2025?

A basic approach for starting your search for IT jobs in Japan looks like this:

  1. Decide which city you want to target (Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka) and what IT position suits you best

  2. Design two versions of your resume using Japanese and English formats whenever possible.

  3. Include critical competencies, credentials, and work achievements that match the job description.

  4. Send your job application through all major online job websites like these:

  • Japan Dev – English tech jobs
  • GaijinPot – Jobs for foreigners
  • CareerCross – Bilingual job listings
  • Daijob - Daijob provides access to IT and business opportunities.
  • Indeed Japan – Local and remote jobs
  • LinkedIn – Recruiter connections and MNC listings
  1. Verify your interview technology setup and familiarise yourself with typical questions before virtual job interviews.

  2. To demonstrate both cultural interest and adaptability, learn basic Japanese phrases.

  3. Employees who obtain an offer should get employer support to submit their work visa application

Work Culture & Life as an IT Professional in Japan

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Here’s what the work culture and life in IT jobs in Japan look like:

  • The Japanese professional culture requires employees to adhere strictly to the schedule while honouring proper ranking systems and having consistent discipline.

  • Harmony and teamwork maintain a high-value status among local operations and international businesses.

  • Normal business operations inside typical enterprises maintain a strict organisational structure and extended work hours.

  • Startups and multinational corporations provide staff members with adaptable working conditions and work-life balance options.

  • Various employers assist recruits through onboard training and foreign language education programs.

  • The workplace requires people to respect their superiors and avoid confrontational interactions.

  • Success in Japan depends on adopting the principle of ongoing improvement known as kaizen.

  • Most businesses arrange cultural training programs to assist newcomers in their workplace adaptation.

Also Read: Family Visa Japan: Experts Latest Guide in 2025 For You

Visa & Immigration Process for IT Jobs in Japan in 2025

Humanities/International Services engineering specialists serve as the primary visa category for IT professionals entering Japan. Here are more details regarding the visa process for IT jobs in Japan:

Common Visa Types for IT Jobs in Japan

The most relevant visa for IT professionals is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa. This visa is designed for roles such as software engineers, IT specialists, and other technical positions. Other possible options include:

  • Highly Skilled Professional Visa: For candidates with advanced qualifications and experience, offering additional benefits and a point-based system.

  • Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa: For certain technical roles, but usually not the main route for IT jobs.

  • Intra-company Transferee Visa: If you are being transferred from a branch of your company outside Japan to a Japanese office.

Required Documents

  • Valid passport

  • You need both the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which your future employer must issue, and a signed employment contract from the Japanese company.

  • The Japanese company issued an employment contract as a required visa document.

  • Copies of your educational certificates (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)

  • Completed visa application form

Visa Duration

  • Typically ranges from 1 to 5 years

  • The visa allows for multiple renewals, and numerous corporations will aid employees through extension processes.

  • Changes between employers become possible within the same visa category if you provide the correct documentation.

2025 Immigration Update

  • Skilled technology professionals can now find it simpler to secure work visas under Japanese regulations.

  • Faster COE processing and less paperwork for qualified professionals

  • Foreign visa rules have become more welcoming in resolving the talent shortage nationwide.

Visa Application Checklist

  • Valid passport

  • A degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field

  • A job offer from a registered Japanese company

  • Your employer can provide you with the Certificate of Eligibility to authorise your work application.

  • Successful application forms need to be submitted to Japanese consular locations or embassies.

Updated Challenges & Tips for Succeeding in Japan’s IT Job Market

Here are some challenges and tips to overcome those obstacles in IT jobs in Japan:

Common Challenges

  • Some job positions continue to demand Japanese understanding from candidates.

  • Cultural differences in communication, decision-making, and hierarchy

  • High competition for top roles at MNCS and startups

  • Traditional or conservative business organisations struggle to achieve work-life balance for their employees.

Tips to Overcome These Challenges

  • Launch learning basic Japanese with the target goal of reaching the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5 or N4 levels.

  • A solid composition of professional assets should include GitHub-based achievements and authentic real-life work accomplishments.

  • The online communities Japan Dev Discord and r/movingtojapan provide valuable support for foreign professionals in Japan.

  • Foreign employee job recruitment requires agencies that focus exclusively on hiring international candidates.

  • Adapt your resume along with your cover letter to precisely match the requirements mentioned in the job description.

  • Familiarise yourself with Japanese work-related social norms while showing respect toward them.

 

Conclusion

Japan stands as one of the leading nations for IT jobs in Japan in 2025 because of its strong demand for qualified talent. Employees in IT jobs in Japan-based companies benefit from competitive salaries and expanding remote work opportunities, particularly within international companies and start-up businesses. Professionals from India find wide acceptance to fill AI positions and jobs in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development. Indian workers skilled in their professions in IT jobs in Japan can complete their visa application procedure swiftly. The growth of English-speaking roles in IT jobs in Japan now exceeds Japanese language requirements for most jobs, despite knowing Japanese is still beneficial. Businesses provide various forms of assistance to improve the success of their international workers. Japan provides outstanding chances for those who want to switch their careers. Your future move to an exceptional lifetime begins with current preparation. Contact TerraTern today to land one of your dream IT jobs in Japan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most in-demand IT jobs in Japan in 2025?

The most in-demand IT jobs in Japan in 2025 include AI Engineers, Cybersecurity Experts, Cloud Architects, and Software Developers. These roles proliferate due to Japan’s focus on digital transformation and automation. Companies are actively recruiting both domestic and international talent. Having experience or specialization in these fields increases your chances of getting hired.

Do I need to speak Japanese to get an IT job in Japan?

You do not always need to speak Japanese to land an IT job in Japan. Many international companies operate in English-first environments, especially in AI, DevOps, and software development fields. However, knowing Japanese can be helpful for workplace communication and everyday life. Japanese may be required for some positions like IT support or client-facing roles.

How can Indian professionals apply for IT jobs in Japan?

Indian professionals can apply by first identifying suitable job roles and companies. Use job portals such as Japan Dev, GaijinPot, and CareerCross to find openings. Submit a resume and cover letter in English. A Japanese version of your resume can give you an added advantage. Once you receive a job offer, your employer will help you obtain the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can then apply for a work visa through the Japanese embassy or consulate in India.

What is the average salary for IT jobs in Japan?

The average salary for IT jobs in Japan ranges from ¥5 million to ¥15 million per year. Entry-level professionals usually earn between ¥5 million and ¥7 million. Mid-level roles such as Software Engineers and DevOps specialists can earn between ¥8 million and ¥12 million. Senior professionals in AI or cybersecurity may earn up to ¥ ~15 million or more. Salaries depend on your role, experience, skills, and the company.

Are remote IT jobs available in Japan for foreigners?

Yes, many Japanese companies now offer foreigners remote or hybrid IT jobs. The shift towards remote work has increased after the pandemic. Startups and tech companies tend to have more flexible work-from-home options. Some roles may still require occasional on-site presence or relocation. Always check the job listing to confirm remote work availability and expectations.