This article is Day 3 post for the Money Forward Kansai Advent Calendar 2024 🎄
When I first considered moving to Japan as a software engineer, I shared the same concerns that probably keep you up at night. I spent a lot of time hesitating, worried about the language barrier, cultural differences, and the sheer magnitude of relocating to a country seven hours away by flight.
I'm a software engineer who moved to Japan from Singapore in August this year. After months of living and working here, I've discovered something surprising: the path to building a tech career in Japan is far more accessible than most people imagine.
This isn't just another "Living in Japan" story. Instead, I want to share practical insights about what it's really like to work as a foreign developer in Japan, addressing the concerns that might be holding you back. And here's a bonus: I'll share the most important question you need to prepare before interviewing with Japanese companies.
The Language Might Not Be A Barrier
One of the most common questions expat developers ask before moving to Japan is "How good does my Japanese need to be?"
Here's the thing: in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, this hasn't been a problem for both life and work. Many Japanese companies are actively hiring international developers with no Japanese language requirements. Popular job boards like Japan Dev and TokyoDev even have "No Japanese Required" filters.
At Money Forward, where I currently work, English is our working language. Our team members are from across the continents, with developers from Spain, the US, Hong Kong, and beyond. In our Kansai office, you'll also meet people from Switzerland, India, Canada, and Australia. We've found our rhythm working in English, and it works perfectly fine.
So if you're worried that your Japanese isn't good enough, don't be.
Setting Up Your New Life Is Not That Hard
The next big worry on your mind is probably the relocation process.
The visa process, which often looks like a nightmare in online discussions, turned out to be surprisingly straightforward. Most companies handle the heavy lifting through professional agents. In my case, all I had to do was provide the necessary documents. The agents even took care of my wife's dependent visa. This isn't just my company being nice - it's becoming standard practice for Japanese tech firms serious about hiring international talent.
Moving across countries is never simple, but having a solid support structure makes all the difference. Many companies, including Money Forward, covered the flights and provided temporary housing for the first month. They even arranged airport pickup - a small touch that meant the world when we arrived, jet-lagged and overwhelmed in a new country.
After landing in Japan, your next challenge is setting up your life here - from registering your address to finding an apartment. Browse through Reddit and you'll find plenty of horror stories. But my experience? It was actually pretty smooth.
Money Forward hired relocation agents who helped me tackle all the essential things - from address registration to bank account setup and apartment hunting. I found a suitable place within two weeks. Money Forward also provided allowances for home office equipment like a new laptop, monitor, and keyboard, helping me set up a comfortable workspace.
When Japanese becomes necessary outside of work - and it definitely does - modern technology comes to the rescue. Google Translate and ChatGPT have become my trusty sidekicks. They're not perfect, but they're enough to get by while I work on improving my Japanese skills.
I won't paint an unrealistically rosy picture here - there are still moments of confusion, cultural misunderstandings, and times when the language barrier gets frustrating. But these challenges are manageable, not insurmountable.
The Changing Face of Japanese Tech
If you've spent time reading online forums, you might have this image of Japan as an impenetrable fortress for foreign workers.
But from my experience, that picture is pretty outdated. Japan's tech sector has not only recognized the need for international talent - it's warmly embracing it. Companies like Money Forward aren't just opening their doors to foreign developers; they're building bridges to help newcomers thrive.
Now, I'm not suggesting everyone should drop everything and hop on the next flight to Japan. It's still a big life decision that deserves careful thought. But if you're a developer who's been considering working in Japan and holding back because of worries about language or logistics, I've got good news: the path is much clearer than you might think. The support systems are robust, and the tech community here is more international and welcoming than ever.
Think About Your "Why Japan" Answer
I hope I've shown you that moving to Japan isn't as daunting as it might seem. But there's one crucial question you should ask yourself before taking the leap: "Why Japan?"
This isn't just another checkbox on your to-do list - it's a question you really need to sit with. If you don't think this through, you might find yourself in Japan wondering why you came here in the first place.
In addition, here's something interesting: every Japanese company I interviewed with, including Money Forward, asked me this exact question: "Why Japan?" And it's not just casual conversation – it's a key part of their evaluation. They want to know if you're genuinely interested in building a life here, not just looking for a cool adventure.
Here is the thing: answering "Why Japan?" with "I love anime" or "Japanese culture is amazing" just won't cut it. These answers are too generic, and trust me, interviewers have heard them countless times before.
What works better is sharing specific stories and experiences that show your genuine interests to Japan. Think of it this way: if you're trying to convince someone you love cooking, saying "I think food is great" is much less convincing than "I spend every Sunday morning at farmers' markets picking fresh ingredients and have been perfecting my ramen recipe for the past three years."
The key is to demonstrate that your interest in Japan goes beyond the surface level that any tourist might have. Show that you understand and appreciate the deeper aspects of the culture, the small details that make Japan unique. Your answer should make it clear that moving to Japan is a natural next step in your journey, not just a random choice.
Keep in mind: Japanese companies are looking for people who'll stick around, adapt to the culture, and contribute long-term. Your "Why Japan?" answer needs to show them you're that person.
So before you start sending out job applications, sit down and really think about your connection to Japan. What specific experiences drew you here? What aspects of the culture resonate with you personally? The more concrete and personal your answer, the more convincing it will be.
This isn't just about passing an interview question – it's about being honest with yourself about why you want to make such a significant life change. Because living and working in Japan is very different from visiting as a tourist, and being clear about your "why" will help you navigate the challenges ahead.
And, if you've got a solid answer to "Why Japan," I can personally recommend checking out Money Forward, where I work.
You can find more details about opportunities at Money Forward here: https://recruit.moneyforward.com/en/
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