[2026] How to get an IT job as a foreigner in Japan

2026/01/23

In Japan, the IT industry is expected to face a shortage of hundreds of thousands of professionals in the coming years. As a result, getting an IT job as a foreigner in Japan already represents a strong opportunity.

Find all the information you need to start your job hunting in Japan and plan concretely for the months ahead.

Which IT jobs are in demand in Japan?

Software engineers are in high demand in Japan, with the strongest opportunities in AI and Machine Learning, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity. Roles in data science, product management, and DevOps are also growing fast, especially in startups and global companies that are more open to hiring foreign talent.

In Japan’s IT job market, strong specialization can initially outweigh language skills, especially in highly in-demand fields. The more advanced your expertise is, the more flexible language requirements tend to be. For example, a cloud architect with strong AWS skills may be hired with basic Japanese, while a generalist developer with limited language ability may struggle.

Is it possible to find IT jobs without experience or a degree in Japan?

Officially, you need a bachelor’s degree or 10+ years of experience to qualify for an IT engineer work visa. If you don’t meet these requirements, options such as coding bootcamps or professional certifications (AWS, Azure, CISSP) can serve as alternative pathways to find a job and move to Japan as an IT professional. 

In practice, companies are often reluctant to sponsor junior developers from abroad, which is why being physically in Japan can significantly work in your favor, through a student visa or a working holiday visa, for example.

Can I get an IT job in Japan if I only speak English?

Yes, some companies offer IT jobs for foreigners in Japan.

These roles are most commonly found in global startups and multinational companies, particularly in Tokyo, where technical teams often operate in English and positions tend to require highly specialized skills.

In contrast, traditional Japanese companies and mid-sized local firms usually require N2-level Japanese, even for technical roles. Meetings, documentation, and day-to-day internal communication are typically conducted in Japanese.

Regardless of whether you work in an international or traditional company, learning professional Japanese is essential in the long run. It significantly strengthens your profile and is often necessary to move into leadership or management positions. 

→　Discover our online Japanese courses for working professionals, focused on conversational business Japanese.

What are the required qualifications to get an IT job in Japan?

Japanese IT job recruiters often look for a mix of experience, relevance, and reliability:

• Degree or experience :  A bachelor’s degree, 10+ years of experience, or recognized professional certifications are the official baseline for most IT roles.
  
• Relevant tech stack : Your skills must closely match the technologies listed in the job description.
  
• Strong portfolio  : A solid GitHub portfolio with well-documented projects can outweigh diplomas, especially for junior profiles.
  
• Career stability : Frequent job changes can be viewed negatively unless clearly explained.
  
• Communication skills : Strong communication ability in English and/or Japanese is essential to collaborate effectively as a foreign hire.

What kind of international companies are hiring in Japan?

International hiring is largely concentrated in specific types of companies that operate globally or require skills that are difficult to source domestically.

• Global tech companies : Firms like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple recruit foreign talent through their Japanese offices.
  
• Internationalized Japanese companies : Companies such as Rakuten, Mercari, and LINE actively hire foreigners, with some using English as a corporate language.
  
• Startups : Startups offer the most flexibility on language and credentials, often operating in English, in exchange for lower salaries and higher risk but faster growth.
  
• FinTech, HealthTech, and AI startups : These sectors are especially open to foreign hires due to their global talent needs.
  
• Consulting firms : Companies like Accenture and Deloitte Japan hire foreigners, typically for roles that require strong Japanese skills.

Visa requirements for IT workers

The visa you’ll likely need is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, which covers software engineers, IT consultants, and related roles. Your employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), typically taking 1 to 3 months. Once approved, you apply at a Japanese embassy for your work visa.

Many candidates arrive on student or working holiday visas first, then transition to IT engineer work visas once hired, which actually improves prospects because employers perceive lower risk.

4 steps to find an IT job in Japan for foreigners

Getting an IT job in Japan as a foreigner is much easier when you follow a structured approach validated by experienced IT professionals. Here are the key steps to follow.

Step 1: Research & targeting

Identify 10 to 20 companies you want to work for. Research their tech stack, culture, and hiring patterns using platforms like Japan Dev, TokyoDev, and LinkedIn. Check whether they mention English-friendly environments or international hiring in job postings, and verify that they sponsor visas.

The more information you gather, the more recurring patterns and specializations you will notice, helping you better understand the Japanese IT job market.

Step 2: Build a relevant profile

If you have professional experience, update your GitHub with 2 to 3 solid projects and write short case studies showing measurable impact (e.g. “Reduced API latency by 40%”, “Migrated a legacy system serving 2M+ users”). Maintain a simple portfolio website linking to these projects.

If you are junior or changing careers, consider earning a professional certification or completing a coding bootcamp such as Code Chrysalis or Le Wagon Tokyo. Bootcamps typically last 3–6 months, cost ¥600k–1M, and often include job placement support. Build a GitHub portfolio with 3–5 projects if you lack formal credentials.

Avoid applying before meeting these minimum requirements, as it may weaken your professional image and reduce your chances of securing an IT job as a foreigner in Japan.

Step 3: Apply through multiple channels

Use job boards like Japan Dev, TokyoDev, and LinkedIn simultaneously. Register with 2–3 tech-focused recruiters who can access non-public positions.

Check your target companies’ career pages monthly, roles often appear there before reaching job boards.

Step 4: Prepare for interviews & negotiate

Japanese hiring processes usually involve 3–4 interview rounds:

• HR screening
• Technical interview with engineers
• Cultural fit discussion with a manager
• Final conversation with leadership

Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team structure, work-life balance, and tech stack. Be transparent about your Japanese level, companies value honesty more than overselling.

Our IT professional career support program includes interview preparation, resume reviews for international and Japanese companies, and business communication coaching. With a few months of guided preparation from professionals who know the market deeply, you’ll be fully prepared for your IT job hunt in Japan.