How to Find Your First Tech Job in Japan (From Someone Who Did it)

Hello, it’s Timothy here.

If you don’t know who I am — I’m a software engineer based in Tokyo. You can check out my intro post for the full backstory. Today I want to share something I wish I had when I first arrived:

How do you find your first tech job in Japan?

We all hear that “Japan’s IT market is growing” and “there are tons of jobs” — and while that’s technically true, finding your first role isn’t exactly a walk in Shibuya Park.

But it’s also not impossible.

Let’s talk about why it’s weirdly both hard and not hard at the same time — and how to actually make it happen.

🤔 Why It Feels Hard

• Language barrier. Even if the role says “English OK,” you’ll be surprised how many meetings, documents, or team vibes skew Japanese.
• Unfamiliar recruiting style. Forget Silicon Valley-style coffee chats. Japan still loves resumes, career agents, and very structured interviews.
• Company expectations. Some startups want bilingual engineers. Others want you to be a quiet ninja who just “fits in.” It’s a moving target.

🛠️ What Actually Works

Here’s what helped me (and friends around me):

1. Polish Your Resume — Japanese Style

Not just the content. The format. Many local recruiters still expect a Japanese-style 履歴書 or at least a bilingual PDF. Include:

• Basic info + visa status
• Education + work history (reverse chronological)
• Technical stack, in context (not just buzzwords)
• Japanese level (JLPT score or “daily conversation OK”)

2. Use Both Local & Global Platforms

• Wantedly — for startups and design-conscious companies.
• LinkedIn Japan — underrated, but more tech-forward companies post there.
• GaijinPot Jobs — hit or miss, but good visibility.
• BizReach — more serious, recruiter-heavy.
• Japan Dev — great for remote or international-friendly teams.

3. Talk to Recruiters (the Good Ones)

Some of them actually help. They’ll give feedback, prep you for interviews, and explain company culture. Others will just blast your resume. Try:

• Michael Page Japan
• Robert Walters
• Daijob
• Leverage Agent (if you’re bilingual)

Bonus: You don’t need to say you’re “job hunting” publicly. You can just say you’re “open to tech conversations in Tokyo.” Keep it subtle.

4. Start Building in Public

That’s honestly what helped me the most. Blog about what you’re learning, share side projects, build something on top of a Japan-focused API. People will find you — and ask about what you’re up to.

🙌 My Advice If You’re New

• Don’t wait for “perfect” Japanese.
• Apply even if you only match 70%.
• Follow engineers already working in Japan — many are open to chat.
• Show that you can ship — that matters more than just saying you’re a “hard worker.”

If you’re currently navigating this or thinking about moving to Japan, feel free to reach out or follow for more insights from inside the Tokyo tech scene.

Let’s figure it out together.