Start Here

Planning to work in Japan as an engineer? Read in this order.

Step 1 — Is Japan right for you?

  • How much do engineers in Japan really earn?
  • Do you need Japanese? English-only jobs vs JLPT N2 jobs
  • Work culture: what surprises foreign engineers most

Step 2 — Find the right companies

  • Self-developed product vs SIer vs SES: the three kinds of “tech company” in Japan
  • Red flags: how to spot an SES body-shop from the job posting
  • Recruitment agencies vs applying directly — which works from overseas

Step 3 — Get hired

  • How Japanese companies screen resumes (from the inside)
  • Rirekisho, shokumu-keirekisho and your CV: what you actually need
  • Interview questions Japanese companies ask foreign candidates

Step 4 — Visa and moving

  • The Engineer visa explained: what the company does vs what you do
  • Highly Skilled Professional visa: is it worth it?
  • Your first 30 days in Japan: residence card, bank, phone, tax

Not sure where to start?

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