This year, Google acquired Appsheet, a platform for no-code development, and also Amazon released Amazon Honeycode, a no-code tool, and no-code development has become a hot topic worldwide.In this article, we would like to explain NoCode development and its popular tools, which have been getting a lot of attention in Japan recently, for foreigners and IT engineers who are interested in Japanese web and smartphone app development trends.What is NoCode?NoCode tools are software development platforms that allow non-technical people to build their own applications without having to write codes or even a programming language. These tools often feature a simple user interface with drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to easily visualize the development process and define the underlying business logic.The terms NoCode and LowCode themselves are often thought of as being similar, but as the names suggest, there is a big difference. NoCodeThe NoCode platform allows users to build software with essentially no programming language. LowCodeLowCode platforms may require an amount of coding and require users with no programming knowledge to work with the developers (knowledgeable ones) during some or all of the development process.※To learn more about LowCode, please take a look at this link. (What is LowCode)Benefits of using NoCodeNo programming knowledge requiredIf you are building an application with NoCode, you don’t need to have any programming knowledge to code from scratch. This is different from app development in the past and makes it possible for people with no knowledge of programming languages to develop apps.For example, people working in various business units who are not part of the IT department will be able to develop systems that can solve everyday business problems on their own, or people who have great ideas for new systems and services, but without any programming experience.Shorter development timeNoCode development eliminates the time it takes to code by hand, so the time from app or service conception to development and release can be significantly reduced.Faster development is required to meet diversified needs and to survive in the midst of numerous innovative companies and businesses. With the speed of new business ideas, the no-code approach to development will take on greater significance in the future.Featured NoCode ServicesWe would like to introduce you to the NoCode service that is getting a lot of attention and its features.Bubble  Bubble 9 tweets123 users5721 pocketsThe most powerful no-code platformhttps://bubble.ioBubble introduces a new way to build a web application. It’s a no-code point-and-click programming tool. Bubble hosts all applications on its cloud platform.  Flexible development from the front end to the back end of a web application is possible.Uses an intuitive interface with a drag-and-drop editor.There are plenty of free and paid templates created by Bubble’s own designers.It has about 1,000 different plug-ins for connecting with external services.Bubble is the most popular development tool in NoCode tools and is used by many users in Japan as well as abroad for its rich customizability and easy-to-understand development procedures.Adalo  www.adalo.com 37 users1097 pocketsAdalo – Build Your Own No Code Apphttps://www.adalo.comAdalo makes creating apps as easy as putting together a slide deck. Turn your idea into a real native app — no code needed!  It is possible to develop both web and smartphone apps on a single tool.Since it is linked with “Zapier”, it made easily linked with external services such as “Gmail” and “Google Spreadsheet”, it is a tool that can be used as a tool for business automation.UI parts for screen building are available, so users can build a system by simply dragging and dropping the parts that match the system they want to build.Appsheet  AppSheet 42 users1001 pocketsAppSheet : mobile apps from spreadsheets :https://www.appsheet.comMake apps with no-code. AppSheet's no-code app building platform allows you to quickly build apps to collect, or connect to, data. Start building for free now.  It has been in the spotlight in Japan since it was acquired by Google in January 2020You can create a number of apps for your internal operations, such as budget apps, webinar apps, quote and proposal apps, and moreReusable code blocks for manipulating data and the ability to manually customize the code to make it unique to your contentRetool  retool.com 46 users3106 pocketsBuild internal tools, remarkably fast.https://retool.comRetool is the fast way to build internal tools. Drag-and-drop our building blocks and connect them to your databases and APIs to build your own tools, instantly. Connects with Postgres, REST APIs, GraphQL, Firebase, Google Sheets, and more. Built by developers, for developers. Trusted by startups and Fortune 500s. Sign up for free.  Works with useful drag and drop editor.A feature-rich component library (tables, text entry, etc.) allows you to build internal tools faster.Reusable code blocks for manipulating data and the ability to manually customize the code to make it unique to your content.ConclusionThe no-code platform has revolutionized the business of IT, making it easier than ever to get up and start using feature-rich enterprise software. While there will always be a need for human-driven software development, the no-code platform fills an important space for businesses and industries of all sizes.If you are a foreign IT engineer interested in working for a Japanese company and would like to work for a Japanese company, register with G Talent, a recruitment agency for foreign IT engineers. Our professional consultants will help you find a job at a Japanese technology company for free.

At present, there has been a remarkable advancement in the technology of image recognition and analysis in the world. In China, image recognition and analysis technology has been used to arrest more than 5,000 fugitives and has been effective in a variety of fields such as automated driving.In this article, we would like to introduce some of the hot companies in Japan and abroad for engineers who are interested in companies that are making a splash in image recognition and analysis technology.What kind of Technology is “Image Recognition & Analysis”?First of all, we would like to explain what image recognition and analysis is.Image recognition is a technology that allows a computer or machine to identify what exactly is in an image. This is one of the pattern recognition technologies that read features such as color and shape from an image and put those features into various learning machines to recognize new images.Reference: Ledge.ai / Web Media Specializing in AITranslated from Japanese to English by GtalentTo illustrate with an example, the technology allows AI to analyze features such as “fluffy, small, tail, ears, eyes, and shape” from an image and recognize that the thing in the image is a “cat”.Mechanism for Image Recognition and AnalysisThe basic mechanisms of image recognition and analysis can be classified into two types: “Recognition/Analysis” and “Detection”.（Table Reference：IMagazine /Image Recognition & Analysis, Table translated from Japanese to English by GTalent)“Recognition and Analysis” is the stage of classifying the various information in an image by features. For example, if an image has human features, it is used to determine how many people are present in the image by collecting them. Also, “Detection” is the stage where the information gathered so far (people, cars, etc.) is used to determine where in the image it is located.International Companies that are in the SpotlightWe are going to introduce four companies that are providing Image Recognition & Analysis Technology services that are gaining worldwide attention.ChinaSenseTimeThe company, said to be one of the world’s top-valued venture firms, aims to apply its image recognition technology to a wide range of fields, and is also involved in businesses other than face recognition, such as automated driving and medical image analysis. In addition, SenseTime is also actively collaborating with government companies, and its investor, Alibaba, is expanding its reach into smart city projects.SenseTimeFACE++Face++ is the first company that uses artificial intelligence for facial recognition and is one of the most notable AI startups in the world. In addition to its introduction in the Beijing police force, Face++ authentication systems have also been introduced in several major banks, the Alibaba-affiliated payment service Alipay, and the major car dispatch service Didi.FACE++USAGumGumGumGum is a new type of advertising platform that specializes in creating brand engagement aligned with premium editorial content that is guaranteed to be seen. It is best known for creating in-image advertising.The company is so high-profile that it does business with more than half of AdAge’s top 100 U.S. ad spenders, including Disney, L’Oreal, Toyota and Samsung.GumGumSwitzerlandScanditScandit is changing the way businesses and consumers interact with everyday objects, enabling businesses and consumers to use smartphones, tablets, wearables, drones, and robots to scan barcodes and extend the real-time data obtained by recognizing text and objects in the physical world. Many of the world’s innovative companies are already reaping the benefits of Scandit’s next-generation mobile data capture platform. Clients include world-renowned companies such as Ahold, Levi Strauss & Co, Coop, Macy’s, Louis Vuitton, DHL, Cardinal Health, NASA, and Verizon Wireless.ScanditImage Recognition Technology Companies in JapanWith the growing interest in image recognition and analysis technology in Japan, we would like to introduce some Japanese companies that have already succeeded in expanding their business overseas and companies that provide familiar services using this technology.Manufacturing IndustryYE DIGITALYE DIGITAL has developed MMEye, an AI image evaluation service that uses AI technology to allow for real-time inspection of defective products at the manufacturing site. It is one of the Japanese companies that has become a hot topic not only in the Japanese manufacturing industry but also overseas.YE DIGITAL / AI Image Analysis ServiceDENSODENSO is one of the world’s leading suppliers of advanced technologies, systems, and auto-parts for the automotive industry.Customers include the world’s major car manufacturers such as Toyota, Daihatsu, AUDI, BMW, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and many others. Globally, it is a large company that can have more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and territories.Denso is focusing on image recognition and analysis, also it is said to have the world’s top-level automated driving technology with its strengths in “image sensing” and “automated driving algorithms”.Denso / Automatic DrivingMedical IndustryHoloeyesHoloeyes is a company that is introducing VR and MR-based services to the medical field and medical education. The company provides services using image recognition and analysis technology that allows data to be converted into 3D and stored as a digital library, which can be viewed at any time.Holoeyes / Medical VRApparel IndustryFirst RetailingStyleHint is an application developed jointly by UNIQLO and G.U, group companies of First Retailing that uses image recognition and analysis technology to search for outfits.The app allows you to search for images of similar clothing outfits from your smartphone’s camera roll, Instagram, and other photos as well as UNIQLO and G.U. products that are similar to those images.StyleHint / UNIQLO & G.U.Chaos Map of Japan’s Image Recognition & Analysis TechnologyFinally, here’s the chaos map of Japanese image recognition & analysis technology published by AISmiley (as of June 2020). In addition to the services we’ve covered so far, there are many other companies offering services.Reference: AISmiley / Chaos Map of Japan’s Image Recognition & Analysis Technology 2020 (Article in Japanese)ConclusionIn recent years, many services that use image recognition and analysis technologies have been created in Japan, and the Japanese image recognition and analysis industry is a great place to grow for IT engineers who want to develop products that have a social impact using such technologies.If you are a foreign IT engineer looking to work for a company with Japanese image recognition and analysis technology, register with G Talent, the leading recruitment agency for foreign IT engineers. Our professional consultants will help you find a job at a Japanese technology company for free.

At present, the field of financial IT technology called Fintech is drawing attention around the world. In Japan as well, the government is supporting the use of IT in the financial field, and also the term Fintech is used every day in major financial industries and startups.In this article, for foreigners who are interested in Japan’s Fintech field, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the current status of Fintech in Japan and the featured companies in the field.What is Fintech?First of all, we would like to explain what Fintech is.Financial technology (abbreviated fintech or FinTech) is the technology and innovation that aims to compete with traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial services. It is an emerging industry that uses technology to improve activities in finance.[2] The use of smartphones for mobile banking, investing, borrowing services[3], and cryptocurrency are examples of technologies aiming to make financial services more accessible to the general public. Financial technology companies consist of both startups and established financial institutions and technology companies trying to replace or enhance the usage of financial services provided by existing financial companies.Reference: The Free Encyclopedia “Wikipedia”In more simple words, it is about transforming existing financial services and creating new services using advanced IT technologies such as AI, big data, IoT, and blockchain. Some familiar examples are, remittance and payment using smartphones, virtual currency using blockchain technology, etc.Why Fintech gets attention from IT Engineers in Japan?Currently, the Fintech area is receiving a lot of attention from IT engineers in Japan, and the number of IT engineers who are changing jobs to the Fintech field is increasing. The reasons for this are “magnitude of social impact” and “acquisition and application of advanced IT technology”.The Magnitude of Social Impact“Money” is indispensable to establish the economy and people’s lives, by transforming financial services, there is a potential to significantly change the economy and people’s lives. Therefore, many entrepreneurs and IT engineers who want to make a big impact on society are challenging in the Fintech field, and the government is supporting it.As we will explain later, the business in the Fintech area is outstanding, also in financing Japanese startups. Major banks and insurance companies have also started CVC (Corporate Venture Capital) and various fintech-related businesses. The number of these cases are increasing by investing in startups, making capital and business alliances.Acquisition and Application of Advanced IT TechnologyIn the Fintech field, there are opportunities to use advanced IT technologies, and we can say that it is an attractive career development environment for IT engineers who want to hone their technical skills. Related technologies that are important in FinTech include big data, AI, blockchain, and IoT.If you are interested in those technologies, please refer to the following article for related technologies in Fintech and their recruitment demand.Fintech Key Advanced Technologies and Job Demand in Japan11 Fields of Fintech and their Representative ServicesCurrently, the “Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry” and Japanese consulting firms are frequently researching the trends of Fintech around the world and Japan. As the segment used at that time, fintech is divided into 11 fields.Smart PaymentInvestment/Asset management/Robot-advisorVirtual currencyHousehold Management and Advice (PMF: Personal Financial Management)Social LendingCrowdfundingInsuranceLoans/LoansAccounting/FinanceRemittance & Split BillsFinancial InformationFrom now, we would like to explain each field and its representative services.Smart PaymentSmart payments are electronic payment methods that does not require cash or financial institution procedures. Using smart payment eliminates the need for cash management, procedures time at financial institutions, and also reduce the fee. Smart payments can broaden the range of payment methods for consumers.There are roughly two types of smart payments currently used in Japan, card payments and QR code payments are often used.Credit card payments and debit card payments are the most common examples of payment using a card. Payment is performed by entering card information online or displaying a card at a store. Recently, not only credit cards but also prepaid cards have been attracting attention. For example, LINE pay cards.Prepaid cards can be issued without a screening, they can be used for payment only as much as you charged them at a convenience store. It is a card that can be used by young people who couldn’t have a credit card until now.Regarding QR code payment, many major IT companies such as PayPay, Merpay, Rakuten Pay have entered the market, the settlement is completed by reading the QR code via a smartphone. QR code payments have already become mainstream in China and other countries. PayPay used China’s Alipay technology and features as a reference.Representative Services of Smart PaymentPayPay (In Japanese), Merpay (In Japanse), Paidy (In Japanese), etc.Investment/Asset Management/Robot-advisorThis is a service that selects and manages financial merchandise using analysis by AI in asset management such as stocks. Since AI learns data daily, it is said that asset management and investment by AI will be more accurate than human prediction in the future.A Robot-advisor means that an AI robot manages personal assets. In Japan, there are two types of Robot-advisors: the discretionary investment type, that manages and sells based on investment algorithms and, advice type that diagnoses and advises asset management.Representative Services for Investment/Asset Management and Robo-advisorWealthNavi (In Japanese), THEO (In Japanese), etc.Virtual CurrencyBy utilizing blockchain technology, virtual currency is a currency that can store transaction records such as deposits and withdrawals even if there is no centralized management agency such as banks. Unlike fiat currencies such as yen and dollars, it is a new currency that doesn’t have the form of bills or coins.Previously, it was reported in the news that the number of people holding a virtual currency for investment purposes increased, and the value of virtual currency rose and fell sharply. Also, there was a case in which the virtual currency leaked due to hacking because the security management of the virtual currency vendor was weak.Thereby, the public image of virtual currencies has become temporarily deteriorated, but as of July 2020, the virtual currency market has been stable, and it is expected that the market will expand steadily in the future.Representative Services of Virtual Currency (Virtual Currency Business Operator)bitFlyer, Coincheck, etc.Household Management and Advice (PMF: Personal Financial Management)One of the most familiar fields of Fintech is PMF. The main function of this is to manage daily spendings and incomes. In a nutshell, it plays the role of a household account book application. Unlike the household account book softwares and apps that have been used up to now, it is possible to manage accounts of various financial institutions with one service. Furthermore, bank account information, but you can also get information about payments by credit card and other payment methods.Representative Services of PMFMoney ForwardIt is one of the Japanese companies that provide PMF services. This app allows you to check the electronic money used at convenience stores, credit cards used for shopping, bank accounts with salaries transferred. Japan’s top household account book application with more than 8 million people.Dr. Wallet (In Japanese)It is the second most popular household account book application after money forward with more than 1 million users.Social LendingSocial lending, also known as “lending-type crowdfunding,” is a service that connects borrowers (mainly companies) and investors who want to invest money through financial products. Companies that provide social lending services perform, borrower screening, investor recruitment, loans, repayments, and also performs distribution management.The difference with mutual funds is that investors find the lenders, and the price is not affected by the market price.Representative services for social lendingSBI Social Lending, CROWD CREDIT, etc.CrowdfundingCrowdfunding is a service that allows you to raise a small amount of money from an unspecified number of people via Internet. In the case of financing, generally, there are loans from banks and investment by venture capital. But unlike traditional funding, crowdfunding is getting attention as a new funding mechanism for been “Easy”, “High diffusivity” and “Implementing test marketing”.Anyone who has an idea or wants to solve a social problem or launch a new product can become a “drafter”, and anyone who wants to support it or want to help try to a new product is a “supporter”. in this way, in crowdfunding, It is to raise money by recruiting people on the Internet to fund the project that the creator wants to do.Representative Services for CrowdfundingCamp-Fire, Makuake, Ready For, etc.InsuranceUntil now, it was supposed to take out insurance through an insurance salesman or an agent, but in recent years, online insurance services have grown now till you can take out insurance with just one smartphone. With LINE insurance you can take out insurance in as little as 60 seconds using a smartphone.There is also a system that uses IT for car insurance, to acquire and analyze driver data such as mileage and driving characteristics, determining insurance premiums based on that data.Representative Services for InsuranceLINE Hoken, Sony Assurance / Good Drive (In Japanese), etc.Financing/LoansFintech is being utilized for the financing of banks and loan companies. This technology has been used in mortgage comparison, mortgage refinancing services, the examination of borrowers using big data, the limit of lending, determination of loan interest rate, etc.Representative Services Financing and LoanJ.Score (In Japanese), WhatzMoney (In Japanese), etc.Accounting/FinanceVarious cloud services are being offered in the fields of corporate accounting and financial management. In the past accounting process, there were many human errors and wasted time, but with the advent of cloud services, the accounting process time is shortened, human errors are reduced. Now, it is possible to visualize the accounting status of the company.Accounting/Finance Representative Servicesfreee, Yayoi-kaikei, etc.Remittance & Split BillsServices that allow people to share payments, receive money, and pay for drinking parties (Nomikai) through smartphone apps are becoming popular. When carrying out split bills, it was very troublesome to calculate by 1 yen and collect cash, but due to this technology, it turns possible to easily split bills without cash.Representative Services for Remittance and Split BillsKyash (In Japanese), YoroPay (In Japanese), etc.Financial InformationFinancial and economic data needs to be collected efficiently when an investor manages an asset or when a corporate business planning department makes a strategy. In response to such needs, using IT technology to analyze huge amounts of financial and economic data, a service that can obtain high-quality information in a short time has been created.Representative services for financial informationZUU, SPEEDA, etc.Fintech Chaos Map of JapanLastly, we would like to introduce the Japanese Fintech service landscape map announced by MA STAND.In addition to the services mentioned above, various companies provide services.Reference:【Fintech Industry Landscape Map 2019】Top 50 FinTech Companies in Japan / MA STANDConclusionMany fintech services have been created in Japan, and considering the magnitude of social impact and the acquisition of advanced technology for IT engineers, the fintech field is a very rewarding environment for them.If you are a foreign IT engineer who wants to work in the Japanese fintech industry, please register with GTalnet, a recruitment agency specialized in foreign IT engineers. A professional consultant will help you to find a job in the field of fintech for free.

Fintech is attracting attention not only around the world but also in Japan. In this article, G Talent, a recruitment agency specialized in foreign IT engineers, summarized four advanced IT technologies in Fintech and each job demand in Japan.Fintech Four Key Advanced Technologies in FintechIn this article, we would like to focus on the following four important advanced IT technologies in Fintech.AI/Big DataBlockchainIoTBiometricsNow, we are going to explain each technology one by one, taking into account the current demand for recruitment.AI / Big DataThere are many cases in which big data technology is applied to credit examinations of credit cards and loans, using a large amount of data such as stock price information, economic indexes, and personal financial information.The cost of data analysis is drastically reduced due to cloud servers and distributed processing systems that can process big data, and large amounts of data are collected and processed by using text mining technology and natural language processing technology for data collection and conversion.AI performance has dramatically improved due to deep learning technology developed around 2010. AI technology has begun to be used in various areas of the financial industry, such as automation of counter operations, automatically analyze financial indicators, and buy and sell stocks using big data.Along with that, it is said that the work that people were doing in banks will be replaced by AI and that there is going to be a huge lay off in each bank in the future. Also, it is said that banks that cannot be transformed into IT companies will be eliminated.Job Demand for AI / Big DataIn fact, the recruitment of data engineers and data scientists are increasing at major insurance companies and credit card companies, and by effectively utilizing big data, each company is working to improve operational efficiency and create new services.Also, each bank is focusing on hiring IT engineers, every financial company is looking to become a fintech company.However, there is a shortage of human resources related to big data and AI in Japan. When working in Japan, the language of Japanese is often required, but some Japanese insurance companies do not require it, so there are many fields where foreign IT engineers can play an active role.BlockchainIt would be no exaggeration to say that the first word that comes to mind as fintech technology is “blockchain.” In more technical terms, it is also called “distributed ledger technology”. It is not a centralized type of management, but a network system made to distribute data to computers all over the world and reduce the risk of destruction and tampering.Normally, if you deposit money in a bank, transaction records are maintained by the bank’s central server. But with blockchain technology, the transaction information can be distributed and stored on the network without the needing for central management such as financial institutions. In addition, the encryption technology allows users to refer to only the items that are permitted, and the risk of leakage of personal information is extremely low.All records are stored on a computer network, allowing anyone to scrutinize and audit and prevent counterfeiting or double payments by exposing them to the eyes of the general public.Bitcoin and other virtual currencies are typical examples of blockchain technology. Speaking of blockchain, there are many people who think of virtual currency, but the reason why blockchain is getting so much attention is that it can be applied to a wide range of areas apart from the virtual currency, and it is expected to revolutionize the business so far.For example, it is expected that the blockchain will be utilized in the basic operations necessary for business, such as ordinary commercial transactions, electronic voting, and the conclusion of contracts.Job Demand for Blockchain TechnologyJob offers to require blockchain technology continue increasing in Japan. Not only in cryptocurrency companies but also in financial industries such as banks and startups that provide blockchain solutions are in very high demand. In addition, Japan has few engineers with blockchain technology knowledge, and this is an area where many foreign engineers are active.IoTCurrently, there are few cases where IoT has been introduced in the financial field. However, recently, with the introduction of IoT technology in automobiles, there is a possibility that data on automobile driving methods and automobile insurance may be linked, but the state of car insurance when automatic driving progressed is calling for a debate. Therefore, IoT technology in the financial field is gradually gaining attention.In addition, the use of IoT technology in the medical field may have a major impact on medical insurance. Recently, with the spread of wearable devices, IoT technology has been applied to the payment support of Apple Watch, etc., and there is a possibility that IoT technology in the financial field will grow in the future.Job Demand for IoT TechnologyIt is said that the market size of IoT technology will exceed 36 trillion yen in 2020 (Gartner’s estimate), and also, it’s said that the demand for IoT technology is a field with extremely high growth potential.The demand for IoT engineers is still low in existing financial companies and fintech companies, but in the manufacturing industry that produces IoT-equipped devices (cars, wearable devices, etc.) linked to financial companies the demand for IoT engineers is in a higher situation.BiometricsWhen using online services such as banks and securities, personal authentication is always the first key. In July 2012, the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance was established by 6 companies such as Pay Pal and Lenovo aiming to standardize global authentication centered on online authentication including biometrics, and its scale still increasing at present. Board members, which are major companies, include global financial giants such as Visa, MasterCard, and Bank of America, as well as global companies such as Microsoft, Google, and NTT DoCoMo.Fingerprints and vein authentication have also started to be used at some ATMs at Japanese banks.Recently, not only image data but also authentication by physical movement such as keyboard typing method has been developed, demonstrating that it can be said the application of new technology is a remarkable field.Job Demand for Biometrics TechnologyRegarding biometric authentication technology, the application is still limited to personal authentication, so demand can be said to be still far ahead of AI, big data, and blockchain technology.ConclusionIn addition to the four technologies introduced this time, various new advanced IT technologies will be used in the fintech field. Also, not only advanced IT technology, modern frameworks have become necessary to improve usability for consumers. G Talent, a recruitment agency specialized in foreign IT engineers, will keep an eye on FinTech trends and keep updating our readers about relevant technology.

If you’re thinking about working in Japan’s advanced tech industry, now is the right time to pursue your career. Aside from the high pay, the country offers more growth opportunities for IT engineers. But the whole moving process and living adjustment can be mentally exhausting for foreigners. From picking the right apartment to making new friends at the office, worries might seem endless for those who just started living in Japan.What it’s like to be a Foreign Worker in Japan?There are over 28,000 foreign engineers in the IT industry, which comprise 3% of all IT engineers in Japan. With the influx of overseas talents to the country, the number is expected to grow even more. You’ll most likely meet or pass by a foreign national in a company that you will be working for, especially if you’re living in one of the big cities in Japan.Working in the country as a foreign worker has its pros and cons. Foreign workers are often offered housing assistance and other benefits. In the IT industry, there are hundreds of conventions and tech fairs that you can join. Foreigners also get the chance to experience many exciting holidays and visit places in the country. However, being away from your family, the new work culture, and communication barriers can cause stress. Once you know more about what to expect when working for a Japanese company, you will get the idea of how to avoid or cope with these stressors and benefit from the positive points.ProsLet’s discuss the positives of working in the Japanese IT industry or working as a foreigner in the country and why you should grab the opportunity. The following strengths don’t necessarily apply to IT companies only, but also to most organizations with foreign employees.Opportunity to upskillOne of the best points of working for a Japanese company is having the chance to upskill. More IT companies are accepting foreign engineers with minimal experience as they provide office training. Moreover, big companies also offer other classes and let you join conferences for free!PolitenessForeign workers appreciate this workplace character, and this also applies outside of work. People being pleasant and non-aggressive at work helps foreigners and Japanese feel comfortable and make way for excellent communication among colleagues.TeamworkAnother character foreigners love about Japanese colleagues is their teamwork. They prefer to collaborate and always give relevant feedback to each other’s output. Also, their teamwork is applied to their decision-making process, which is appreciated by many foreign IT engineers. They prefer making a decision based on everyone’s opinion, which allows you to share your ideas.ChallengesWorking in Japan can be inspiring and challenging at the same time, mainly because of the difference in cultures. These challenges are the main factors of stress you might get to experience when you’re working in Japan.Indirect CommunicationJapanese colleagues tend to be indirect and vague. You won’t get a definite answer once you ask for their opinion about your output. Instructions and feedback may be conveyed indirectly, leaving foreign workers to wonder. For IT engineers, if you can’t pick-up their subtle negative signals, this can cause delays and problems on your projects.Detail-orientedPeople worldwide applaud the country for the level of dedication they have for work, but it can cause a lot of stress and pressure, especially to foreigners in the IT industry. This can be time-consuming and may lead to extra work during the whole development process.LanguageIt’s true that most companies, especially big IT companies, have relaxed some of their language requirements, but the lack of direct communication can cause problems and stress. Unlike working in your country when you can easily ask for confirmation, you won’t be able to do that when working for a company in Japan with few to zero foreign employees. It’s also quite challenging to make new friends outside work if you haven’t learned the Japanese language.How to Fight Stress?In the IT industry, companies receive vast amounts of workload every month, and it can be hectic with all developments and team meetings. So what can you do to get rid of stress? Here are some tips to help foreign IT engineers have a pleasant career and stay in Japan.    1. Take Regular BreaksYou want to impress your Japanese colleagues through hard work and dedication especially when you’re new to the company, but don’t be afraid to slow down. You are allowed to have 45 minutes to an hour’s worth of break a day. That’s enough to take some time off away from your desk. Take breaks and enjoy those little pauses to look outside your window or eat some sweet treats.    2. Stay at an Onsen Ryokan (hot spring inn)Visiting a hot spring inn is one of the ways the Japanese relieve their stress from work. These places are usually away from the hustle and bustle of the city and surrounded by nature. You’ll have a relaxing time soaking at the hot spring or walking around under clear skies.    3. Indulge in Shopping, Food, and HobbiesThere’s nothing like rewarding yourself after your hard work. Japan has many restaurants and cafes that offer delectable dishes and treats. Aside from that, foreigners and locals are also fond of spending extra time shopping to take their minds off work. IT engineers usually go for exciting events in the country or pursue their hobbies, be it music, arts, and sports. You can even spend some time learning the language to make friends easily.    4. Know that it’s ok to ask for helpIf you have been having a hard time with your tasks, it’s always a good idea to ask for some assistance from your colleagues. Since you’ll be working most of the time with a team in the IT industry, checking each other’s work and asking for advice is common.If your coping strategies don’t work, you can always ask for professional help. Counseling support in Japanese and English is available online, and there are offices in big cities that you can visit.ConclusionWorking as an IT engineer in Japan can be one of the essential steps to leveling up your career and acquiring new skills. However, moving to a country with an entirely different culture and living situation can cause stress, which affects your emotional well-being, but don’t let it hinder your potential. Japan offers many activities and platforms you can use to get your mind and body away from work for a while. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it and continue having a successful career in the country.Sources:https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2019/01/30/how-tos/demand-non-japanese-engineers-growing-know-youre-apply/#.Xv1JYygzbIUhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2019/01/30/how-tos/thinking-working-japan-good-know-youre/#.Xv1DHSgzbIU

When a foreigner finds a job in the land of the rising sun and begins to live there, there are some difficult situations that they might face, such as finding a place to live or applying for a visa. Among them opening a bank account too.Therefore, in this article, we would like to introduce you how to open a bank account in Japan, the necessary documentation, recommended banks, etc.There are cases where part-timers receive salaries by hand, but when working as a full-time employee (Seishain), it is common to transfer the salary to a bank account. In addition to receiving the salary, the payment of public services such as rent, the electricity bill, and the water bill is generally withdrawn from a bank account too. Also, depending on the bank where you have opened an account, some ATMs are able to send money abroad.We hope this article will help those living in Japan to open a bank account that suits them better.Conditions for Foreigners to Open Bank Accounts in JapanWhen foreigners open a bank account in Japan, need a residence card “Zairyu-card” and residence certificate “Zyuminhyo“. If you are a foreigner whose visa expiration is less than 90 days such as tourist visa and your stay period is less than 90 days, you can’t obtain a residence card or a residence certificate. Therefore, if you have a residence period of less than 3 months and a residence card is not issued, you will not able to open a bank account in Japan.Besides, people with a period of stay is fewer than 6 months are considered to be non-residents, so they can create non-resident yen deposit accounts “Hi-kyojusha-yen-yokin-kouza“, but cannot create normal saving accounts “Futsuu-yokin-kouza“ that can be remitted to foreign countries.* Some banks, such as Japan Post Bank, may create a normal saving account even if the stay period is 3 months to less than 6 months.Difference between “Hi-kyojusha-yen-yokin-kouza” and “Futsuu-yokin-kouza“Different from normal saving accounts “Futsuu-yokin-kouza“, overseas remittances are restricted for non-resident Yen deposit accounts “Hi-kyojusha-yen-yokin-kouza“. Also, when you pay rent or pay the amount you used with a credit card, these payments are normally withdrawn from a normal saving account. Non-resident Yen deposit account can’t do that. Non-resident Yen deposit accounts have only the minimum functionality of depositing money and withdrawing money from ATMs.What you need to open a Bank AccountA foreigner can legally open a bank account if he/she matches the requirements mentioned above.From now on, we would like to introduce to you what is generally needed when applying to open a bank account in Japan.Nevertheless, some banks ask for additional requirements, so be sure to confirm them before opening an account by yourself.Documents Proving the AddressAs a foreigner, you need to prove your permission to stay in Japan, so please bring your valid residence card and passport. Also, it is recommended to bring your health insurance card, special permanent resident certificate, driver’s license (if you have one), student ID, and employee ID just in case.Address ConfirmationIt is necessary to show your residence certificate “Zyuminhyo” or a utility bill (gas, electricity, water, NHK, landline, etc.) to demonstrate that you live at the address indicated in the documents presented.※Generally, mobile phones, and smartphones invoices cannot be used as certificates.Personal Seal (Inkan)Inkan is one of the oldest cultures in Japan. In overseas, it’s common to write a signature by hand at important contracts, but in Japan, the use of seals is the most traditional way to do it than writing a signature.Recently, some banks, such as Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and Resona Bank, have removed the seal from their requirements to open a bank account, but many banks still require a seal to open an account.Since there are many cases where you need an Inkan not only when opening a bank account but also when signing an important contract like a housing contract, we recommend you should make your Inkan with Katakana or Alphabet.Phone number that can be contactedThe bank will need a phone number to keep in touch with you. You can tell them your cell phone number.Recommended Banks for ForeignersWe would like to introduce some recommended banks for foreigners who want to open a bank account in Japan. Apart from these, there are still many banks in Japan, but this time we will focus on some of the major banks in Japan.Major banks in Japan tend to have ATMs across the country, which is very convenient for the consumer.Name of BankReason for RecommendationBank’s WebsiteJapan Post BankIt is a bank with about 24,000 bank tellers and 32,000 ATMs nationwide.If you stayed in Japan for more than 3 months, you can open a savings account.Using Japan Post Bank’s ATM, no fee will be charged even on Saturdays and Sundays.Japan Post BankMUFG BankBeing one of the major banks in Japan, it is a bank with high credibility and stability.No inkan required when opening an account.As of 2017, there are about 77,000 ATMs nationwide. (the number include alliance financial institutions, Seven Bank, and Lawson Bank ATM)MUFG BankMizuho BankRemittances to foreign countries, domestic denominated foreign currency remittances, and non-resident yen remittances are possible.It is one of the major banks in Japan and has approximately 800 branches and 50,000 ATMs nationwide. (the number of units includes affiliates financial institutions, Seven Bank, Lawson Bank ATM)There are 120 bases in about 40 countries and regions.Mizuho BankResona BankNo inkan required when opening an account.It takes 1-2 weeks to open an account if the solicitation was sent by post and about 30 minutes at the bank tellers.There are about 5,000 ATMs in Japan.ATM fees for Resona Holdings banks (Resona Bank, Saitama Resona Bank, Kansai Mirai Bank, Minato Bank) are free.Resona BankIn most cases, the homepage of each bank contains the documents necessary for opening an account, so if there is a bank of interest, please check the information on the homepage.ConclusionAs mentioned above, in Japan, most payments such as salaries, rents, utility bills, etc. are made to or withdrawn from a bank account. Possession of a bank account is important for living in Japan, so check the website of the bank that you are interested in beforehand and prepare the necessary requirements in advance.

It is often said that “Japanese people work too much,” but are there really fewer holidays apart weekends in Japan compared to overseas? In this article, we would like to explain the Japanese public holidays of 2020 to foreigners working or wanting to work in Japan.Many people have the impression that who works in Japan work a lot and often work overtime. But what is the actual situation? we will talk about Japanese holidays in comparison with the situation in other countries, so please refer to it.Countries with more Public Holidays around the WorldFirst, let’s look at the countries with the most amount of holidays around the world.Below are some of the most holiday-filled countries in the world, along with their representative names.Thailand (23 Public Holidays)In Thailand, consumption of alcohol is prohibited on Buddhist-related holidays and election days.for example, on March 6 the Buddha’s birthday is celebrated, therefore the consumption of alcohol on that day is not allowed.May 1st: National Labor DayMay 4th: Coronation DayMay 6th: Wisakha Bucha DayChina (21 Public Holidays)In China per year, they have 3 consecutive holidays. In May they have consecutive holidays for up to 5 days. Also, they have 10 consecutive holidays from January 24 to February 2, which they call “spring festival”, there is also the “mid-autumn festival” which is made up of 8 consecutive holidays. Another well-known holiday is “Labor Day”, which lasts from May 1st to 5th of the same month.Korea (17 Public Holidays)Here are some well-known public holidays in Korea.April 30th: Budda’s BirthdayMay 1st: Labor DayMay 5th: Children’s DayIndia (17 Public Holidays)April 6th: Mahavir Jayanti (Birth of Lord Mahavira, who’s the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism)April 10th: Good Friday (The day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ)May 7th: Buddha Purnima (Buddha’s birthday)May 25th: Id-ul-Fitr (Also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”)Colombia (17 Public Holidays)April 5th: Palm Sunday (Celebration for honoring Jesus Christ’s victorious entry into Jerusalem)April 9th: Holy Thursday (The day when Christians commemorates the Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles)April 10th: Good Friday (The day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ)April 12th: Easter also called Resurrection Day (Christian festival which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ)May 1st: Labor DayMay 25th: The Ascension Day or Holy Thursday (The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ)Reference: Countries with the most Public Holidays around the WorldTranslated from Japanese to English by GtalentThailand is the country with the most amount of holidays in the world with 23 holidays per year. Then, with just 2 days of difference, China takes second place. Korea, India, and Colombia, which have about 17 days of public holidays, follow in 3rd place, but Japan is also in 3rd place with the same number of holidays as these 3 countries.Also, when there are consecutive public holidays in China, such as the New Year holidays, the previous Saturday will be lost due to public holidays. Compared to this, Japan weekends are considered as rest despite consecutive holidays, so in fact, Japan has more holidays than other countries.Japan’s 2020 Public HolidaysDo you know when Japanese public holidays are this year?From now on, we would like to explain about Japanese public holidays in 2020, including the meaning and origin of why that day became a holiday.Public Holidays in Spring (March to May)Let’s take a look at the public holidays on “Spring”, the season when cherry blossoms are famous in Japan. In Japan, there are consecutive holidays in early May. This holiday is called “Golden Week” because it is a long holiday due to consecutive weekends.DateName of the HolidayMeaning of the Holiday3/20Vernal equinox dayThe day when the length of the night and the day are the same4/29Showa dayThe day when people honor the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, the reigning emperor before, during and after World War II5/3Constitution memorial dayThe day in which the 1947 enactment of the Constitution of Japan is commemorated5/4Greenery dayThe day when is celebrated the birthday of the emperor Showa5/5Children’s dayThe day set aside to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness5/6Observed HolidayConstitution memorial day observedPublic Holidays in Summer (June to August)Next, let’s take a look at the Japanese public holidays in summer, where many fireworks festivals and festivals are held.DateName of the HolidayMeaning of the Holiday7/23Marine day also know as Ocean dayThe day to show appreciation for the oceans7/24National Sports day (old name: Physical Education Day)A holiday commemorating the 1964 Tokyo Olympic games8/10Mountain dayThe day to honor and give thanks to the blessings of the mountains※”Physical Education Day” has been the second Monday of October so far, and the day when it is celebrated will not change even after being renamed to “National Sports Day”.However, only due to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, July 24 will be the National Sports Day.※Mountain Day was originally a holiday celebrated on August 11, but like the National Sports Day, this holiday has been moved to another day due to the Tokyo Olympics. But from 2021 the holiday will return to its previous date.Public Holidays in Autumn (September to November)“Autumn” in Japan is a climatically comfortable season. It is also recognized overseas as an owner of delicious seasonal food and beautiful scenery colorfully colored with autumn leaves.The public holidays of this season are listed belowPublic Holidays in Winter (December to February)It’s the last season, but it doesn’t mean they’re not public holidays in it. The table below summarizes public holidays in the “Winter” of Japan.Also, there is a website where the Cabinet Office provides information about Japanese holidays, so please check it out.ConclusionFrom an overseas perspective, the image of “Japanese people overworking” might be established, but this is not because there are not so many holidays. It might be because the number of used paid holidays in Japan are extremely low compared to other countries.In recent years, many companies have been able to use paid holidays and reduce overtime hours by promoting this work style. It is not so far till Japan reaches the point where the rate of using paid holidays became similar as overseas countries do, and Japan, which has many holidays, may become one of the countries with the most holidays in the world.It would be great if you could read the article about Japanese holidays that we introduced earlier this time and become more interested in Japanese culture.DateName of the HolidayMeaning of the HolidayDateName of the HolidayMeaning of the Holiday9/21Respect for the aged dayA day celebrated annually to honor elderly citizens9/22Autumn equinox dayThe day when the length of the night and the day are the same11/3Culture dayA public holiday held with the purpose to promote culture, arts, and academic endeavor11/23Labor Thanksgiving DayA public holiday held to commemorate labor and production and give one other thanks.1/1New Year’s DayThe day when people celebrate the beginning of a new year1/13Coming of Age DayThe day when Japanese youth officially become adults2/11National Foundation DayThe day when is celebrated the mythological foundation of Japan and the accession of its first emperor, Emperor Jimmu2/23Emperor’s BirhtdayThe day when in celebrated the birthday of the Emperor Naruhito2/24Observed HolidayEmperor’s Birthday Observed

GTalent, a recruiting agency for global IT talents, summarized the market size of the Japanese IT industry based on information from various databases. It is a report based on information and data known in 2019 as of June 2020, such as the market size of the Japanese IT industry compared with the world, the number of IT engineers in Japan and the overseas, the IT field that will grow in the next three years, etc. If you are considering looking for a job in the IT industry in Japan, feel free to use it as a reference.IT Industry Market Size in JapanFirst, we would like to explain about the market size of the Japanese IT industry and the fields in which IT investment will expand in the next three years.It is estimated that the market size of the IT industry (including hardware, software, and services) of domestic private companies will increase by 2.8% year on year in 2018 to 12.493.0 billion yen. In 2019, it is calculated that the market size will be 12.918 trillion yen by 3.4% increase year on year. In 2020, it’s estimated that it will be 13.124 trillion yen by 1.6% increase year on year, and it will be 13.320 trillion yen by 1.5% increase year on year in 2021.Because the initiative on the reform of the work style remained firm in 2018, also the large-scale renewal of the system was also notable due to the increasing profitability of privates companies. There is also strong demand for replacement of Windows 10 by the end of support for Windows 7 scheduled in January 2020. These trends are expected to continue in 2019 as well.Reference: IT Investment by Domestic Companies 2019/Yano Research Institute LtdTranslated from Japanese to English by GTalent.As we can see, the market size of Japan IT industry is increasing year by year, and the market size in 2019 will be about 13 trillion yen which is about 122 billion US dollars by exchange rate as of June 2020. It’s one of the largest industry in Japanese economy.Areas where IT Investment will increase in the next 3 years in JapanIn the next 3 years, ERP will become the most invested software in the IT industry for the first time in 8 years.According to the questionnaire survey for corporates survey conducted every year, it asked what will be a software that will increase in IT investment over the next three years. According to the results of the survey released in 2019 (482 respondents, Multiple selections up to 3), “ERP” obtained 41.9%, being the highest for the first time in 8 years, equaling “Security-related software” which held the first for a long time.The background information is update of core system with the same as the change of business environment, the progress of cloud ERP packages, SAP’s ERP maintenance support deadline of 2025 and so on.Reference: IT Investment by Domestic Companies 2019/Yano Research Institute LtdTranslated from Japanese to English by GTalent.Global IT Industry Market Size and Comparison with Japanese IT marketReference: Gartner Says Global IT Spending to Reach $3.8 Trillion in 2019World IT spending forecast increased 3.2% year on year of in 2019, amounting to about 3.8 trillion dollars (about 400 trillion Japanese yen). All fields have grown from the previous years, especially corporate software increased a lot in that. It can be seen that there is a high need for investment in fields that can improve the business efficiency of companies, including changes of work styles.However, since this statistic was released in January 2019, it is thought that the market size estimation from 2020 will be significantly revised due to the spread of coronavirus infection from January 2019. However, the market size is not revised downward in all areas, and it is expected that the promotion of work style revolution will increase the growth rate in some areas.Looking at these market size data, the result is that Japan’s IT industry market size is about 3.3% of the world market. Given that Japan’s GDP share is about 5.7% of the world (2018), the percentage of the Japanese IT industry market share in the world is still lower than GDP’s. It may mean that Japanese IT industry has high growth potential in the future.Reference: Japan’s GDP was estimated the lowest “5.7%” in 2018/The Nihon Keizai ShinbunThe Number of Japanese IT Engineers Compared With the WorldAccording to the results of a survey conducted by Human Resocia in March 2020 about the number of IT engineers around the globe, the first place was the United States (4.77 million), the second was China (2.72 million), the third was India (2.12 million) and the fourth was Japan (1.09 million). Japan is among the top five of the list, but compared with India which is in third, the number of engineers doubled Japanese IT engineers.When comparing the number of engineers, there seems to be a big difference between Japan and other IT advanced countries such as the United States, China, and India. However considering the population of each country, the ratio of the number of IT engineer per population might not be so different.Reference:Human Resocia /Number of IT engineers around the world (North and South America)Human Resocia /Number of IT engineers around the world (Asia and Oceania)ConclusionConsidering that Japan’s IT industry is about 3.3% of the world, it can be said that it’s a very large market size. However, considering the GDP ratio, it can be said that the industry is expected to grow further. The IT industry is one of the few growth fields in the mature Japanese market, so if you are looking for a job in Japan in the future, why not consider the IT industry as one of your options?If you are looking for a job in the IT industry in Japan, please register with G Talent, a professional recruitment agency for global IT talents. Our professional consultants will help you with job changes and job hunting for free.

The IT industry in Japan is providing several opportunities for foreign IT engineers. Among all the engineers working in the country, 3 percent of those are foreigners. With the country facing a deficit of engineers by 2030, Japanese IT companies are looking for more It professionals offshore.Working as an engineer in the Land of the Rising Sun can be exciting but work-life balance hinders most foreign workers from sending their applications. To shake off this reputation, many companies are easing up on the schedules of IT engineers in an effort to encourage work-life balance.Working HoursAn IT engineer typically starts working at 9:00 or 10:00 and ends the day after 8 hours of work. However, some stay at the office for an hour or two to avoid the rush hour.Flexible Working HoursSome companies still prefer engineers to work on the set working hours but more IT companies and engineering departments are adopting a flexible schedule nowadays. This is part of the efforts to reduce overtime among employees. In addition, the flexible working hours also allow engineers to avoid rush hour stress and crowds, and give them time to attend to other matters and conduct personal transactions like a doctor’s appointment.An Engineer’s Workday9:00~12:30: Start of Work, Work Assembly or updates12:30 ~ 13:00: Lunch13:00 ~ 16:00: Continue working on projects and tasks16:00 ~ 19:00: Going home, after-work partiesThis is the typical schedule of an IT engineer working in an office. For those working from home have flexible schedules, they may have different working hours and some may be shorter compared to the above sample.Day ScheduleCompanies in Japan have morning assemblies called chourei which takes about 15 minutes. The whole team comes together and shares information about work progress and their schedule or goals for the day. Sharing information provides everyone in a team an overview of their tasks to avoid delays and suggest improvements in projects.After the morning assembly, engineers also have to check on emails and answer queries from clients in the morning. This helps them know if new projects are given or if clients request for new details and functions in an ongoing project.Project HandlingIT companies and departments received a handful of projects which are then assigned to different teams. Each member has his/her own responsibilities and those will affect how an IT engineer’s schedule would go.Planning StageOn an event when a new project is given, a team starts to plan, schedule, and research as part of their morning schedule. Members are assigned to handle project management, estimate cost, and plan the working hours needed for each task.Members research about technologies related to their tasks and inform the team. In their regular meetings, the team shares their ideas on how to proceed with their project.Development StageIn the late morning, engineers start working on the actual project after schedules and estimates have been approved. When a team’s already working on a project, this part of the process is usually done first thing after the morning assembly.The team begins designing algorithms and functions in this stage. This also takes days to complete depending on how big the project is. So a workweek of an engineer may comprise project development.Though research has been done in the planning stage, the team also conducts thorough research during the development of the project. This involves solving backlogs and issues in a program as some previously searched technologies and developments might not be compatible with the current project.Project CompletionWhen everyone is done with their respective tasks in a project, team members conduct a series of tests to check for bugs and major issues. This review process can last for half a day or two depending on the size of the project. This stage also requires members to list down suggestions to improve the output.Afternoon ScheduleReviewing does not only happen when the project has been completed. Every step of the process of each member’s tasks is reviewed by themselves or by another engineer assigned.In this part of the day, engineers prepare a list of what they have accomplished within the day to report during the next day’s morning assembly. This also gives them time to organize and keep track of or set their daily, weekly, and even monthly goals.After Working HoursAs mentioned above, people tend to leave work late to avoid the rush hour so some leave the office around 19:00. Some engineers continue working to have a headstart the next day or do overtime work to finish a project within the day. Nonetheless, overtime does not happen as frequently nowadays.Just like other businesses in Japan, IT companies and departments also go for drinks to celebrate a finished project, holidays, promotions, or just hang out with colleagues. In bigger companies, engineers can join club activities such as sports or take this time to study the Japanese language. Days Off, Paid Leaves, and HolidaysA few of the questions asked by IT engineers who don’t really know much about the country are the number of days off, holidays, vacations, and breaks. Employers must give 45 minutes to an hour worth of break in a workday. Companies should also let employees have one or two days off in a week. For vacation leaves, companies should grant a minimum of 10 days paid vacation leaves to new employees after working for six months. Some companies even give additional vacation leaves.Holidays also affect workdays. Japan has 16 national holidays and most of them fall on a workday. That means more time to explore the country and find new hobbies for IT engineers working in Japan.ConclusionAs more foreign IT engineers pursue their careers in the country, the work environment continues to shape to provide more flexibility and promote great work-life balance. Though the rush hours remain, the reform efforts made by companies will relieve the stress coming from commuting and provide more opportunities for IT engineers to learn new skills and go for vacations in the country. Sources: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/working-past-the-timehttps://kimi.wiki/work/workday-japan-engineerhttps://medium.com/devjobs-jp/software-developer-in-japan-myths-work-life-balance-9a7a41315678https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/invest/setting_up/section4/page5.html

The number of companies that introduced “Telework” or “Zaitaku-kinmu” increased rapidly due to the coronavirus.Since the state of emergency was lifted, we could observe how some employees were heading to their offices again. However, at the time this article was written(June 2020), the number of people on the streets was not the same as before.Therefore in this article, dedicated to people who continue working at home, we would like to explain some advice to work more comfortably from home or telework.Status of Zaitaku-kinmu and Telework in Japan after lifted the state of emergencySince the state of emergency in Japan was lifted (2020 May 25), the number of workers returning to their offices has been increasing, but actuality, how many people still working from home?According to the results of the research carried out on by Persol Institute from May 29th to June 2nd, the rate of implementation of telework after the state of emergency (2020/04/10th to 12th) was 27.9% and when the state of emergency was lifted, 25.7% of Japanese companies continued working from home.Of course, it depends on the industry and the occupation, but even after things get back to normal, approximately 70% of workers in Japan want to continue working from home. Also, considering the possibility of a second wave of infected, people expect to continue working from home.Reference: Survey conducted by Persol InstituteTips for a comfortable “Zaitaku-kinmu” and “Telework“Now, we would like to share with you some tips for a comfortable Zaitaku-kinmu and Telework.Organization and Management of Working hoursWhen you work from an office, it is easier to maintain the working hours range because the time you spend in the office is the same as your working hours.While working from home, be sure to arrange with the company or you superior regarding overtime and working hours in advance to prevent unnecessary overtime work.For example, if they contact you by email or any other communication tools at a late time and you respond, it should be included in the working hours in terms of labor low. When you work from home, the line between personal life and work becomes difficult to draw and it seems that many people who work at home work longer hours than when they worked from office.Originally the company is responsible to manage working hours, but many companies do not have good management methods for working hours while telework, which can increase your working hours unnecessarily, we recommend that at the end of the shift to shut down the PC to avoid this kind of troubles.This is an article made by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare / How to manage properly working time from home) to companies as a reference on how to manage properly working time from home. We believe this will deepen your understanding of the concept of working from home.※The article above is written in JapaneseFurthermore, it is necessary to manage properly working hours and at the same time design measures that do not reduce labor productivity. Working from home means being in a relaxed environment which can reduce your productivity by losing focus and prolonging your work hours.To prevent this situation, organizing tasks and schedules in advance is important. Recently, task management tools for various businesses can be used for free, so it would be better for you to strictly manage tasks and schedules at this opportunity.Make use of “Ho-Ren-Sou”First of all, do you know what is the meaning of “Ho-Ren-Sou”?. It’s an abbreviation word in Japanese for Houkoku(Report), Renraku(Communicate), Soudan(Consult) which is used in internal communication from long ago in Japan.It’s a so famous word as the most of Japanese have been said in the companies which they have worked for.It is common that when working from home, communication between members and bosses decreases. Due to the lack of understanding, the result of the work may be incorrect or the process of the project in which you have been part off cannot be understood. In the worst case, there is also a possibility that the results of your work will be downgraded.To avoid such “mistakes”, you should periodically report your work progress to your manager, make sure the results are correct, and at the same time make them understand the work process.Turn on the Work modeIntroducing Telework and Zaitaku-kinmu, it is a great advantage to be able to reduce travel time and go to work without getting on a crowded train (Maiin-densha). On the other hand, being at home all day makes it difficult to turn on our “work mode”.How to turn on the Work modeKeep a clean appearancePerhaps some people start working in sleepwear or loungewear for reasons like “no one is going to see me” or “I am not going outside the house”. If you are a person who does this, there is a probability that you will not fully wake up to have a good performance at work. It could be a hassle having to dress up when you are at home, but it is recommended to dress presentably. By dressing differently as you usually wear at home, it will be easier to idealize that you will start working.Separate your workspace from your daily-life spaceThis also makes it easier to switch to work by separating the work space and the living space in order to separate work from private. However, many people living alone have one room in Japan, so it may be difficult to work in a different room. In such a case, since it is good even in the same room, why not decide the work space and the private space by deciding the work space and not sitting in the work space in the private?Make short breaksTaking short breaks regularly could improve your concentration. It is helpful to leave the seat for 5 minutes every time you finish a task to stretch before starting a new one.ConclusionThere are still many companies that continue working from home or using Telework even after the emergency declaration been lifted in Japan. Working from home has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. We hope this article helps you work from home with high productivity and comfort.If there is a foreign IT engineer who is interested in IT-related work that can be done at home or is even considering employment or job change at this opportunity, please come and join us! Please register with G Talent. A professional consultant will support you in changing jobs for free.