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Tips for IT engineers to develop apps for smart devices

Foldable smartphones, or simply just “foldables” are currently all the tech world’s rage, as industry giants such as Samsung, Motorola, LG, and Huawei have all produced their versions of the trendy new smartphone. As of the 2nd quarter of 2020, handheld devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Fold, Motorola’s Razr, Huawei’s Mate X, and LG’s V50 ThinQ and G8X ThinQ Dual Screen have dominated the foldable smartphone market. The fleet of products has also garnered high sales and positive reviews from both users and critics, much to the delight of tech brands. Other companies have now seemed to follow suit, with the market leader, Apple, already planning to throw their hat in the ring with a possible foldable iPhone in the future. Some brands like Lenovo and LG have now used the new foldability features to venture into other technological areas like foldable personal computers and foldable televisions. The popularity of foldables in a technological hub like Japan has prompted the country’s top app development companies to strike while the iron’s hot. Developers are now faced with the challenge of placing their best IT engineers to build apps that will ultimately utilize the bendable gadgets’ uniqueness. But what are the challenges that these IT engineers face when creating applications for foldables? What is the role of foldable smart devices in the bright technological future? In this article, we’ll address all of those questions and better understand today’s hottest tech movement. The Challenge for IT Engineers While this “foldable” stage of evolution for smartphones and devices is exhilarating for users because of the boundless possibilities it presents, app development companies are also faced with enormous hurdles to create applications that are optimized for foldables. App Continuity Now that there is a new type of smartphone screen, IT engineers need to develop apps that will present the same experience for all smartphones. IT engineers need to ensure that the applications will be picture-perfect, whether it be on standard screens or foldable ones. Additionally, IT engineers need to prepare apps that will be able to adapt to many resolutions and densities of different screen types. Before, app developers only needed apps that can run smoothly across different kinds of operating systems and devices. Now, they need to consider running apps on foldable screen types as well. Because of foldables, developers now have the added pressure of testing their applications for possible errors and malfunctions and check if the apps can perform on foldable devices. Multi-Resume Split Screen Since foldable devices are now able to run 2 (and even 3) apps simultaneously, developers will need to optimize apps that can be used concurrently with other apps. The multi-resume split-screen presents a tricky situation for developers. The applications running simultaneously will all be competing for the same core system and will use the same processing power, battery, and memory. Moreover, the likelihood of all running apps on foldable devices using features such as the camera and voice command at the same time is high because developers create these apps with the priority of user interactivity and convenience. Both the app continuity and multi-resume split-screen features will prove to be a challenge not only for app developers, but also for smartphone brands as they have to create handheld devices that can handle the complexity of it all. Factors to Consider When Creating an App for Foldable Devices App development companies want to hit a home run and develop the hottest new apps to make their mark in the new foldable smartphone market. At the same time, other already established apps want to build off their success and continue to be profitable under the new trendy devices. App developers need to take note of a few things when creating or sustaining apps for foldables. Resizability Since foldables have much bigger screens than regular smartphones, IT engineers must start creating applications with high quality resolutions that will be auto-responsive when displayed on either a full screen or on the multi-window mode. Usability on Both Modes App developers and IT engineers must ensure that their apps fully-functional in different screen modes for foldable devices. They must also test the applications’ seamless transition from its basic screen and then immediately shifted to the folded version and vice versa. Screen Ratios Because foldables are a fairly new segment, brands are manufacturing the devices in all shapes and sizes, trying to find the right proportions that will be marketable with users. This forces app development companies to test their apps on various screen ratios to ensure compatibility across all types of foldables. Quality Since more companies are now looking to develop their style of foldable devices, IT engineers must ensure the quality of applications across all types of foldables. Luckily, some emulators can enable software of a particular device to perform the same way on another different or new platform. The Role of Foldable Smart Devices in the Future According to Statista and USA Today, 50.1 million foldable handheld devices are projected to be shipped by 2022, a considerable jump from 2020’s 13.6 million international deliveries. This estimate shows the increase of sales since the tech’s initial conception, and it also exhibits how much faith experts have on the future of foldables. Both consumers and tech aficionados hope that the foldables’ components could be enough to change the global technological landscape. Some of the advantages of foldable devices include: Larger Screen, Smaller Size Many people own both smartphones and tablets. They use smartphones as a daily device while tablets are for entertainment purposes. Although tablets have proven to be incredible pieces of technology, their size has proven somewhat of an inconvenience for users. Foldable handhelds could eliminate the need to buy the two separate devices because they are combined into one. No longer will you need a tablet to have a better entertainment experience; you can simply unfold your foldable, and voila, you now have a tablet-sized screen at your fingertips. Or just use it as a regular phone, and be able to insert it into your bags or pockets with no issue whatsoever. Ability to Multitask As mentioned before, foldables allow users to open 2 or 3 windows at the same time. This enables users to perform 3 different tasks simultaneously. Imagine watching a live sporting event on the first tab, doing some work on a spreadsheet on a separate tab, and still being able to chat with family and friends. Users could now have a new way of saving energy as their television, laptop, and phone needs are jam-packed into one device. Room for Better Hardware Since foldables are much bigger and thicker than conventional smartphones, companies can put better and more efficient hardware into their products. Tech brands can put more hardware like larger dual batteries, which will give the foldables a longer battery life, and better camera sensors for improved photo and video capture. Fresh Design Ever since the launch of the first iPhone and subsequent start of Apple’s phone market dominance, every other brand has been emulating its new product designs. With the introduction of foldables, companies now have more leeway in terms of product design. And seeing as this segment is at its early stages, the room for design development will surely grow in the foreseeable future. Conclusion The innovations brought about by foldables could likely influence and shape the ever-growing technological market. Every brand will create their versions of the new tech trend, much like how app development companies are going to be competing to develop the benchmark when it comes to foldable phone applications. Because the foldable device movement is just starting, IT engineers will face new challenges in building mobile apps in the coming years. But, rest assured, IT engineers will fix these kinks along the way, just as they are right now. Sources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2020/02/17/like-it-or-not-the-future-is-full-of-foldables/#6d14c4c27766 https://www.mindinventory.com/blog/how-to-develop-apps-for-foldable-smartphones/ https://servreality.com/blog/how-to-develop-apps-for-foldable-devices/ https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/ui/foldables https://mobidev.biz/blog/how-to-develop-apps-for-foldable-dual-screen-smartphones https://buildfire.com/mobile-app-development-trends/ https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-trends/Japan-s-suppliers-eagerly-eye-market-for-foldable-smartphones https://japantoday.com/category/tech/samsung-to-launch-foldable-smartphone-in-september https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2019041001142/sharp-unveils-prototype-of-foldable-smartphone-display.html https://www.tomsguide.com/us/foldable-phones-release-date,news-28705.html https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/146826-best-foldable-smartphones https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-fold-new-patent-foldable-phone-2020-7 https://www.forbes.com/sites/adrianbridgwater/2019/05/06/why-foldable-phones-present-flexibility-challenges/#7203fd661f33 https://www.mindinventory.com/blog/how-to-develop-apps-for-foldable-smartphones/ https://appinventiv.com/blog/app-development-for-foldable-phones/ https://thenextweb.com/plugged/2019/02/21/why-you-should-be-excited-for-foldable-phones-and-why-you-shoudnt/

Job Hunting Knowledge

The Impact of Covid-19 on International Job Seekers

In this article, we will provide information for “Ryugakusei” international students who are looking for a job in Japan based on data on the job offer rate for international students as of July 2021. Also, we would like to introduce the impact of the new coronavirus on the job hunting activities of international students and information on employment agencies that support international students in their job hunting activities. Job Hunting Situation for International Students Graduating on 2021 Due to the impact of the new coronavirus, this year (2020) has been more challenging than ever for students who are looking for a job. Many companies have reduced the number of recruits or postponed the hiring process, making it difficult to find a job. In this section, we will take a closer look at the job hunting situation for international students graduating in 2021, based on the results of a survey to international students graduating in 2021 released by DISCO Corporation on August 26, 2020. The Impact of the New Coronavirus on Getting a Job Offer Looking at the bar graphs of foreign students and domestic students as of July this year and for the past two years, it shows that although the domestic offer rate is lower than usual, 70% of the students have job offers. On the other hand, the number of international students has decreased by about 10% compared to the previous year, and about 30% of them have job offers. Compared to last year, there was a slight impact, but companies have resumed hiring new graduates since May, and web-based interviews and other recruiting activities have been conducted on a shorter schedule than usual. However, this is only the number of students who hold job offers, so it is unclear whether they are really getting job offers from the employer of their choice. Source:Disco Coporation/外国人留学生の就職活動状況 Graph 1 「7月時点の内定率(経年)」: Job Offer Rate up to July (Within 3 years) Graph 2 「7月時点の内定率(分離別)」: Job Offer Rate up to July (Humanities and Science) Graph 3 「7月時点の就職活動状況」: Job Hunting Status up to July Current Job Hunting Situation for International Students Due to the effects of the new coronavirus, many companies have either stopped hiring new graduates or reduced the number of jobs they had planned to hire. In addition, schedules were pushed back, which is thought to have led to a decrease in the job offer rate for 2021 graduates. Also, due to the inability to get a feel for the corporate atmosphere at web briefings and interviews, and because of concerns about the deteriorating economic environment due to the effects of Covid-19, applications were attracted and gathered by large and stable companies that had an easy to understand corporate atmosphere, so it is unclear whether they were able to obtain job offers from their preferred employers. In addition, although the number of international students finding jobs in Japan is gradually increasing every year, compared to Japanese students, 70% of international students had no job offers as of July. This is probably due to the fact that even if the skills of foreign talent are the same as those of Japanese students, there are few companies that will accept them unless their Japanese language skills are at least at a business level. Of course, it is important for foreign students who want to work in Japan to improve their Japanese language skills, but Japanese companies, which make decisions based on the ability to communicate in Japanese rather than on skills, may be responsible in no small part for this. However, an increasing number of Japanese companies are creating an environment in which Japanese language communication is necessary through English education for Japanese employees and global business development. In addition, the number of companies that are introducing Business Japanese learning services for foreigners is gradually increasing, so although it may take some time, the percentage of international student job offers is likely to rise little by little every year. Employment Agencies and Websites Employment Agencies and Websites for International Students From now on, we would like to introduce specialized job-hunting support services for international students who are recent graduates and want to find a job in Japan. Global Leader www.globalleadernavi.com グローバルリーダー:外国人留学生・海外大生の就職活動をサポート https://www.globalleadernavi.com グローバルリーダーは、外国人留学生・留学生・海外大生・外国人のための就職情報サイト。求人情報・就活マニュアル・就職イベント・就職セミナー・就活講座などたくさんの就活情報をご用意し、あなたの就職活動をサポートします! This is an employment agency for international students that handles a wide range of jobs from major Japanese companies to hot start-up companies. They also offer free lectures on Japanese job-hunting etiquette and job hunting schedules. Ryukatsu www.ryugakusei.com   2 pockets 【日本で働きたい留学生の就職支援】リュウカツ https://www.ryugakusei.com This is an employment agency for new graduates that only gathers companies that want to hire international students and it provides job information. At weekly seminars, consultants provide information on visas and job hunting tips. Agent neo 就職エージェントneo   187 tweets 13 users 8 pockets 就職エージェントneo https://www.s-agent.jp 新卒就職相談(就活)・内定獲得支援 Neo Career is a major company in the human resources industry, is an employment agency for international students. They provide one-on-one job-hunting consultations and advice on interviews and resumes for the companies they introduce, and even if the interview fails, they provide solid feedback as a measure to prepare for the next interview. Conclusion There are still many international students who have not yet received any job offers. Although the job hunting situation continues to be difficult for students due to the impact of Covid-19, if you conduct a thorough self-analysis and industry research, and implement a screening strategy, we believe you will eventually get a good result. If you are a foreign student thinking about finding a job in Japan and would like to work as an IT engineer, please register to G Talent, a recruitment agency specializing in foreign IT engineers. Our professional consultants will support you in your job search for free.

Others

IT Engineers Bid Goodbye to jQuery with Bootstrap 5

JavaScript is one of the most sought-after programming languages in the world. For most developers, their first experience with JavaScript came from JQuery. It is a popular JavaScript library and framework, providing compatibility features to browsers such as interactive web pages, single-page apps, AJAX requests, and mobile web apps. As more people rely on their smartphones for information, new open-source frameworks have evolved to cater to mobile web development projects. One of the best CSS and JavaScript frameworks recommended by web developers is Bootstrap. Bootstrap Bootstrap’s library is a collection of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript UI widgets. It is designed as a starter kit for developers to build websites and mobile applications. It gained its popularity among the web development community for its ease of use and excellent documentation. The previous versions of Bootstrap heavily relied on jQuery codes to create dynamic layouts for websites and web applications. Its earlier versions came with JavaScript components in the form of JQuery plugins. However, in June 2020, Bootstrap 5 Alpha was released and dropped its support for Internet Explorer and removed jQuery from its framework. The Bootstrap Core Team wants to develop future-friendly tools for better APIs, great CSS variables, and faster JavaScript. One of their improvements is dropping their Button plugin for an HTML and CSS only approach to toggle states. Checkboxes and radio buttons now power toggle buttons. What’s New? Dropping support for Internet Explorer and the removal of jQuery are few of the highlights in Bootstrap 5. Besides focusing on code quality and interface, the Bootstrap team also improved its old features and made new ones to benefit web developers. 1. Responsive Font Sizes Bootstrap 5 will ease the challenges faced by developers in solving typography problems. They can now control the appearance of typographies on web pages with the responsive font size. RFS is a unit resizing engine that automatically calculates the appropriate font-size values based on the user’s screen size or viewport. It can resize values for any CSS property with units, like margins, padding, border-radius, or box-shadow. It also works on preprocessors or postprocessor tools such as Sass, Less, Stylus, or PostCSS. 2. Change Gutter Width Unit of Measurement You can specify sizes or lengths of CSS elements using various units of measurements such as em, % vw, and vh, but web developers widely use pixels or px. In Bootstrap 5, the team changed the gutter width from px to rem. Rem or root em is equal to the calculated value of font-size on the root element. For example, 1 rem is similar to the font size of the HTML element. 3. Navbar Update In Bootstrap 5, the inline-block on the navbar has been removed and uses a flex shorthand. The Bootstrap team also removed the brand margin caused by requiring containers in navbars. 4. SVG Icon Library In Bootstrap 5, a brand new SVG icon library was made by the co-founder of Bootstrap Mark Otto. Developers can now use these icons in their projects. 5. Enhanced Class Updates The Bootstrap 5 has added and removed CSS classes from the 1,500 in Bootstrap 4. Here are some of the CSS classes in the new version. gx-* classes control the horizontal/column gutter width gy-* classes control the vertical/row gutter width g-* classes control the horizontal & vertical gutter width row-cols-auto The following are the CSS classes removed by the Bootstrap team. form-row form-inline list-inline card-deck Bootstrap in Japan This open-source framework has also reached Japan’s thriving tech industry. It is highly recommended by the web developer community in the country for JavaScript and CSS. If you’re planning to work as a web developer in Japan, IT companies value front-end developers with experience working on Bootstrap and JavaScript. Salaries could go as high as JPY 4 million and JPY 7.5 million because top companies in the industry highly use the open-source framework. If you have tried working with the previous versions of Bootstrap, it may be easier for you to adjust working with its version 5. Here are some of the critical changes in Bootstrap 5 and the skills you have to learn before working in Japan as a web developer JavaScript With Bootstrap 5 functioning without jQuery, developers don’t have to worry about the size and adding non-essential functions while writing vanilla JavaScript code. However, developers who only know how to use jQuery will be greatly affected by this change. This might be an excellent chance to learn JavaScript from the root since it is a widely-used programming language. Being adept at JavaScript can open career opportunities in the tech industry. In Japan, a web developer’s salary also depends on the programming language used. A JavaScript front-end engineer can earn about 88.10 million yen annually. From Jekyll to Hugo IT companies in Japan are looking for web developers who can use various open-source static site generators, such as Jekyll and Hugo. Developers have used Bootstrap 4 as a tool for integrating Jekyll through SASS. But with the recent developments in Bootstrap 5, the team has made a switch to the fast and flexible static site generator Hugo. Hugo has already been making waves in the web development community for its easy configuration and excellent integration. Being skilled in the open-source static site generator will be beneficial as more web developers in Japan use Bootstrap and other open-source frameworks in the future. Conclusion Bootstrap has already been recognized in Japan’s web development community for its versatility and well-designed CSS and JavaScript frameworks. As more people access the web from various devices such as laptops, desktop computers, and mobile devices, the need for better user experience for all viewports will require businesses to have responsive web designs. One of the most challenging experiences faced in web development is coming up with a base for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to each project. The Bootstrap team aims to cut down the workload of web developers with the latest features and fixes made on Bootstrap 5. As they make frameworks light, simple, and fast, web developers will continue to recommend the use of Bootstrap in the future. References: https://blog.getbootstrap.com/2020/06/16/bootstrap-5-alpha/ https://designmodo.com/bootstrap-5/ https://www.infoq.com/news/2020/08/bootsrap-5-drops-jquery/ https://bootstrapstudio.io/pages/releases/ https://www.zdnet.com/article/bootstrap-a-ui-framework-used-by-20-of-internet-sites-is-dropping-ie-support/ https://www.sejuku.net/blog/102624

Career Development

Why Switching to Mobile App Development is Good For You

The coronavirus has changed life as we know it. Online education, banking, shopping, and work have become the new normal. People rely on social media apps now more than ever for news and entertainment, and hang out with friends and family via online conferencing through their mobile devices. Mobile applications have become part of everyone’s lives to the point where people download new ones every day. Google’s Play Store already has 2.56 million apps, while Apple’s App Store has 1.8 million apps available for download in the Q1 of 2020 alone. The numbers are projected to increase as people are spending more time at home. The Rise of Mobile Apps During COVID-19 Pandemic The mobile app development industry is evolving, and a wide range of factors affects the technological advancements in mobile apps such as consumer and client demands. Recently, app development is focused on how to connect people to all the information they need from their handheld devices. Playing games has also become a popular pastime among mobile users. In Q2 of 2020, over 12 billion games were downloaded from Google Play and 2.8 billion from Apple’s App Store. The pandemic opened career growth opportunities for mobile app developers as the demand for apps in healthcare, education, entertainment, and remote-work increased. Healthcare organizations and startups are collaborating with app developers to help people with health consultations. Educational institutions are revamping their curriculums so students can continue learning via digital channels and platforms. Why Switch to Mobile App Development? The success of a business can depend on how they can market their products and services to their customers. Mobile apps are powerful tools to multi-channel and maintain loyal customers, making mobile app developers important in the digital world. Aside from businesses, the gaming industry needs multi-skilled and creative talents. Mobile app developers maintain and develop updates to ensure optimal user experience and prevent them from tapping the uninstall button. As the need for mobile apps arises, so does the need for multi-skilled mobile app developers. Is a career in mobile app development good? Yes! A mobile app developer’s salary in Japan can go as high as 5 to 6 million yen annually. Aside from job security, competitive pay, and opportunities to upskill, app developers play a vital role in modernizing the world. Life of a Mobile App Developer in Japan Being involved in the development of games and apps people use is the most rewarding and exciting experience for a mobile app developer in Japan. The country is also a hub for tech-savvy individuals who are always looking for the best apps to make their lives easier. However, there is more in the process of developing mobile applications. 1. Planning and requirements Just like any development team, mobile developers also search for the tools and create designs needed for the project, and according to the client’s requests. They plan the necessities for the project such as functions, budget, and delivery date. 2. Tests The team will implement the plans and designs for the app in this stage. Mobile app development requires a series of tests to see if the app works correctly in all versions of iOS and Android operating systems. When bugs are found, developers have to make tons of adjustments in the programming until the app is ready for public release. 3. Maintenance The job of a mobile app developer doesn’t end when the app gets released to the consumers. Operating systems and hardware constantly change, so developers need to maintain these apps to make sure that they function effectively after every OS update and on newer smartphone models. They check reviews and collect suggestions from users and clients to implement updates in mobile apps. Programming Languages and Tools Mobile app companies require different programming languages depending on the operating system and projects they market. Here are some of the popular programming languages and tools used for app development in Japan. 1. JavaScript This programming language is not used primarily for app development. Instead, it is used to develop browsers and web pages. However, JavaScript is essential for building mobile apps when combined with CSS, HTML, and AJAX. App developers specializing in android application development must know how to use JavaScript. It’s one of the most convenient languages because developers only have to code the app once. This programming language can also be used in iOS and Windows applications. 2. C# This programming language is popular among applications in the banking industry and manufacturing. Developers also recommend C# to develop graphics & designs for game applications. It is supported by Unity3D, a cross-platform game engine, making it one of the best languages for building gaming applications. 3. Kotlin When it comes to the structure of the language, Kotlin is similar to Java. This new programming language comes with advanced features and can support all Integrated development environments (IDEs), such as Android Studio and SDK toolkit. Most android app developers in Japan also recommend it. Since it’s a new code, learning the language may be difficult due to the limited sources. 4. Objective-C For iOS apps, objective-C is preferred by mobile app developers since it is the core programming language used by Apple for iOS and OS X development. Even with the release of Swift, objective-C maintains its popularity among developers because most iOS app frameworks rely on the programming language even today. 5. Swift It is the newest programming language and is only available for iOS development and on Linux. Swift is currently the primary language used in Apple’s APIs, Cocoa and Cocoa Touch. 6. Alpha Anywhere It is an excellent development and deployment tool for creating cross-platform mobile and web apps for business. It offers enterprise-grade mobile data security and comprehensive back-end date access. 7. Unity This cross-platform tool can be deployed on multiple platforms. App developers can edit images and organize animations from its built-in editor and animator window. It even has a physics engine and built-in camera, making in-game navigation simpler. Conclusion The job of an app developer will never disappear. The demand for new applications will grow as new operating systems and phone models are released frequently. Since working from home and mobile transactions has become the new normal, there is already an increase for app development and maintenance. Despite the job security, app developers should continue to learn new languages since their market value changes rapidly and adapt to the latest technologies and coding methods to stay competitive. Sources: https://www.switchup.org/blog/the-benefits-of-learning-mobile-development https://www.joshmorony.com/6-reasons-you-should-switch-from-web-to-mobile-development/ https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/app-development/6-reasons-business-needs-mobile-app-succeed-2020/ https://buildfire.com/mobile-app-development-trends/ https://www.zymr.com/how-the-importance-of-mobile-apps-has-outshined-amid-the-fog-of-covid-19-pandemic/ https://www.statista.com/statistics/276623/number-of-apps-available-in-leading-app-stores/ https://www.statista.com/statistics/661553/global-app-stores-mobile-game-downloads https://medium.com/googleplaydev/find-success-for-apps-and-games-in-japan-af9e8fd1c139 https://www.fca.ac.jp/work_books/9798/ https://style.potepan.com/articles/136.html

Others

"NoCode" Development Trend in Japan

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. NoCode The NoCode platform allows users to build software with essentially no programming language. LowCode LowCode 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 NoCode No programming knowledge required If 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 time NoCode 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 Services We would like to introduce you to the NoCode service that is getting a lot of attention and its features. Bubble Bubble   9 tweets 123 users 5721 pockets The most powerful no-code platform https://bubble.io Bubble 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 users 1097 pockets Adalo – Build Your Own No Code App https://www.adalo.com Adalo 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 users 1001 pockets AppSheet : mobile apps from spreadsheets : https://www.appsheet.com Make 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 2020 You can create a number of apps for your internal operations, such as budget apps, webinar apps, quote and proposal apps, and more Reusable code blocks for manipulating data and the ability to manually customize the code to make it unique to your content Retool retool.com   46 users 3106 pockets Build internal tools, remarkably fast. https://retool.com Retool 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. Conclusion The 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.

Others

Featured Image Recognition& Analysis Technology Companies

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 AI Translated from Japanese to English by Gtalent To 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 Analysis The 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 Spotlight We are going to introduce four companies that are providing Image Recognition & Analysis Technology services that are gaining worldwide attention. China SenseTime The 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. SenseTime FACE++ 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++ USA GumGum GumGum 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. GumGum Switzerland Scandit Scandit 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. Scandit Image Recognition Technology Companies in Japan With 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 Industry YE DIGITAL YE 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 Service DENSO DENSO 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 Driving Medical Industry Holoeyes Holoeyes 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 VR Apparel Industry First Retailing StyleHint 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 Technology Finally, 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) Conclusion In 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.

VISA

Covid-19 travel rules in Japan

Due to the impact of the new coronavirus (COVID19), travel to and from Japan has become increasingly difficult. This article is divided into two sections, “Departing from Japan to a foreign country” and “Entering Japan from a foreign country,” with information on reference websites and the current status of travel information for foreigners. Travel Conditions for Entering Japan Due to the spread of the new coronavirus, the entry of tourists and outgoing foreign residents into the country has been restricted since mid-March, and as of July 24, 2020, those who have been in countries subject to denial of landing will not be able to enter the country unless there is a special reason. More detailed information about the countries subject to refusal of entry to Japan and more detailed information is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (link below). Note that foreigners (including those from the countries and regions where the entry bans do not apply) who will arrive in Japan with a flight via any of those 146 countries or regions which are subject to denial of permission to enter, with a purpose of refueling or transit, will also be denied to enter Japan in principle. This will apply regardless of whether they have entered those countries or regions or not. Foreigners from the countries and regions, where visa restrictions (suspension of visa validity or suspension of visa exemption measures) do not apply, will also be subject to entry bans if transiting through the 146 countries or regions. Reference:Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan / Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Information is updated on a daily basis, so be sure to check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website every time you have to travel. Permission to re-enter Japan for foreign residents and students Restrictions on entry to Japan have reached more than 120 countries, and the period of restriction is much longer than expected due to the lack of improvement in the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus around the world. There was no guarantee that a person would be able to enter Japan, even if he or she had to return to their home country to take care of a family member who was in their home country for an emergency, or if he or she was studying in Japan and left Japan for a vacation period. However, taking this circumstance into account, the government announced that on July 29, 2020, they will consider re-entry for those with residency status. On August 29, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that expatriates and international students with a status of residence in Japan would be allowed to re-enter the country on a conditional basis from August 5, in order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Until now, foreign nationals who had departed from a country or region subject to denial of entry were, in principle, not allowed to re-enter the country. Reference:Re-entry of foreign residents / JiJi.com Translated from Japanese to English by Gtalent As stated in the above news article, the government has announced that from August 5th foreign nationals holding residence statuses, such as international students, permanent residents, long-term residents, and work visas, will be officially allowed to re-enter the country. ※Foreigners are not yet allowed to enter Japan for the purpose of tourism. There is also a wide range of residency statuses, so please make sure to check the statuses carefully. What do I need to enter Japan again? What’s the procedure? As mentioned above, the Japanese government announced on August 5 that not only Japanese people are being allowed to re-enter the country, but also foreigners with residency status. Since the number of people coming from the countries subject to refusal of entry is much higher than before, the government has begun to strengthen its quarantine measures to prevent more people from becoming infected in the country. From now on, we would like to explain the documents required to re-enter the country. Documents required for re-entry COVID-19 Test Result The prescribed format for the certificate must be completed by the local medical institution and signed or stamped by the doctor. Process and Required Documents for Re-entry Confirmation of Submission of Reentry Related Documents You can download the necessary documents for re-entry on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Application for Confirmation of Submission of Reentry Documents Passport A valid re-entry permit (including a deemed re-entry permit) must be affixed. Resident Card (zairyu-card) It must not have expired. Pre- and Post-Reentry Procedures You must take a PCR test within 72 hours of departing from the country / region in which you are currently residing and certify that the test result is negative. You will need to receive a “Confirmation of Re-Entry Document Submission” from the diplomatic mission in your country or region. When you arrive in Japan, you must take the PCR test again, regardless of your country or region of origin. You must do self-isolation for 2 weeks. The place of isolation will be designated by the laboratory director, and you may be required to stay in the hospital or at home. Can you go abroad during corona season? There are many foreign employees and students who have to leave Japan to take care of their parents, relatives, and children, but there are many countries like Japan that prohibit or restrict the entry of people who have stayed in countries with high numbers of infected people (countries subject to refusal of entry). From now on, we are going to provide information on travel from Japan to other countries for foreigners and international students who have been planning to leave Japan or are considering leaving the country. Travel Information for Leaving Japan More and more countries are gradually easing their travel restrictions and accepting visitors from Japan. As the measures and documents required for arrival in each country differ, we would like to introduce some websites where you can check the travel situation in each country. Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is arguably the most reliable source of information in Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website has a detailed list of entry restrictions for travelers from Japan to each country. It has a detailed list of restrictions on the entry of travelers from Japan to each country. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan   1 user 79 pockets Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID… https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html Trip.com Trip.com is an online travel agency that provides up-to-date information on travel conditions in each country. The website provides detailed information about travelers from Japan in each country. jp.trip.com   1 user https://jp.trip.com/travel-restrictions-covid-19/ https://jp.trip.com/travel-restrictions-covid-19/ 提携ホテルは120万軒以上、200ヶ国以上を網羅。3000万件を超えるユーザーレビューで、お客様にぴったりの宿選びも簡単。航空券は5,000以上の目的地からお選びいただけます。24時間・年中無休の日本語カスタマーサポートで、お客様の旅をいつでもお手伝いいたします。 ※For countries not listed on the above two sites, please contact the embassy or consulate for details. Conclusion Currently (as of August 6, 2020), most countries are experiencing a second wave of infections. As a result, information on travel is constantly being updated. It is always a good idea to check with your home country’s embassy or other authorities for final information based on the information and websites provided in this article.

Job Hunting Knowledge

Qualifications to be a Software Tester in Japan

Developing successful software is one of the most challenging but rewarding feats to accomplish in the ever-evolving technological field. Factors such as rapid technological advancement, increasing customer demands, limited resources, and time limitations are enormous hurdles for development teams to overcome. For brand new software to be realized, the entire development staff must be knowledgeable about essential aspects such as programming, programming languages, frameworks, and APIs. The launching of successful software is also difficult without the perfect collection of individuals and programming experts dedicated to completing the same mission. A development team needs to secure the right project sponsor, product owner, project manager, subject matter experts (SMEs), software developers, technical lead, user acceptance testers, and software testers. Software testers play a pivotal role in development companies; that’s why they are in high demand in a country like Japan. High-quality products, superb services, and technological innovations and breakthroughs from companies are anticipated in the country. But what qualifications do employers in Japan require from aspiring software testers? Discover the prerequisites needed from software testers and the types of responsibilities they’ll have once they join the Japanese workforce. What is a Software Tester? Software testers are some of the essential individuals in software development, as they ensure the overall quality of the products before being introduced in the market. They will inspect the software of any errors, defects, and bugs. During the planning and preparation stages, software testers will review and contribute test plans. Aside from this, they will also handle the assessment, review, and analysis of technical requirements and design specifications. Software testers also play a hand in identifying test conditions. They are crucial in creating test designs, test cases, test procedure specifications, and test data. Plus, they also automate or help in automating the tests. Software testers also assist in development by setting up test environments or support system administration and network management staff in completing this step. They administer the tests and oversee the test environment. Testers are also responsible for documenting the tests, evaluating results, and identifying issues. Throughout the entire process, they will review everything plus write an account of defects and test outcomes. About JSTQB (Certification) Japan Software Testing Qualifications Board (JSTQB), which operates under the rules of the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), is a qualification system that was created to examine and improve software engineers’ capabilities in testing. These qualification systems were first implemented in partnership with the Japan Science and Technology Federation. For software engineers and testers to work in Japan, they must obtain the JSTQB test engineer qualification certificates. The JSTQB certification test will only be available in Japanese. So, if foreign software testers want to take the exam in a foreign language, they are advised to take it under an “outside company” that conducts the same tests. Foreigners are reminded to check if these exams are administered by a certified company that is also a registered member of ISTQB and complies with ISTQB standards. The tests done by outside companies do not follow the regular JSTQB schedule. JSTQB has 3 types of tests: the Foundation Level, Advanced Level Test Manager, and Advanced Level Test Analyst. Applicants need to have the foundation level certificate and 3 years of work experience to take the two advanced level tests. Foundation level exams are held once every 6 months (mid-February to late August), and the advanced ones don’t have a definite schedule. Both foundation and advanced levels have a multiple-choice format questionnaire. But some items may prove to be tricky, as some questions will require examinees to choose multiple correct answers. Foundation level exams have a time limit of 60 minutes while advanced level exams end after 180 minutes. Examinees can finish the foundation level and leave the examination area for as early as 30 minutes, and advanced level takers can leave after 60. But JSTQB imposes strict guidelines and will not allow the examinees to re-enter the premises after submitting their exams. JSTQB is adamant in keeping the questions a secret, so applicants will have to rely on their overall knowledge, study approach, and work ethic to prepare for the certification exams. Luckily for software testing aspirants, ISTQB publishes the exam’s syllabus on their website. Foundation level takers can check the syllabus here: https://www.istqb.org/downloads/syllabi/foundation-level-syllabus.html While advanced level applicants can check the syllabi here: https://www.istqb.org/downloads/syllabi/advanced-level-syllabus.html Qualifications of a Software Tester Japanese application development companies want to ensure that they are hiring the best possible candidates for the job, as they want to compete with or prevail over other development companies. Aside from the JSTQB certification, companies also require software testers to meet additional standards. Companies in Japan are looking for software testers with the necessary educational background. So, software testers who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering will have the upper hand during the application process. Software testers also need to have the skills to back up their credentials. As mentioned before, testers need to monitor and document test plans and procedures, execute tests, review results, and document problems. They need to understand methodologies and software testing platforms or environments and be knowledgeable about testing tools. They need to master UNIX, Linux, and Windows and be familiar with scripting and command-line tools. Testers are required to be proficient in various programming languages, such as C# or C++, PHP, Java, JavaScript, Python, SQL, and Ruby on Rails. Software testers can improve their chances of employment by having some seminars and training under their belt. But seeing as the entire world is under the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, it would be hard for software testers to attend huge gatherings such as seminars. Fortunately, there are several excellent resources available online. You can attend seminars online (webinars) through the Association for Software Testing (AST)’s Youtube channel. Microsoft Virtual Academy also offers training such as Software Testing Fundamentals course and Live Unit Testing in Visual Studio course online. Conclusion Software testers are sought after by companies developing innovative software, as their expertise brings a lot of value for their working and future projects. For an advanced country like Japan where technology companies are everywhere, opportunities for software testers are aplenty. You can apply for software testing jobs in Japan as soon as the COVID-19 crisis is over. Discover openings and useful tips on our website below. Good luck with your future endeavors, and we hope all of you stay safe!

Job Hunting Knowledge

Top Mobile App Development Companies in Japan

With the world facing a global health crisis, most of us are stuck at home. We rely on our smartphones now more than ever to stay connected. With the use of mobile apps, we have access to entertainment, news, and services. As the world copes by hopping from one mobile application to another, smartphone usage has gone up considerably. You could be one of the millions playing incredibly entertaining games like Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and Monster Strike. You could also be catching up on some of your favorite anime via manga apps. Or you could be doing some online shopping on Rakuten. It wouldn’t come as much of a shock if you are, as these are some of the most popular mobile apps in the entire planet. The point is, your favorite applications could either be Japanese-made or developed in Japan, as several great apps typically originate from Japan. This is because Japanese mobile app development companies are always striving to develop the “next big thing” in the lucrative mobile application industry. To achieve their goals, Japanese app companies are always on the lookout for the best talents available. The market’s competitiveness opens up many employment opportunities for foreign IT engineers to seize. In this article, we’re going to highlight the top app development companies in Japan for aspiring mobile IT engineers and also provide you a brief overview of their history and identity as a brand. 1. Tacchi Studios Tacchi Studios, located in Shibuya City, Tokyo, is an app development company that provides services like e-commerce development, web development, and UI-UX design, so it’s perfect for versatile IT engineers who want to work on areas other than mobile apps. Since 2011, Tacchi Studios has been known to create cutting edge applications on various operating systems including iOS, Android, and the web. Their creativity has enabled them to partner with several companies like Nike, Mymizu, Speed Learning, TEPCO, Summerbird Organic, Wieden+Kennedy, Graniph.com, and Nicolai Bergmann. If you want to work on other areas while developing mobile apps, Tacchi Studios should be the place for you. 2. Wizcorp If developing mobile games is your passion, then Wizcorp could be the perfect place for you. The development company specializes in the game development process. Wizcorp’s IT engineers work on conceptualization and design, game production, and live ops. They use the best gaming technologies today such as systems from Unreal, Playcanvas, Defold, and Unity. The Chūō City-based company has a fantastic track record, developing and designing popular games like Gundam Cross War, Striker Arena, Striker Arena: Axe Grinder, Pochamogu, and Dofus Touch. Wizcorp has also worked with major companies like LINE, Bandai Namco, Yahoo! Japan, and Square Enix. If you want to develop awesome games, then you should seriously consider applying for Wizcorp. 3. Monaca Despite being one of the pioneering app development companies in Japan, Monaca continues to innovate even after 18 years. Working for Monaca is ideal for IT engineers who want to work for a more experienced and established employer. The company takes pride in its development of hybrid mobile applications. They have provided utility services for Dolby Laboratories, back-end development for Kii Corporation, test support for NTT Resonant Inc., and analysis for Amazon, Repro, and AppsFlyer. Monaca is also known for developing its Cloud app, a mobile app dedicated to enterprise mobile strategy, debugger, local environment development support tool, and command-line interface. If you seek employment under a more seasoned establishment, then Monaca could be the perfect place for you. 4. CREAM CREAM approaches app development in a more modern and “hip” manner. In fact, they introduce the company on their website by stating verbatim: “From the heart of Shibuya to the World, CREAM makes it digitally rain. Expect the unexpected from our small-size-big-impact team yo.” CREAM is the perfect company for the young and young at heart. They even feature a merchandise line that they label as “CREAM SWAG.” So, if you want to work on earning some company respect points, don some of the company apparel available on their website such as CREAM graphic t-shirts, CREAM phone casing, CREAM tote bag, and CREAM cap. But don’t let their refreshing style fool you, they are known for their excellent tech work in HR and commerce/retail industries. They also help companies in Japanese localization strategies, and have provided services for large brands such as TAG Heuer, BVLGARI, Seiko, and Asics. CREAM is the ideal place for IT engineer aspirants who want to work in a younger and more invigorating environment. 5. Rain Interactive Rain Interactive offers up a diverse range of services including digital and web marketing, web and business consulting, web design and development, e-commerce, search engine optimization, graphic and print design, custom system development, and mobile application development. Their impressive portfolio consists of working with notable brands such as BMW, Ray-Ban, Avex Group, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Ebara Corporation, and Global Logistics Properties (GLP). Applying for Rain Interactive could be the next best move for your career if you want to develop skills while practicing your expertise in application development. Conclusion Tacchi Studios, Wizcorp, Monaca, CREAM, Rain Interactive are some of the best mobile application development companies in Japan. Who knows, these promising agencies could be the ideal next chapter for you professionally. There are several employment opportunities in Japan for foreign IT engineers who want to work for companies that specialize in developing mobile applications. The terrific options include, but are not limited to, the listed companies above. You can apply for your dream IT engineering job in Japan as soon as the COVID-19 crisis is over. Discover openings and useful tips on our website below. Good luck with your future endeavors, and we hope all of you stay safe!

Career Development

Progressive Web Application (PWA): The Next Big Thing

The pandemic has made Japanese spend most of their time browsing the internet and shopping online. With the increasing e-commerce activities, businesses have shifted their resources and focus on internet marketing requiring the expertise of more developers in the country. Since more people own smartphones than laptops and desktop computers in Japan, what should developers focus on? Should it be the improvement of mobile web experience or mobile application development? The tech industry is taking this opportunity to suggest an emerging technology that can improve mobile user experience. What is a Progressive Web Application? Progressive web applications (PWAs) are websites that use the combination of web and mobile application technologies. It can deliver an app-like experience to users accessing a site or online store through their mobile website. But how exactly are they different from native apps? A native app is a software program similar to a Microsoft Office application. It only works for use on a specific platform or device. However, a PWA works like Google Docs that perform functions similar to native programs but on an internet browser. Though both applications almost perform the same tasks, the PWA’s app-like interface has made it popular among businesses and the IT industry nowadays. But since it’s new in the market, aspiring developers are looking for more information about its qualities and importance in their field. Features of PWA Native and mobile applications have been in the industry longer. However, in the past few years, several IT companies have emerged specializing in creating PWAs as more businesses have seen its benefits in terms of sales and shorter development time. Here are some of the features highlighted by developers that make PWA the next big thing in the industry. 1. Progressive PWAs can work on different operating systems, such as Android and iOS, and browsers available in the market. Its progressive enhancement allows it to work on any platforms, unlike native apps. 2. Responsive. The PWA’s responsive design can allow the technology to function on mobile devices and a desktop. The UI can also be designed to have a similar interface, like a native app. 3. Connectivity Independent One of PWA’s selling points is that it can function with either limited or no connectivity due to the enhanced service workers. The loading time of websites is shortened since the website’s content is cached, which also enables offline site usage. 4. App-like Users can add the page from the website to the device’s home screen like a mobile app. PWA Trends in Japan An internal team of front-end developers can easily build PWAs as the technology is based on common web standards like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. The newest PWA frameworks have allowed developers to turn a site into a PWA without issues. They can support the front-end from the platform’s back-end while supporting sales and marketing teams as well. In Japan, companies have been turning some of their business websites into PWAs. Two good examples are the Japanese newspaper company Nikkei, which has shifted from the native mobile app to PWA in 2017, and the gourmet news website Retty. The faster loading times and performance have increased traffic and conversions on their websites. Outlook in Japan Not much attention is paid to PWA since most mobile devices used by the Japanese are powered by iOS. However, in 2018, Apple added a service worker, a core function of PWA, into Safari. Other PWA features such as push notifications, background synchronization, and web manifest, are expected to be developed soon. As Apple continues expanding its PWA plugins and features, the trend for the use of this technology is seen to rise in the coming years. Thus, developers with the knack for PWA are needed in the country. Tools for PWA Japan has seen the need for PWA developers in e-commerce, and with the recent pandemic, the need for fast page display is becoming more evident. Though developers can seamlessly convert mobile websites into PWA, there are cases where they encounter complicated business websites and online stores. Thus, any changes in PWAs are to be made with extra caution. Developers should have the skill to use the right framework and tools for PWA development. Here are some widely used tools used by PWA developers in Japan. 1. Polymer This built-in PWA tool by Google contains templates and provides the best documentation among the open-source PWA tools available. It simplifies the whole development process and shortens the work needed for PWA development. 2. AngularJs AngularJs is a widely used PWA tool among web development companies in the world. It has a Jason Configuration and JavaScript to build a dynamic PWA. Since it’s one of the oldest tools, it has the largest community support. 3. React Facebook created this PWA tool in 2013. It serves as a JavaScript library for interface design and is currently one of the dominant libraries for front-end web interface design. It has better scalability, making it the top choice for building robust applications. Social media giants such as Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp have also used this PWA tool. 4. Vue Big companies like Alibaba and Laravel use this open-source PWA tool. It has easy coding and rendering features, and clear and detailed documentation. The number of Vue developers are limited, which makes them in demand today. 5. Apache Cordova This open-source PWA framework uses plugins to simplify communication between a native web and JavaScript code on the native Android platform. It is a suggested tool for developing PWA for Android. Cordova plugins include battery status, file access, and ringtones, and also supports two other PWA tools: Adobe PhoneGap and Ionic. Will PWAs be The Next Big Thing in Japan? Leading tech companies have been promoting the benefits of PWAs over native apps. It has made its way in the market and has garnered everyone’s attention in the industry for its notable features. Will it overshadow native apps in Japan? Major brand names have started moving from native apps to PWAs, and better things await as this technology continues to develop. When it comes to iOS, Apple has encouraged more of its users to create web applications instead of native apps. As Apple rolls out more PWA features into Safari, Japan will have more iOS compliant PWAs and will need more PWA developers in the future. Sources: https://itegration.com/progressive-web-apps-pwa/ https://divante.com/pwabook/chapter/08-features-of-pwa.html#the-core-features-of-a-pwa https://buildfire.com/pwa-mobile-the-next-big-thing-in-mobile/ https://customerthink.com/5-best-tools-for-building-progressive-web-apps/ https://www.iflexion.com/blog/progressive-web-app-framework https://medium.com/@firt/progressive-web-apps-in-2020-c15018c9931c