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.

日本在住の外国人の就職・転職を支援しているGTalentが、外国人がこれから日本で就職・転職をするときに、よくある疑問や不安をQ&A形式にまとめました。これから日本で就職・転職を考えている方々はぜひ参考にしてください！日本就職Q&A！よくある14の疑問と不安！Q1.日本にはどれくらいの外国人が働いていますか？A：2019年10月末時点で1,658,804人の外国人労働者が日本で働いています（参考「外国人雇用状況の届出状況まとめ」厚生労働省）。前年に比べると約20万人も増加しています。日本では人口減少、高齢化社会などの問題により、労働力人口が不足しており、そのため様々な業界では外国人の労働力を積極的に受け入れるようにしています。日本の雇用者数が約6,000万人（2020年3月時点、「労働調査」総務省統計局より）なので、およそ100人に2.7人は外国人労働者となります。Q2.日本で働くためには、何が必要になりますか？A：日本で働くには就労可能なビザの取得が必要になります。ビザの種類によって労働時間なども変わってきますので、事前に東京外国人雇用サービスセンターのWebsite等でビザの種類をご確認されることをお勧めします。日本で正社員として働いている外国人の場合、代表的な就労可能なビザは「技術・人文知識・国際業務」の在留資格となります。また、「永住者」、「日本人の配偶者等」、「永住者の配偶者等」、「定住者」などの在留資格者は、別途就労可能なビザを取得することなく、日本で働くことができます。Q3.日本で外国人が働く場合、どの分野の仕事が多いですか？A：2019年10月末時点では、製造業の割合が29.1%と最も多くなっております。その次にサービス業（16.1%）、小売・卸売業（12.8%）と続きます（参考「外国人雇用状況の届出状況まとめ」厚生労働省）。近年では、日本に訪れる外国人観光客が増加しているため、販売や観光などの仕事で働く外国人が増加しております。その他にも、日本はITエンジニアが不足していることもあり、ITエンジニアとして働く外国人の方々も近年大幅に増加傾向にあります。Q4.日本で働いている外国人は、どこの国の人が多いですか？A：2019年10月末時点の外国人労働者の出身国は、中国41.8万人（25.2%）、ベトナム40.1万人（24.2%）、フィリピン17.9万人（10.8%）の順番となっております。近年はベトナムをはじめとした東南アジア諸国の出身者が特に増加傾向にあります（参考「外国人雇用状況の届出状況まとめ」厚生労働省）。Q5.日本で働いている外国人は、どこの都市に多いですか？A：2019年10月末時点で外国人労働者が働いている日本国内の都市の割合は、東京が26.6％、愛知が8.0％、大阪が7.3％の順となっています（参考「外国人雇用状況の届出状況まとめ」厚生労働省）。やはり、首都である東京で働いている方が非常に多い状況です。Q6.日本で外国人が働く場合、給料は日本人と違いますか？A：日本人と同じ職種、同じポジションであれば、基本的に給料は日本人と変わりません。日本の法律においても国籍に応じて待遇差別はしてはならないことになっています。また、就労可能なビザの取得においても、一部を除き日本人と同等の給与レベルが求められるケースがほとんどになるため、必然的に同じ職種、同じポジションであれば、日本人と同じ給料レベルとなります。Q7.日本で働くには、どのくらいの日本語スキルが必要になりますか？A：職種によって求められる日本語のスキルは異なってきますが、一般的に求められるのはビジネスレベルの日本語能力です（JLPTでN2以上）。しかし、英語教師の仕事や一部のIT企業のエンジニアなどにおいては、日本語ができなくても採用されている外国人の方々はいらっしゃいます。Q8.日本企業で働く時には、「ガラスの天井」という言葉があるように、日本人でなければ主要ポジションに就くことは難しいですか？A：歴史が長く、古い考えの日本企業では、まだそのような考えは残っている傾向は強いです。しかし、グローバルに展開している企業や新興のIT企業においては、外国人が主要ポジションに就いているケースも多くなってきています。グローバルやダイバーシティを推進する日本企業全体にとって、「ガラスの天井」を外すことは課題となっています。また、外国人労働者もここ数年で増えてきているため、これから多くの企業で外国人が主要ポジションとして活躍していくと予想されます。Q9.日本企業の採用の流れはどのような流れになりますか？A：日本企業の採用の流れは他の国とも大きく変わらず、一般的に、書類選考→面接（２〜３回）→オファーとなります。また、場合によっては適正検査を行うも企業もあります。Q10.海外にいながら、日本の仕事を探すことはできますか？A：海外にいながら日本企業と面接を実施することは可能です。特に、ここ最近では選考をオンラインで完了させる日本企業も増加傾向にあります。しかし、多くの日本の企業では、スキルと経験だけではなく、「人柄」も重視しているため、最初の面接はビデオ通話で行うケースはありますが、最終的には日本に行って面接をするケースが多いです。そのため、日本で仕事を探す場合、日本に来て仕事を探す方が、仕事は見つかりやすいでしょう。Q11.日本企業に応募する場合、日本語のレジュメは絶対必要ですか？A：応募した企業によって異なります。日本語能力が求められていない求人においては、応募時には日本語のレジュメは不要になるケースは多いです。しかし、日本語能力を求める求人においては、応募時に日本語のレジュメが必要となるケースがほとんどです。Q12.日本企業の求人で「正社員」と「契約社員」というのをよく見ますが、違いは何ですか？A：主な違いは雇用期間になります。正社員は、就業期間の定めのない無期雇用の働き方となり、契約社員は、就業期間が決められている有期雇用の働き方です。正社員として採用されると、会社の状況や働き方に大きな問題がない限りは、解雇をされる心配はありません。Q13.来日してから仕事を探す場合、どのような方法がありますか？A：外国人の方が日本で仕事を探す場合、求人広告サイトが一番多く利用されます。また、ITエンジニアやマネジメントスキルを持つ専門的な人材に関しては、人材紹介会社を使うケースも多いです。これから日本で就職・転職をされる方は、以下の記事をご参考にご覧ください。ITエンジニア向けにはなりますが、他の職種でも参考になると思います。外国人ITエンジニア向け！日本の就職・転職のコツQ14.ワーキングホリデーで来日し、正社員として働く場合、就労ビザの手続きはどうなりますか？A：ワーキングホリデーから就労可能なビザに切り替える場合、在留資格の新規申請が必要になります。そのため、手続きのために一時的に母国へ帰国をする可能性が高いです（2020年5月時点）。まとめはじめて日本で就職・転職を考えている方々、上記に記載した「Q&A」を是非ご活用をしてみて下さい。もし、ITエンジニアで日本で就職・転職をお考えの方は、外国人ITエンジニア専門の人材紹介会社G Talent（ジータレント）にご登録ください。プロのコンサルタントが無料で転職活動をサポートいたします。

新型コロナウィルスの感染拡大をきっかけに、就職や転職活動の方法も変化が生じてきています。特に大きな変化としては、面接などがオンラインで実施されるケースが増えたことが挙げられます。この記事では、日本のオンライン面接の導入状況、それが転職活動や就職活動に対する影響、オンライン面接を行なっている代表的な企業などについて詳しく説明したいと思います。※こちらの記事を英語にご覧になりたい方は、こちら（English Here!）になります。日本のオンライン面接の状況現在、日本ではどのくらいの企業でオンライン面接が実施されているかご存知でしょうか。リクルートキャリアが2020年3月に実施した調査結果を見ると、中途採用でオンライン面接を既に導入している企業もしくは既にオンライン面接の導入が決定している企業は全体の29.8%とのことです。また、導入を検討している企業も合わせると、全体の半数以上となっています。そのため、近々転職活動や就職活動をする場合、半分以上はオンライン面接で行われる可能性があると言えるでしょう。参照：リクルートキャリア / オンライン採用活動アメリカのオンライン採用の状況それでは、もっともオンライン採用が進んでいると言われているアメリカと比較した場合はどうでしょうか。人材採用ソフトウェアを提供するアメリカのIdeal社によるアンケート調査では、アメリカでは63%の人事マネージャーがオンラインで面接を行なっている結果となっています。参照：The 38 Top Recruiting Software Tools Of 2020オンライン面接の先進国アメリカと比べて日本はまだオンライン面接の普及率が遅れてはいますが、新型コロナウィルスの影響が採用活動のオンライン化を確実に加速させ、今後ますますオンライン面接が増えていくと考えられます。オンライン面接のメリット・デメリット今後オンライン面接が増えていくため、改めてオンライン面接のメリットとデメリットについて整理したいと思います。メリット面接場所まで移動する必要がないリアルの対面ではないためリラックスした状態で臨める面接場所まで移動する必要がないオンラインで行うため、わざわざ面接予定の企業のオフィスに出向く必要がないため、移動時間の節約ができて移動の労力も減らすことができます。移動時間が節約できる分、日程調整もやりやすくなり、スムーズに企業の選考に参加ができるようになります。リラックスした状態で臨める面接官と直接会う際に、気持ち的に余裕がある人もいればそうでない人もたくさんいらっしゃると思います。緊張している中で面接に臨むと、思ったような回答ができなくなったり、せっかくのチャンスを失う場合も少なくはありません。オンライン面接の場合、その場の雰囲気などを気にせず、面接にしやすい環境とも言えるでしょう。デメリット以下には、求職者に対してのオンライン採用のデメリットについて説明していきたいと思います。面接官の雰囲気や反応が読みにくいオフィスの雰囲気がわからないネットワークトラブル面接官の雰囲気や反応が読みにくい実際に対面するわけではないので、面接官の表情を読み取ることがどうしても難しくなります。実際の対面であれば、ただ頷いているだけでも話を聞いてると相手は感じられますが、オンライン面接の場合、ただ頷いているだけでは相手に反応は伝わりません。そのため、オンライン面接のやり方をわかっていない面接官の場合、特に雰囲気や反応が読みにくくなります。オフィスの雰囲気がわからない就職・転職活動を終了させるときに、一つの大きな決め手として「オフィスの雰囲気」があります。一般的な採用活動では説明会や面接の際に企業を訪問する回数を重なることによって、応募先の雰囲気が少しずつわかってきます。もう一方では、オンライン面接では、面接官と求職者が最初の段階から1対1になっているため、オフィス全体の雰囲気はつかみにくいものがあります。一部の企業では、このようなデメリットを改善するために採用サイトにオフィスの雰囲気がわかる動画などを掲載することで、応募者がオフィスの雰囲気を理解できるように工夫をしています。ネットワークトラブルオンライン面接の場合、インターネットのネットワーク環境が悪いと、なかなかうまく接続されず、質問が聞きにくかったり、答えてもうまく伝わらないリスクがあります。また、最悪の場合はそもそも接続ができず、そのまま面接時間が終わってしまうケースもあります。そのため、オンライン面接の場合は必ず事前にネットワーク環境を確認するようにしましょう。もし万が一、オンライン面接中に突然回線が切れたり、相手の声がよく聞こえなかったり、映像がフリーズしたり等の予期せぬ出来事が生じた場合は、慌てずに企業の採用担当窓口に直接電話を掛け状況を説明するようにしましょう。また、会社によっては事前にインストールが必要なソフトウェアを使用している場合もありますので、その場合は事前にインストールをするようにしましょう。完全オンライン採用を導入した企業日本の代表的な企業のオンライン面接やAIの活用状況を数社ご紹介していきたいと思います。トヨタ：新卒採用でオンライン面接導入、会わずに内定も！ソフトバンク：面接にAI導入することによって、面接への所要時間を75％削減三菱商事：面接の80％は自宅から参加、最終面接のみ対面式三井住友海上火災保険：全てオンライン面接で内定まで日本を代表する大手企業ですら、面接をオンラインで実施し、そのまま内定まで出す動きが活発になってきています。就職活動や転職活動をする方は、これまで以上に興味を持った企業の選考に参加がしやすくなるでしょう。まとめ今回、ご紹介させていただいた、日本のオンライン面接の状況についての記事はいかがでしたでしょうか。採用活動のオンライン化という点で、先進国とはまだ差が大きい日本ではありますが、コロナウィルスの影響をきっかけに普及のスピードが増していっています。日本国内に住んでおらず、海外に住んでいる場合においても、これまで以上に日本で仕事を探す方法は簡単になると思います。日本で就職・転職を希望するITエンジニアの方々、仕事をお探しの場合は、外国人ITエンジニアの転職エージェントGTalent （ジータレント）にご登録ください。プロのコンサルタントが無料で転職・就職活動をサポートいたします。

When a foreigner starts working in Japan, it is important the company they will work for. Then it comes another important point, that is the place where they will live. It is common to rent an apartment in places where you can easily go to work, but there are other options as well, and some companies can reduce the burden of housing costs with their peculiar welfare system.This time, we will explain what you should know about welfare-related housing allowance at Japanese companies if you live in Japan.Japan’s Housing Subsidy System that Reduces the Burden of Housing CostsHousing costs are a major part of living expenses. Foreigners living in Japan for the first time do not know the rent market, so various concerns will arise. For reference, we will introduce the rent market price in Tokyo.Rental market price in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, ChibaAccording to the “2018 Survey of Housing and Land Statistics, Basic Tabulation on Houses and Households” (Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, September 30, 1980), “Rents / rents per month” for three prefectures in Tokyo are It is like.・ Tokyo: 81,001 yen・ Kanagawa Prefecture: 68,100 yen・ Saitama Prefecture: 59,358 yen・ Chiba: 57,421 yenThe Tokyo metropolitan area is out of the 80,000-yen range, the next highest is Kanagawa prefecture with about 68,000 yen, and the Saitama and Chiba prefectures are in a 50,000 yen range. Many companies are concentrated in Tokyo, so those who want to live close to work should be prepared for those rent expenses. Of course, there are many Japanese who live in Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba and go to work in Tokyo. For foreigners who want to reduce their rent, or who want to prioritize the size and layout of their homes, one option is to find a home in one of the three neighboring prefectures.Work with peace of mind at a company with a housing allowance!Many Japanese companies have a housing subsidy program as part of their welfare. For example, “Company A with a monthly income of 300,000 yen and no housing subsidy” or “Company B with monthly income of 270,000 yen and half of rent as housing subsidy”, which is the most attractive company? From a medium- to long-term perspective, you may be able to judge that “it is better to choose Company B”. So, when choosing a company in Japan, be sure to judge not only the salary but also the availability and content of the housing allowance system.What Kind of Housing Allowance Systems Exist?In general, Japanese companies provide a certain amount of monthly payment to employees who meet the conditions stipulated by the company, but there are several other patterns. Let’s explain about the general housing assistance system.01: Rent subsidy (Housing allowance)The most common housing assistance system is rent subsidy (housing allowance). Rent subsidy is a welfare program in which the company pays a portion of the employee’s housing expenses as an allowance. It is provided for the purpose of subsidizing rent for employees living in rental housing and subsidizing mortgages for employees living in their own homes. Even if there is a rent subsidy system, the terms and conditions of payment vary depending on the company.02: Rented company houseBorrowed company housing is a system in which employees live in houses rented by the company. It is common for a company to rent a property and collect a portion of the rent from the resident employee. The benefit is that the company pays a fixed percentage of the rent, so it can be cheaper to live in there than renting it yourself. In the past, it was common for companies to lease entire buildings and lend each house to employees, but recently employees often search for properties within the conditions and rent them under the company name.In addition, in the case of the rent subsidy described above, since it is paid on top of the monthly salary, the tax burden and insurance premium burden on employees will increase accordingly. On the other hand, rented company housing means that employees pay a fixed rent to the company, so there is no increase in tax burden or insurance burden.03: Dormitory for employeesAn employee dormitory is a building owned by the company for the residence of employees. Some dormitories are furnished and provide a telephone line, and some are equipped with meals (meals are offered cheaply). When you move in, you pay a fixed amount of rent, but you can use it for a much lower price than renting a nearby property yourself.However, employee dormitories have been declining in recent years due to the increasing number of employees who do not use dormitories even if they have dormitories, and the fact that many buildings were built during the period of high economic growth and are aging. As a result, finding a company with a dormitory could be difficult.Examples of Japanese Companies Housing SubsidiesThe housing subsidy system is a non-statutory welfare that is provided by the company, so some companies do not have this system. According to the “Comprehensive Survey on Working Conditions in 2015” (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare), 45.8% of all companies provide some housing allowance. By industry, IT and other information and communications businesses accounted for 56.0%, indicating that more than half of companies provided housing allowances.Of course, even if you have a housing subsidy system, the details will vary from company to company. For reference, examples of the conditions and amount of payment of the housing assistance system are explained below.Payment conditions for rent subsidies (Housing allowance)There are many cases where “distance” from the company is the condition for rent subsidy, such as ” ¥¥ monthly for employees living within ◯ km from the company.” The distance from the company varies depending on the company, such as 1.5 km, 2 km, 3 km, and 5 km. Some companies use the “number of stations” as a condition, such as “within ◯ stations from the nearest station to the company” instead of the distance.In addition, some companies provide rent subsidy after 3 years of joining the company, as a condition of rent subsidy regardless of where they live.Payment of rent subsidy (Housing allowance)According to the “2015 Survey on Working Conditions” (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare), data indicate that the average amount of housing allowance per person is 17,000 yen. By industry, the information and communications industry, including IT, was ¥ 25,312, much higher than the average.The actual amount of payment is set widely by the company, such as 15,000-yen, 30,000 yen, and 50,000 yen. In addition, there are companies that define it as “50% of rent”. However, in this case, there is often a limit.Due to the shortage of human resources in the IT industry in recent years, more companies are introducing new rent subsidy systems or increasing the amount of rent subsidies to acquire excellent human resources.Size and layout of rented company house and employee dormitoriesThe size and layout of rented company house and employee dormitories may vary from company to company. It usually depends entirely on whether the resident is single or married.The company dormitories and employee dormitories where single employees are occupied generally are one-room size, 1K, or 1DK floor plans, with rooms ranging from 6 to 8 tatami mats (10 to 14 square meters). For rented company housing and employee dormitories where married employees are occupied by 3 to 4 family members, it is common to arrange a layout of about 2DK to 3LDK. The average goes from 19.4㎡ to 23.4㎡.ConclusionForeigners working in Japan for the first time want to keep their expenses as low as possible until work is on track and life is stable. In this regard, companies that have systems such as rent subsidies (housing allowances), rented company housing and employee dormitories can help reduce the rent burden. When researching Japanese companies, be sure to check if there is a housing subsidy in the benefits.If you have a rent subsidy (housing allowance), be sure to check the payment conditions. For example, if “3 years of service” is a condition, you will not be able to receive assistance for the time being. In some cases, it is not eligible for payment. Be sure to check with your HR representative if you have any questions.

GTalent, which supports the employment and job changes of foreigners living in Japan, has summarized the common questions and anxiety in the Q & A format when foreigners are going to work or change jobs in Japan. If you are considering to find a job in Japan, please feel free to refer to it!FAQ for Job Hunting in Japan! 14 Questions and AnxietiesQ1. How many foreigners work in Japan?A. 1,658,804 foreign workers are working in Japan as of the end of October 2019（“The employment status about foreigner in Japan” by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare）.It has increased by about 200,000 foreign workers compared to the previous year. In Japan, there is a shortage of labor force due to issues such as population decline and aging society, so various industries are actively accepting foreign labor force.Since there are about 60 million employees in Japan (As of March 2020, “Labor Survey” by Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications), about 2.7 out of every 100 are foreign workers.Q2. What do I need to work in Japan?A. To work in Japan, you need a workable visa. Working hours will vary depending on the type of visa, so it is recommended to check the visa type in advance on the website of TOKYO EMPLOYMENT SERVICE CENTER FOR FOREIGNERS.If you are a foreigner working as a regular employee in Japan, a representative working visa is a status of residence for “ENGINEER / SPECIALIST IN HUMANITIES / INTERNATIONAL SERVICES “.You can work in Japan without obtaining a working visa, if you need some residence visas like “Permanent Resident”, “Japanese spouse”, “Permanent spouse” or “Long term residence” so on.Q3. In which fields do foreigners most work in Japan?A. As of the end of October 2019, the percentage of manufacturing industry was the highest at 29.1%. Next are the service industry at 16.1% and retail / wholesale industry at12.8%（“The employment status about foreigner in Japan” by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare）.In recent years, as the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has increased, the number of foreigners working for sales and tourism is increasing. also, there is a shortage of IT engineers in Japan, and the number of foreigners working as IT engineers has been increasing significantly recently.Q4. From what countries are the employees working in japan?A: As of the end of October 2019, the countries of origin of foreign workers are China 418,000 (25.2%), Vietnam 401,000 (24.2%) and Philippines 179,000 (10.8%). In recent years, the number of people from Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam has been increasing especially（“The employment status about foreigner in Japan” by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare）.Q5. In which city of Japan are foreigners working?A: As of the end of October 2019, the percentage of cities in Japan where foreigners are working is 26.6% in Tokyo, 8.0% in Aichi, and 7.3% in Osaka（“The employment status about foreigner in Japan” by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare）.After all, there are a lot of foreigners working in the capital, Tokyo.Q6. Are there some difference between Japanese and foreigner when working in Japan?A. First of all, Japanese law prohibits to discriminate working benefits based on nationality.If you have the same occupation and position as a Japanese worker, your salary is basically the same as a Japanese worker. And also, when applying for a working visa, it is necessary that the salary is equivalent with Japanese in the same positions except for some cases.Q7. How much Japanese language skills do I need to work in Japan?A. The Japanese language skills required vary depending on the job type, but generally, business level Japanese ability (JLPT N2 or higher) is required. However, there are foreigners who are employed as English teachers or engineers of some IT companies even if they cannot speak Japanese.Q8. When working at a Japanese company, is it difficult to take a major position unless you are Japanese, as the word “glass ceiling” means?A. Japanese companies that have a long history and old ideas tend to have such ideas. However, there are many cases in which foreigners are playing a major position in companies that are expanding globally in emerging IT companies.Removing the “glass ceiling” has become a challenge for all Japanese companies promoting global and diversity. In addition, since the number of foreign workers has increased in the past few years, it is expected that foreigners will play an important role in many companies in the future.Q9. What is the flow of hiring for Japanese companies?A: The flow of hiring Japanese companies is not much different from other countries. In general, documents screening → interview (2 to 3 times) → offer. In some cases, some companies carry out pre-employment aptitude tests.Q10. Can I find a job in Japan while I am overseas?A: It is possible to have a job interview with a Japanese company while living overseas. Especially nowdays, the number of Japanese companies that complete the selection online is increasing. However, many Japanese companies place importance on not only skills and experience but also “personality”, so there are cases where the first interview is conducted by video call, but in the end, the applicant go to Japan and have a finally job interview. It is a common case. Therefore, if you are looking for a job in Japan, it would be easier to find it if you come to Japan.Q11. Is a Japanese resume absolutely necessary when applying for a Japanese company?A: It depends on the company you applied for. For jobs offers that do not require Japanese ability, Japanese resumes are often unnecessary when applying. However, in most cases, Japanese resumes are required when applying for jobs that require Japanese ability.Q12. I often see “regular employees”(Sei Shain) and “contract employees”(Keiyaku Shain) when Japanese companies are hiring. What is the difference?A: The main difference is the employment period. Full-time employees (Sei-Shain) have a fixed-term employment style with no fixed working period, and contract employees (Keiyaku-Shain) have a fixed-term employment style with a fixed working period. If you are hired as a full-time employee, you don’t have to worry about being dismissed unless there are major problems with the company’s situation or working style.Q13.What kind of methods are available for finding a job after coming to Japan?A: If you are a foreigner looking for a job in Japan, the job advertisement site is most often used. For IT engineers and professionals with management skills, they often use recruitment agencies. If you are looking for a job in Japan, please refer to the following articles for reference. Although it is for IT engineers, it will be useful for other occupations as well.How to Search Jobs for Software Engineers in Japan!Q14. What happens to the work visa procedure if I come to Japan on a working holiday and work as a full-time employee?A: To switch from a working holiday to a workable visa, you will need to apply for a new status of residence. Therefore, it is highly possible that you will temporarily return to your home country for the procedure. (The information is at the end of May 2020).ConclusionFor those who are thinking of finding a job or changing jobs in Japan for the first time, please use the “FAQ” described above. If you are an IT engineer looking for a job in Japan, please register with GTalent, a recruitment agency specializing in foreign IT engineers. A professional consultant will support you in changing jobs for free.

日本特有の福利厚生とも言われている「健康診断」。外国人ITエンジニアからすると、どんな検査を行うか不安になるはずです。そこで、健康診断の内容を詳しく解説し、日本の素晴らしい福利厚生（健康診断）をご紹介していきます。すべての外国人労働者に関わる日本の健康診断事情年々、深刻な人手不足が進行している日本。外国人労働者の受け入れを積極的に行う企業も増えています。外国人労働者を採用する際には、継続的な就労が可能であることを証明するために、健康診断の実施と健康診断書の提出が必要とされています。これは、日本の安全衛生法が適用されるためであり、企業側が労働者の健康を確保するという責任のもと実施しています。そのため、外国人労働者の方たちは母国と日本の文化や法律の違いを把握し、健康診断に対する知識を高める必要があります。会社が健康診断を行う目的と義務日本企業では当たり前のように実施されている健康診断。日本人でも外国人でも関係なくすべての従業員が診断を受ける必要がある目的や義務についてご説明します。健康診断を行う目的企業が従業員に対して健康診断を行う目的は、生活習慣病などの病気を早期に発見して治療することや、病気を未然に予防するため。また、健康診断を定期的に実施することにより、日常生活の中で自覚していない症状や、今後発症するリスクのある病気を発見できる可能性があります。企業が健全な経営を行うためにも、従業員の健康維持は最重要テーマのひとつといえるでしょう。健康診断を行う義務労働安全衛生法により、企業は健康診断を実施する義務があります。人材を雇用して利益を上げているため、従業員の健康や身体の安全を管理する「使用者責任」のもと、労働環境に配慮しなければなりません。近年、働き方改革により過度な残業などは減少していますが、健康を損なうような過酷な業務や長時間労働をさせた結果、従業員が病気や事故に陥ってしまうと、企業側は安全配慮義務を怠ったとして責任を負うことになる。つまり、従業員の健康を守ることが、企業を守ることに繋がるのです。会社が実施する健康診断の内容労働安全衛生法第66条に基づき、事業者（企業）は従業員に対して定められた健康診断を実施する義務がありますが、具体的にどのような診断内容があるのでしょうか。ここからは、健康診断の種類や費用などについて解説していきます。健康診断の種類健康診断には大きく分けて「一般健康診断」と「特殊健康診断」があります。・一般健康診断常時使用する労働者を対象にした、すべての企業と職種に実施が義務付けられている健康診断。雇入れ時健康診断や毎年1回行う定期健康診断をはじめ、6カ月以上の海外派遣労働者が対象となる健康診断、給食従業員の検便などがあります。・特殊健康診断労働安全衛生法で定められている有害業務に従事する労働者を対象にした健康診断。対象となるのは、「高気圧業務」「放射線業務」「特定化学物質業務」「石綿業務」「鉛業務」「四アルキル鉛業務」「有機溶剤業務」の7つの業務になります。健康診断の費用負担は誰？厚生労働省の通達によれば、健康診断の費用は法律で事業者に実施の義務を課している以上、事業者が負担すべきものであるとされています。そのため、日本企業では会社負担で健康診断を受診することが一般的であり、健康診断を受けるためにかかった交通費も含まれます。そのため、診断に関わる従業員の費用負担はありません。健康診断の時間の目安病院までの移動時間や待ち時間、検査時間をすべて含めた場合、企業・病院ごとによって健康診断の所要時間は異なります。それらを踏まえた上で、平均的な目安としては最大で半日、診断がスムーズにいけば1時間程度。ただし、病院の混雑状況や女性の場合や検査項目の数によって、診断時間が長引くケースがあるので、余裕を持ったスケジュールを組むようにしましょう。「雇入れ時健康診断」の詳細雇入れ時健康診断とは、企業に入社する際に実施される健康診断のこと。労働安全衛生規則第43条の「事業者は、常時使用する労働者を雇い入れるときは、当該労働者に対し、医師による健康診断を行わなければならない。」という内容に基づき、企業側の義務として定められています。外国人の技能実習生の場合は、配属される前後3ヶ月以内に健康診断の実施が必要であり、母国で健康診断を行っていたとしても日本国内の医療機関で実施しなければなりません。本来は企業への配属後に健康診断が実施されますが、配属前であっても研修センターなどで健康診断を実施することが可能です。「定期健康診断」の詳細定期健康診断とは、企業側が1年以内に1回の頻度で定期的に実施する健康診断のこと。対象となるのは、正社員をはじめアルバイトやパートなどを含む1年以上継続勤務している方、または継続勤務が見込まれる方となります。さらに、1週間の所定労働時間が正社員の4分の3以上の方も対象となります。外国人の技能実習生の場合は、雇入れ時健康診断が実施されてから1年以内に再度健康診断の実施が必要とされているので注意が必要。定期健康診断は、労働者側にも受診する義務があるため、受診を拒否すると就業規則などの定めにより懲戒処分の対象になります。最低限実施が必要な検査11項目「雇入れ時健康診断」と「定期健康診断」は、共に最低限実施しなければならない検査項目があります。その労働安全衛生規則（43条）で定められた11項目は次の通りです。・既往歴及び業務歴の調査・自覚症状及び他覚症状の有無の検査・身長、体重、腹囲、視力、聴力の検査・胸部エックス線検査・血圧測定・貧血検査（血色素量及び赤血球数）・肝機能検査（GOT、GPT、γ-GTP）・血中脂質検査（ＬＤＬコレステロール，ＨＤＬコレステロール、血清トリグリセライド）・血糖検査・尿検査（尿中の糖及び蛋白の有無の検査）・心電図検査転職しても健康的に働こう母国から離れ、ただでさえ異文化ストレスを感じやすい外国人労働者にとって、健康維持はとても重要です。これまで培ってきた知識やスキルをフルに発揮するためにも、日本企業が必ず実施する健康診断をセルフメディケーションの一環と捉えて、転職後の健康的なワークスタイルを築いていきましょう。新入社員の健康管理も大切にする日本だから転職も安心働き方改革の推進により、今まで以上に従業員の労働環境が改善されつつある日本。その中で、法律により定められた健康診断の実施は、従業員の健康管理を重要視する企業を育むことにも繋がっています。また、先進国の中でも日本は医療技術が進んでおり、健康診断を受診することによって病気の早期発見や生活習慣に関する指導を受けられます。企業負担で実施される定期的な健康診断をしっかりと受診することは、病気で働けなくなるリスクを軽減すると共に「安心」を得ることができるのです。まとめ国籍問わず、従業員が健康であり続けるために企業側が実施する健康診断。海外では日本のような法律がなく、任意や自己負担で検診を行っている国もあるため、日本の保険制度は充実しているといえます。ダイバーシティにより、労働者を取り巻く環境が今後も大きく変化していく中で、ストレスによる病気や脳・心臓疾患などのリスクが増える可能性は大いにあります。日本企業での就職を考えている外国の方たちにおいても、定期的に企業が実施する日本の健康診断は、自身の健康状態を把握しながら本来の能力を発揮し続けるために役立つことでしょう。

In recent years, Japanese companies have come to see a lot of agile development including scrum development when developing web applications.Even in GTalent, which is a Japanese recruitment agency for foreign IT engineers, the requirements for people who have experience in Scrum development are increasing for job offers requested by our client’s companies.In this article, “How much agile development is prevalent in Japan? and “Which method is mainly used compared to overseas?”. We would like to explain the prevalence of Japanese agile development compared to overseas.If you are an IT engineer thinking about changing jobs and want to check the trends of Japanese company development methods or, if you want to know the usage situation of Scrum development in Japan, please use it as a reference.WEB Application Development MethodsFirst, We would like to explain the development methods that are used mainly in Japanese system development sites.Waterfall Model DevelopmentWaterfall development is one of the oldest development methods used by engineers. It is a method to proceed to the next process while checking all the functions added to the application step by step according to the following flow.Requirements ⇒　Design　⇒　Implementation ⇒　Verification ⇒　MaintenanceIn this type, all of the processes are divided when making one system, so the biggest feature is that you cannot go back if you need to make corrections. Due to this feature, it is often used when quality is required from the beginning rather than speed.For example, it is used for products whose specifications are completely determined by large-scale system development such as business systems and large-scale services, and which are unlikely to be changed in the middle, or projects which delivery date or fixed budgets.Agile Model DevelopmentUnlike the waterfall type, agile type development is a flexible development method. The objective of this method is to release the product as quickly as possible and then proceed to improve it.Reference image: Medium.com / Agile&Waterfall Model DevelopmentWith the agile model, once the specifications have been decided to a certain extent, the greatest feature is to complete the product by repeating the above process several times in anticipation of subsequent requirement changes and modifications and according to the needs of the business.Scrum type developmentScrum type development is the most famous development method among agile development, and for Japanese companies scrum development = agile development.Scrum development is one framework for agile development that has been proposed to eliminate “waste” in application development.Elements of Scrum-Model DevelopmentThe basic flow of scrum-model development is briefly summarized below.Prioritize products and proceed with development in that orderThe process is done by separating development within a fixed period (1 to 4 weeks, this period is called “Sprint”)The task is managed by the development members daily, and reviews are made to stakeholders in sprint units.Repeat steps above 1 to 3, and make confirmations and corrections to the stakes holder each time.Deliver the productAs mentioned earlier, this is a development method used to reduce the “waste” of the process of application development, so it is difficult to read the end period of the product.Status of Development Methods in Japan and OverseasMany people could think that the same method is used in IT-related system development all over the world. There are some cases where the development methods used in Japan are different overseas, and of course, they’re cases the overseas methods are slow than Japan.From now on, We would like to talk about what is a mainstream in application development methods in Japan and overseas.Japanese Development MethodsAccording to a survey conducted by Gartner Japan, 43% of Japanese companies use a waterfall type development method for application development.One of the reasons for this is that Japanese companies focus not only on the results but also on the process, another one is they think that the waterfall type is easier to grasp the period and budget than the agile type. However, to secure a large number of engineers to carry out the work, in Japan, where IT engineers are currently in short supply, big companies are reconsidering the waterfall type development method.Translation from Japanese to English at above graph.ウォーターフォール型開発手法 → Waterfall Developmentアジャイル型開発手法 → Agile Development反復型開発手法 → Iterative and Incremental DevelopmentIT部門関与しないビジネス主導の開発 → Business-led development without IT involvementReference ：Gatner Japan / Application Development SurveyOverseas Development ethodsAccording to Lvivity, which develops custom software for business, the mainstream overseas, unlike Japan, is agile development, which can flexibly satisfy the demands of the business side.The most popular agile framework is Scrum development, which teams up with customers and the business side of the company to get regular feedback. In the US and other countries, there are many cases where in-house development is performed, so it seems that the method that allows easy software changes is selected.Reference：Lvivity / Software Development MethodologiesConclusionThese days the main development methods are different between Japan and overseas, but the number of companies using agile type in Japan is increasing year by year. Given that tendency, it seems important to have experience with Scrum-type development methods to build a career as an engineer.If you are an application engineer or a foreigner who is looking for IT-related jobs in Japan, please register with G Talent, a recruitment agency specializing in foreign IT engineers. A professional consultant will support you in changing jobs for free.

外国人が日本で就業するにあたっては、「どこの会社で働くか？」も重要ですが、「どこに住むのか？」ということも重要なポイントになってきます。会社に通いやすい場所にマンション・アパートを借りるのが一般的ですが、それ以外の選択肢もあり、会社によっては独自の福利厚生制度によって住宅費の負担を軽減できる場合もあります。今回は、日本に住むなら知っておきたい「住まいに関する会社の福利厚生」について解説していきましょう。住宅費の負担を軽減する日本の住宅補助制度住宅費は生活費の多くを占める出費です。初めて日本に暮らす外国人の方は家賃相場なども分からないので、様々な不安が生じることと思います。参考までに一都三県の家賃相場をご紹介しましょう。東京・神奈川・埼玉・千葉の家賃相場「平成30年住宅・土地統計調査 住宅及び世帯に関する基本集計」（令和元年９月30日 総務省統計局）によると、一都三県の「1ヶ月あたりの家賃・間代」は以下のようになっています。・東京都：81,001円・神奈川県：68,100円・埼玉県：59,358円・千葉県：57,421円東京都が8万円台と頭一つ抜けており、次に高いのが神奈川県で約68,000円、埼玉県、千葉県が5万円台後半というデータが出ています。多くの企業が東京都に集中しているので、「職住近接」を望む方はある程度の家賃出費は覚悟しておいたほうがいいでしょう。もちろん、神奈川・埼玉・千葉に住んで東京の会社に通う日本人も少なくありません。家賃を抑えたい外国人や、住まいの広さや間取りを優先したい外国人は、隣接3県で住まいを探すのも一つの手です。住宅補助制度がある会社が安心！日本の会社は、福利厚生の一環として「住宅補助制度」を設けているところが多くあります。たとえば、「月収30万円＆住宅補助なしのA社」と、「月収27万円＆住宅補助として家賃の半額が支給されるB社」では、どちらの会社が魅力的でしょうか？中長期的な目で見たら「B社を選んだほうがお得」と判断できるかもしれません。日本で会社選びをする際は、給与額だけでなく、住宅補助制度の有無やその内容も含めて判断するようにしましょう。具体的にどんな住宅補助制度があるの？日本の会社の住宅補助制度は、会社が定める条件を満たす社員に毎月一定額が支給される形が一般的ですが、この他にもいくつかのパターンがあります。一般的な住宅補助制度について解説していきましょう。01：家賃補助（住宅手当）もっとも一般的な住宅補助制度が、家賃補助（住宅手当）です。家賃補助とは、会社が社員の住宅費の一部を手当として支給する福利厚生のこと。賃貸住宅に住んでいる社員の家賃を補助したり、持ち家に住んでいる社員の住宅ローンを補助したりする目的で支給されます。家賃補助の制度がある場合でも、会社によって支給条件や支給金額は異なります。02：借り上げ社宅借り上げ社宅とは、会社が借りた住宅に社員が住む制度のこと。会社が賃貸物件を借り入れて、入居する社員から家賃の一部を徴収するのが一般的です。会社が一定の割合で家賃を負担するため、社員自身が賃貸する場合より安く住めるのがメリットだと言えます。従来は、会社が一棟丸ごと賃貸して各戸を社員に貸し出すのが一般的でしたが、最近は社員自身が条件の範囲内で物件を探して、会社名義で借りるケースも多くなっています。なお、上述した家賃補助の場合は、毎月の給料に上乗せされて支給されるため、そのぶん社員の税負担や保険料負担が増えることになります。一方で、借り上げ社宅は社員が会社に一定の家賃を支払う形になるため、税負担や保険料負担が増えることはありません。03：社員寮社員寮とは、社員の居住用として会社が所有している建物のこと。家具・家電が備え付けられている社員寮や、食事が付いている（食事が安く提供されている）社員寮もあります。入居する場合は一定額の家賃を支払いますが、近隣の物件を自分で借りるより大幅に安い金額で利用できます。しかしながら、社員寮があっても利用しない社員が増えていることや、高度経済成長期に建てられた物件が多く老朽化が進んでいることなどから、近年は社員寮が減少傾向にあります。そのため、社員寮のある会社を見つけるのは難しいかもしれません。日本の会社の住宅補助事例住宅補助制度は、あくまで会社が独自に設けている法定外福利なので、当然ながら制度そのものがない会社もあります。「平成27年度就労条件総合調査」（厚生労働省）によると、何らかの住宅手当を支給している会社は全体の45.8％というデータが出ています。産業別ではIT関連など情報通信業が56.0％と、半分以上の会社が住宅手当を支給していることが分かります。もちろん、住宅補助制度を設けている場合でも、その内容などは会社によって異なります。参考までに、住宅補助制度の支給条件や支給額などの事例を掲載しておきます。家賃補助（住宅手当）の支給条件「会社から◯km圏内に住む社員には毎月◯円を支給する」というように、会社からの「距離」を家賃補助の支給条件としているケースは多くあります。会社からの距離は、1.5km、2km、3km、5kmなど会社によって様々です。また距離ではなく、「会社の最寄り駅から◯駅圏内」というように、「駅数」を条件にしている会社もあります。その他、住んでいる場所にかかわらず「入社3年以上」というように「勤続年数」を家賃補助の支給条件としている会社もあります。家賃補助（住宅手当）の支給額「平成27年度就労条件総合調査」（厚生労働省）によると、一人あたりの住宅手当の平均支給額は17,000円というデータが出ています。産業別ではIT関連など情報通信業が25,312円と、平均を大きく上回っています。実際の支給額は15,000円、30,000円、50,000円など、会社によって幅広く設定されています。また、「家賃の5割」というような定め方をしている会社もあります。ただし、このケースでは上限額が決められていることがほとんどです。近年のIT業界は人材不足が常態化していることもあり、優秀な人材を獲得するため、家賃補助の制度を新たに導入したり、家賃補助の支給額を増額したりする会社も増えているようです。借り上げ社宅や社員寮の広さ・間取り借り上げ社宅や社員寮の広さ・間取りは会社によって異なります。通常は、入居する社員が独身なのか既婚なのかによってまったく変わってきます。独身社員が入居する借り上げ社宅・社員寮は、ワンルームや1K、1DKの間取りで、居室の広さが6畳～8畳（10㎡～14㎡）の物件が一般的です。既婚社員が家族3～4人で入居する借り上げ社宅・社員寮は、2DK～3LDKくらいの間取りが一般的です。平均は19.4㎡である。平均は23.4㎡である。まとめ初めて日本で働く外国人の方は、仕事が軌道に乗って暮らしが安定するまでは、できるだけ出費を抑えたいものです。その意味で、家賃補助（住宅手当）や借り上げ社宅・社員寮などの制度がある会社なら、家賃負担を軽減することができます。日本の会社をリサーチする際は、福利厚生のなかに住宅補助制度があるかどうかをチェックするようにしましょう。もし、家賃補助（住宅手当）の制度がある場合は、支給条件の確認を忘れずに。たとえば、「勤続3年」が条件になっていると当面は補助を受けられませんし、「世帯主であること」が条件になっていると恋人・友人とルームシェアをしている人は支給対象にならないケースがあります。不明点があれば、必ず人事担当者に確認するようにしましょう。

GTalent, a job-hunting and job-changing agent for foreigners, hear from foreigners who come to Japan for work, such as “Can we still only use cash in Japan?” “Is there a place where cashless services can be used in Japan?”From foreigners coming to Japan, it’s very anxious that they don’t know what can be used as a payment method when they buy something.In this article, We would like to introduce how much cashless society is in Japan compared to overseas, and the recommended cashless payments that can be used in Japan.Status of cashless payments in Japan and overseasCashless payment situation in JapanAccording to data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the diffusion rate of cashless payments in Japan was less than 20% as of 2016, which is low compared to other developed countries.Reference：Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry/ Current status and significance of cashlessAlso, according to this Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry material, the reasons why cashless payment is not prevalent in Japan are as follows.Reassurance for the cashMany choices of paymentReassurance for the cashUnlike overseas, there is almost no distribution of counterfeit bills in Japan. Therefore, life is based on the assumption that the received banknotes are genuine.the distribution of counterfeit bills has become a major social issue overseas, and the expanse of cashless payments was essential to reduce the distribution of counterfeit bills. In Japan, the distribution of counterfeit bills is lower than overseas and it is said to be one of the reasons for the slow spread of cashless payments.Many choices of paymentThere are various methods of cashless payments that are mainly used in different countries. For example, in South Korea, credit card is the most commonly used cashless payment method. In China, QR code payments such as “Alipay” and “WeChat Pay” are the mainstream.In Japan, unlike China or other cashless top countries, many companies offer cashless payment methods, and there are various options such as PayPay, Merpay(Mercari), and LINE Pay even in only QR code payments. Nothing of mainstream service causes the slow penetration of cashless payment in Japan.Cashless payment situation at OverseasAs mentioned above, according to the Data of the Ministery of Economy, Trade and Industry , South Korea, the United Kingdom, and China (96.4%, 68.6%, 65.8%) have prevailed the cashless society much more than Japan(19.9%).Overseas, the government has led the promotion of cashless payments, reducing the opportunity of counterfeit bill circulation and the cost of issuing new bills.In Japan, it is difficult for the government to penetrate the people with political force, and because many elderly people have a strong resistance to cashless settlement, the introduction is not progressing well.Advantages and Disadvantages of Cashless Payment in JapanAdvantages of cashless payment in JapanFrom now on, We would like to introduce some of the advantages of using cashless payment in Japan.Reduce the waste of Counting CashAbundant Points and BenefitsAlthough there are similarities with other countries, each company has unique points and benefits, we can say it is a characteristic of Japan.Reduce the waste of counting cashIn Japan, not only bills but also small changes are used, so when cash is used for accounting, it is surprisingly time-consuming to count cash.。Within the case of cashless payments such as credit cards and contactless payments, you do not need to count the cash, so you would be able to omit this little action and perform smooth accounting.Abundant Points and BenefitsAmong companies that provide cashless payment services, points can be provided and campaign benefits can be used according to the amount spent.For example, there are benefits such as discounts on products and travel tickets, payment with possession points, etc.Especially in Japan, each store often has its point system. Its own “point card” is often issued. Therefore, in Japan, point cards often accumulate in the wallet when you notice it.This trend does not change even for cashless payments, each payment company has its points for cashless payments, and each of them has tie-ups with different retail stores, so there are many various points and discounts for consumers in Japan. These often confuse consumers.Disadvantages of Cashless Payment in JapanBelow, We would like to introduce the main disadvantages of cashless payment in Japan.Limited number of stores that we can use cashless paymentLack of seamless links with bank accountsSecurity concernsLimited number of stores that we can use cashless paymentIn recent years, the number of stores handling cashless payments has increased little by little, but according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the diffusion rate in Japan is still below 20%. In other words, there are limited places available.（ Data of the Ministery of Economy, Trade and Industry )Also, the cashless payment service in Japan is assumed to have a higher fee for member stores than other countries, and many stores can only accept cash. Even some major retailers have not yet introduced cashless payments.There are numerous types of cashless payments, so it is necessary to confirm whether you can make cashless payments and what kind of cashless payments you can use before entering the store.Lack of seamless links with bank accountsIn Japan, debit cards are less popular than in other countries, and in most cases, even with electronic payments using smartphones, which are necessary to bother charging from a bank account and linking with a credit card.Also, depending on the electronic payment application on the smartphone, the bank or credit card company that is linked may be different, so even if you set it up, you can rarely use the bank account you own.Therefore, when using the electronic payment service on smartphones, it takes time and effort to set up and link and many people give up during registration.Security concernsNot only cashless payment but also many useful services are emerging with the development of IT, but the most important thing is the “security” when using these services.By using cashless payment, your registration information may be obtained illegally, and “fictitious billing” or “leak of personal information” may occur.Even in Japan, in the cashless payment service started by Seven-Eleven, the largest convenience store, registration information was obtained illegally, and many people were billed that they could not remember.There are few counterfeit bills in Japan, but cashless payment services are behind other countries, and numerous companies have joined the cashless payment service and some companies are still worried about security.Cashless Payments that can generally be used in JapanIn the table below, We would like to introduce some cashless payment services that can be used in Japan.Credit CardsDebit CardsContactless ICQR code Payment                        The most cashless payment method used in Japan still been the credit card payment. Although debit cards have become more popular than before, they are still rarely used, and more recently, contactless ICs and QR payments are increasingly used.ConclusionJapan is still an inconvenient country when it comes to cashless payments, although in 2019, the government also started to promote cashless payments with a strong focus. Thanks to that, the spread of QR codes payments such as PayPay and LINE Pay is accelerating to prevail.For foreigners coming to Japan from now on, please refer to the cashless payment that can be used in Japan in advance through this article.

“Interested in Japanese culture”, “Want to work for a Japanese company to improve my career”, “I don’t have any problems with everyday conversational Japanese, but I’m not confident in business Japanese”, etc. There are various reasons why people want to study Japanese.In this article, We would like to introduce the advantages and disadvantages of the online Japanese learning service that has recently increased, and some recommended online Japanese services.Advantages and Disadvantages of the Online Japanese Learning ServiceWith the increasing number of foreigners and international students working in Japan in recent years, the number of companies offering online learning services is constantly increasing.First of all, I would like to introduce various advantages and disadvantages of learning online.AdvantagesBelow, We would like to explain the four main advantages of online learning services.Lessons fee are cheaperOne-on-one lessonsThe instructor can be selected by yourselfFlexible hoursLessons fee are cheaperSince there is no physical school, the cost of administration is low and students can be provided with learning services at a low tuition fee. Language schools in Japan have high lesson fees, so it is recommended for those who want to study at a low tuition fee.One-on-one lessonsIt is quite important to “talk” as a method to learn a new language.In the case of studying in a group, depending on the lesson time and the number of people in the group, the case where you can speak is greatly different from the one-on-one case.one-on-one lessons is an advantage with you can improve your level more efficiently in a shorter time than group lessons by monopolizing the instructor during the lesson and speaking a lot.The instructor can be selected by yourselfJapanese schools generally assign teachers based on their language level. Even though it is level-based, it doesn’t mean good chemistry with the teacher. This can be one of the reasons why you may not be able to attend a language school or your motivation to study may decrease.One-on-one learning can eliminate this “trouble”.In online language service, the teacher’s profile, personality, career, learning method, etc, are included in the teacher’s profile.Students can take lessons with instructors who are interested, and in the unlikely situation that they do not match, it is also attractive that the online service is able to choose another instructor for the next lesson.Flexible hoursThere are many other reasons why you can’t attend a language school, such as wanting to study Japanese but not having time to go to a language school or wanting to practice the Japanese you’ve learned because of your work.By studying Japanese online, you can book even during the hours from early morning to late at night. In other words, you can take Japanese lessons before going to school or even after work.DisadvantagesOn the other hand, We would like to explain the three main disadvantages of online learning services.Quality of the InstructorIt is not a Face-to-Face conversationDifficult to keep motivationQuality of the InstructorAmong companies that offer online learning services, we appeal to the low recruitment rate, but some instructors teach with a professional attitude, but unfortunately, many do not.Of course, the service provider should improve so that this kind of phenomenon does not occur, but because it is online, it is ok to book another instructor in case of such an instructor.It is not a Face-to-Face conversationIt is said that the concern about learning Japanese online is “different from a face-to-face conversation.” The atmosphere you can enjoy by having the other person in front of you is different from when you talk with the instructor who is watching the screen.We think it’s ideal to absorb a lot of information through online learning, where you can input information and practice how to express so that you can communicate things as you think during a face-to-face conversation.Difficult to keep motivationThere are positive aspects such as making reservations at any time you like, but this is one of the reasons why students are not motivated to continue. In a physical language school, the days and times generally are fixed, so it is possible for those who cannot actively learn by themselves, can continue forcibly. Because of the flexibility of online services, you need to be motivated and self-learning.Guidelines for choosing an online Japanese learning serviceContent enrichmentBe sure to check not only the teacher and the lesson method, but also what other content is providing.For example, in addition to learning Japanese, Zipan/Online Business Japanese Lessons, which is described below, also provides services such as interview preparation for businessmen, business communication, and checking Japanese emails and documents.Number of teachersTo study online, you have to reserve your own time and its teachers. Although it is time-consuming, there are many other cases where the teacher’s reservations are full and it is not possible to make reservations. Therefore, when choosing an online Japanese learning service, make sure that the number of teachers who can easily make a reservation is not too small.Recommended online Japanese learning serviceWe would like to introduce some recommended online Japanese learning services. Feel free to refer to it.Zipan  ONLINE BUSINESS JAPANESE LESSONS | ZipanONLINE BUSINESS JAPANESE LESSONS | Zipanhttps://www.zipan.jp/en/Zipan is an online business Japanese language service dedicated to helping business people from around the world SUCCEED IN JAPAN by teaching effective communication strategies and Japanese business culture.  This is an online Japanese learning service provided by Bizmates, the No.1 online English conversation company specialized in business English. All trainers have the characteristic of being business people, following the slogan of “high quality” Japanese learned online. An online Japanese conversation school that you can learn from polite Japanese spoken in the Japanese workplace to business etiquette, effective communication, Japanese business processes, and culture.Classes are prepared according to the Japanese level of each person, and it is a recommended service when learning Japanese that can be used for business.J-OS  new-hpLearn Japanese Online | Japan Online School | Top Page for Corporationhttps://www.jos-corp.com/top-enOnline Japanese School, Japan Online School, offers Japanese language programs such as trainings for non-Japanese and prospective employees and business Japanes  It is an online Japanese conversation school that offers online Japanese learning services for foreigners, but also services such as Japanese training for companies. It is also used by many Japanese companies for foreign employees, and some courses can also support Japanese qualification tests such as JLPT.Japaneasy  jpnsy.comLearn Japanese online | Japaneasy（ジャパニージー）https://jpnsy.com/index.htmlJapaneasy is an Online Japanese school for those people who don't have a Japanese school nearby, don't have a teacher to teach them Japanese, are not able to attend a Japanese class with high fees. Japaneasy offers a practical learning service where anyone can easily learn one on one with native Japanese teachers. Please feel free to take a free trial lesson!!  Online Japanese conversation school with contents for kids and adults. Besides, it will be a service that provides substantial Japanese language support for job hunting and business.ConclusionApart from the online Japanese language learning service introduced here, there are many other schools, including face-to-face Japanese schools. There are advantages and disadvantages to learning Japanese online, but the important thing is to make the most of these advantages.We sincerely hope that you will come up with a suitable Japanese conversation school, thinking again about the level of Japanese that you’re aiming for and how you want to influence the Japanese language in your career.Also, if you are looking for an opportunity to work in IT-related work because you want to use Japanese for business, please register with G Talent a recruitment agency specializing in IT engineers. A professional consultant will support you in changing jobs for free.