When the World Health Organization officially declared the coronavirus or COVID-19 as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, multiple countries immediately felt its impact. China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy were among the initial nations with the highest number of cases.Another country that was heavily affected by the worldwide health crisis early on was Japan. A month after COVID-19 was officially recognized as a pandemic, it already tallied close to 800 new infected cases.But amazingly, Japan managed to suppress the virus from spreading disastrously. Japan’s coronavirus peak happened on August 03, 2020, when they reached just two new cases shy of 2,000.That figure may seem worrisome when you consider that Japan is a first-world country, but it is relatively minuscule compared to their superpower counterparts. During the same period, the United States of America was fast approaching the 50,000 new active cases territory. India, another top nation, easily surpassed the 50k mark by that point.To further illustrate just how effective the Japanese government has been in managing the coronavirus ordeal, as of October 2020, the United Kingdom, which has a population of approximately 58 million people less than Japan, has 690,000 more total COVID-19 infections.The secret behind the country’s success in controlling the coronavirus is its excellent healthcare industry. Japan’s healthcare workforce, much like the rest of the world, consists of a collection of health and medical professionals, all working to improve the nation’s overall well-being and health service continuously.While these healthcare professionals undoubtedly deserve all of the praise and recognition they receive for their consistent brilliance, there are also other unsung heroes supporting the healthcare field who are worthy of acknowledgment. One of the most overlooked are IT engineers.In this article, we’ll cover the roles of IT engineers in Japan’s healthcare industry amid COVID-19.Japan’s Healthcare IndustryTo fully understand IT engineers’ and professionals’ roles in Japan’s healthcare system, we must first overview the industry itself.In terms of healthcare, Japan is considered to be among the world’s very best. For starters, healthcare is inexpensive, virtually free, and it covers everyone living within the country’s borders. This includes Japanese citizens and naturalized expats. Even foreigners can avail of free healthcare, granted that they stay for more than a year.Because their world-renowned healthcare system is affordable, the country has always maintained a high life expectancy. Japan is currently ranked 2nd in the entire world with an 85.03 years old average lifespan, only being surpassed by Hong Kong’s 85.29.Their high-quality healthcare industry also boasts over 8,300 medical facilities scattered across the island country to accommodate the 126 million population. Additionally, the government has prepared 13 hospital beds for every 1000 citizens, which is well above the global average.Although Japan is currently enjoying an excellent and organized medical system, its government administration and healthcare industry face a unique challenge, with ramifications soon to be felt.As of now, 28% of Japan are aged 65 and older. That figure is expected to skyrocket to 35% or over a third of the entire population by 2040. This means that the number of senior citizens who need medical attention will easily outnumber the healthcare workers supposed to take care of them.Japan is now trying to make up for the nation’s rapidly aging population and a potential insufficient number of healthcare workers by investing in state-of-the-art medical technology. But the types of machinery and equipment are not only expected to help in Japan’s aging dilemma; they are also meant to prevent, manage, and combat situations such as pandemics in the caliber of COVID-19.Roles of IT Engineers in HealthcareIT engineers’ mastery of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, software, programming, etc. has made them some of the most versatile and reliable medical technology experts. Their knowledge and experience in the field have helped Japan’s healthcare industry to be leaps and bounds ahead of other first-world nations.Amid COVID-19, IT engineers have showcased how medicine can be made more convenient and accessible through AI. Artificial intelligence has helped medical professionals and experts conduct virtual checkups, treat patients, do extensive research, and control the infection’s spread.IT engineers also have their hands full in areas such as data storage. Data storage is a major strand in the fight against the pandemic. Keeping, supplying, and retrieving critical information that includes medical and travel histories, symptom monitoring, and close contact tracing can ultimately help flatten the curve.The Japanese government and its health experts also rely on IT engineers for data collection and analysis. These types of information can help the government enact the proper laws necessary for facing the current health crisis and be of much help for possible future ones. Health experts also use the data to better comprehend the virus, which will guide the process of coming up with solutions.Outside of COVID-19 management, IT engineers will also be of service to other essential healthcare technologies like medical devices and materials, clinical laboratory testing, healthcare ICT, assistive technologies, and infrastructure.Qualifications of an AI Engineer in Japan’s Healthcare IndustryEven before the coronavirus crisis, artificial intelligence had been a driving force for Japan’s healthcare industry. In 2019, Tokyo Women’s Medical University–Waseda University Joint Institute for Advanced Biomedical Sciences had successfully performed a brain surgery that treated a patient’s essential tremor with a cutting-edge robot.Smart Cyber Operating Theater or SCOT, which was part AI, part robotics, led the groundbreaking surgery. The machine instructed the surgeons on which parts of the brain should be prioritized, what types of incisions should be executed, and even conducted surgical prognosis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the surgery was on-going.With AI gaining more traction in the healthcare field and advances being more prevalent, it is no wonder why more and more IT professionals have now taken their talents to be AI engineers in Japan’s healthcare industry. And many economic experts believe that this is the ideal career move for IT engineers, as the country’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry are in need of 120,000 AI specialists by 2030.AI engineers working in Japan will generally spearhead AI research and development in the healthcare industry. So, most medical employers will be seeking the best and most knowledgeable in C #, C ++, and Python. Moreover, they’ll also be looking for candidates who are proficient in the internet of things (IoT) and big data.Because of their artificial intelligence expertise, IT engineers have become some of the most sought-after professionals in Japan’s campaign against COVID-19.SummaryJapan’s healthcare industry is among the best in the world. Their world class healthcare amidst the COVID-19 crisis can be attributed to medical institutions fast-forwarding technological applications to their operations and diagnostics, with the help of IT engineers.IT engineers play a significant role in Japan’s medical initiatives and the overall success in the coronavirus age. The impact and value of their knowledge and expertise in medical technology could likely be one reason why this pandemic will be no more shortly.Sources:https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.htmlhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53981828https://github.com/CSSEGISandData/COVID-19https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/japan-population/#:~:text=Japan%202020%20population%20is%20estimated,of%20the%20total%20world%20populationhttps://ccchclinic.com/importance-benefits-primary-health-care/https://opentoexport.com/article/healthcare-and-medical-sector-in-japan/https://www.eu-gateway.eu/news/healthcare-medical-technologies-japan-trends-and-opportunities-0https://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/library/publication/report-developments-in-the-japanese-healthcare-industryhttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190625005862/en/The-11.9-Trillion-Global-Healthcare-Market-Key-Opportunities-Strategies-2014-2022—ResearchAndMarkets.comhttps://jintensivecare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40560-020-00452-5https://japantoday.com/category/features/health/how-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-medicine

The IT sector in Japan continues to expand, however, it is still predicted that in the year 2030, there will be a shortage of IT engineers with 420,000 to 790,000. Recently, the number of companies which recruit foreign IT engineers is increasing. In a competitive situation, they strive to hire talented engineers. But, how is it like to work as an IT engineer in Japan?We asked 100 Foreign IT Engineers about their experience, their main concerns, what makes them feel supported by their employers, and what kind of companies they want to work for.Main ConcernsYour first job as an IT engineer in Japan starts off exciting. Maybe working in Japan was your dream, but after a few weeks, the downsides of the job start getting to you. GTalent conducted a survey and realized that foreigners found negative aspects of working in Japan that made them consider changing jobs. The most reoccurring ones are shown in the chart below:Career Path is UnclearThis was the most common concern among IT engineers who are currently working in Japan. This makes them feel unsure about where they are going in life and it’s difficult to set meaningful work goals, also, it is easy to become demotivated and disinterested in the job. By changing jobs to a company that supports your career, you will be able to find motivation and be eager to add value to the company.Training and Education System is not SubstantialThe importance of adequate employee training can severely impact team morale. Strong development and career progression opportunities are considered among the most compelling and yet, seems to be a common concern for IT engineers in Japan who want to work with the latest technology.The lack of training of IT engineers might lead to poor job performance and increased levels of work-related stress.Can’t Get Rewards According to their Abilities and EvaluationA feature of the Japanese pay system is that many companies employ on a “seniority-based system,” whereby salaries are increased in nearly direct proportion to age and the years of service. While this evaluation system has been changing over the years in many Japanese companies, some IT engineers in Japan still face this problem, where their age sometimes plays an important role in salary increases.What Makes Them Be Satisfied with Their Workplace?Many companies in Japan want to leverage their foreign employees’ strengths and use their unique perspectives as an advantage. It’s good to keep in mind the positive aspects that motivate foreign employees.Use of Japanese Language in the WorkplaceMany foreigners with Japanese skills prefer to work in a full Japanese environment to improve their language skills. This seems to be an important factor to those who wish to fully immerse in Japanese culture.A Full Implemented System for Accepting ForeignersMany foreigners prefer to work in an inclusive company, in which Japanese and foreign staff can work in a comfortable environment. This also means that companies need better systems and programs to help foreign workers learn the Japanese language and integrate different cultures into the company smoothly.Support from their SurroundingsCreating relations that go beyond the working environment is fundamental for many IT engineers in Japan. Of course, communication can be hard, especially at the beginning, since you might not be able to speak Japanese, that’s why many foreigners appreciate the support from their colleagues and bosses.What is the Most Important Factor for Different Cultures?We separated our candidates into 4 main areas: Western World, South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia.Western WorldWestern Candidates stated that 3 factors were equally important. Comparing with other cultures western candidates emphasized the importance of Work-life Balance.South AsiaFor South Asian cultures, many candidates considered important the relationship with their colleagues and bosses. It seems that mutual support in the working environment is highly appreciated. oSoutheast AsiaSoutheast Asians made emphasis on wanting to work while using their Japanese language skills. The opportunity to get to blend with the locals and get to know more about Japanese culture through the language is an important reason for choosing a company.East AsiaEast Asian IT engineers are also looking for a Japanese working environment where they can make use of their Japanese language skills. While they also aim to work on a company that has implemented a system for hiring foreigners, they as well want to work with the best talent. Working with skilled engineers who are experts at their job improves business productivity, which leads to improving workplace relations, as they will be able to get on with the job and work harmoniously with their colleagues.What Do Japanese Companies Should Do in Order for Foreigners to Play an Active Role?IT engineers from different cultures agreed that Japanese companies should be more open to the international community and take the initiative to promote diversity in the workplace. In addition, they should adjust the work-styles to more flexible ones and improve the Work-life balance.As we mentioned above, many foreigners are looking forward to getting along with the locals and get to know more about Japanese culture, so a Japanese language education is a benefit that foreign workers would appreciate having.As for foreign IT engineers, technology is an important aspect to consider when changing jobs, so a company that uses the latest technology and takes new business and technology challenges seems to be more appealing and would attract skilled IT engineers.ConclusionOverall, the results of this survey have shown that many foreign IT engineers are looking for more inclusive workplaces. A company that promotes diversity and understands the difference between cultures with an open approach can contribute to creating a better workplace where the employees can thrive and improve productivity.If you are a foreign IT engineer and you are thinking about changing jobs in Japan, please register to G Talent. G Talent is a recruitment agency specialized in foreign IT engineers, we work with start-ups and large companies that are eager to hire skilled foreign IT talent.

外国人ITエンジニアの人材紹介サービスGTalentは、2020年8月24日〜9月11日にかけてGTalentに登録する外国人ITエンジニアに対して日本就業に対する意識・実態を測るアンケート調査を実施いたしました。日本企業が外国人ITエンジニアを採用・定着・活躍する上で、実際に日本企業で働く外国人ITエンジニアが何を考え、何に悩んでいるのか、アンケートを通してリアルな声をお届けすることで、日本企業と外国人ITエンジニアのより良いマッチングや成長に貢献したいと考え、今回のアンケート調査を実施いたしました。これからアンケートの概要や簡単なサマリーをご案内致します。より詳細なデータをお求めの企業様は資料ダウンロードフォームから今回のアンケート調査結果をダウンロード可能です。アンケート調査の概要調査名称外国人ITエンジニアの日本就業に対する意識・実態の調査調査方法インターネットによる調査（日本語＆英語両方で質問を表記）調査期間2020年8月24日〜9月11日調査対象者外国人ITエンジニアの転職支援サービスGTalentの登録者へ実施。108名の外国人ITエンジニアがアンケートへ回答。【サンプル構成】全体：108サンプル①日本国内在住者：102サンプル（①の内、現在日本で就業中：96サンプル）②海外在住者：6サンプル※サンプルの約90%は日本国内在住かつ現在日本就業中の外国人ITエンジニア実施主体ビズメイツ株式会社タレントソリューション事業部 コンサルティンググループ※外国人ITエンジニアの転職支援サービス『GTalent』を運営調査結果こちらの資料ダウンロードフォームより調査結果資料のダウンロードが可能です。アンケート調査のサマリー1.日本語ができても英語で仕事を探すITエンジニアが多い今回のアンケートにおいて6割以上が求人を探す時は英語を優先すると回答。また、日本語ビジネスレベル以上の人材においても４割以上が英語を優先と回答。2.仕事選びでは経験・スキルの発揮を重視、出身地域別に仕事選びの特徴が発生仕事選びにおいては経験・スキルの発揮、仕事の内容、給料を重視。また、東南アジアや南アジア出身者は新規事業・技術のキーワードに魅力を感じやすく、東アジア出身者は逆に低い等、仕事探しで魅力となるキーワードに地域別の特徴が発生。3.日本企業のキャリアパスの不明確さに不満現在日本で働いている回答者のうち、5割以上が現在の会社に対して“キャリアパスが不明確”であることが不満と感じている。4.ほとんどの外国人ITエンジニアが就職・転職した会社でずっと働きたいと考えている現在日本で働いている回答者のうち、5割以上が就職・転職した会社でできる限りずっと働きたいと考えており、9割近くが3年以上は働きたいと考えている。5.外国人の受け入れ体制が働く上で重要現在の会社に対して、外国人の受け入れ体制や上司・同僚のサポートなど外国人が支援してもらえる環境を満足にあげる回答が目立つ。6.日本企業で働くためには日本企業文化への適応が重要と感じている外国人が日本企業で活躍するために重要なものとして、日本語スキル、日本企業文化の理解、周囲との協調性など日本企業への適応力に関する回答が上位を独占。7.“外国人・異文化への理解”を最も日本企業がやるべきこととして感じている日本企業がやるべきこととして、50%以上が“外国人・異文化への理解”と回答。その次に、“ワークライフバランスの整備”や“外国人へのビジネス日本語教育”も高い回答率で続く。アンケート調査結果のダウンロード外国人ITエンジニアの日本就業に対する意識・実態アンケート調査の資料ダウンロードは以下より可能です。外国人ITエンジニアの日本就業に対する意識・実態アンケート調査結果（2020年10月）ダウンロードフォーム調査結果の詳細や外国人ITエンジニアの採用に関して、何かございましたらいつでもGTalentへお問い合わせください。

There has been a lot of business news about space lately.IHI has developed an engine for a small artificial satellite at a third of its original price; Amazon is planning to launch 3,000 satellites; SpaceX is planning to launch more than 10,000 satellites, and so on. Major companies and venture capitalists from the United States, China, and other countries around the world have entered the space business and are investing heavily in it, making it more exciting than ever.In this article, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the current state of the global space industry and its various fields for those who are new to the industry. The article is also available in Japanese: 宇宙ビジネス業界の現状をわかりやすく解説！.The Space Business FieldWhen you think of the space business, rockets are probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, the space business actually includes a wide range of fields other than rockets.What is space business?The business of launching and operating satellites and utilizing data for commercial purposes in space. The space business is a general term for businesses related to space, including companies that provide services such as satellite broadcasting, communications, and satellite data utilization for commercial purposes, as well as the space industry related to infrastructure, such as the manufacture of rockets and satellite equipment and facilities for the military, which is supported by government demand.Reference：Kotobank / What is the Space Business?In addition to rockets, the space business encompasses many other areas, including using satellite data to improve services on the ground. Also, the space business has been especially booming in recent years.Next, I’d like to explain why this industry is now so active.Why is the Space Business so popular right now?On May 30 (local time), the spacecraft “Crew Dragon” of the U.S. SpaceX was successfully launched and docked to the space station on May 31.You can watch the whole process from launch to docking on YouTube and other sites, but watching the touch screen installed in the Crew Dragon’s cabin and the two astronauts changing from their spacesuits to polo shirts and chinos along the way, it seemed like the threshold for space travel had been lowered.Reference: WEDGEInfinity / Why is the Space Business so popular right now?Compared to a few years ago, space has become more accessible, with private companies being able to successfully launch manned rockets into space.With the announcement by the U.S. company Amazon plans to launch 3,000 satellites for communications services and SpaceX plans to launch more than 10,000 satellites for communications as well, companies from other countries are expected to join the rush of launches by these two major companies.In addition to the growing demand for small satellites for sensing from space, the cost of launching small rockets, which have a shorter lifespan than conventional rockets, has decreased and the frequency of launches has increased, which is one of the major factors boosting the space business.However, various problems have arisen in this business.For example, how to collect Space Debris?(Garbage generated by used satellites and collisions between satellites)Businesses related to space debris are also receiving a great deal of attention, with a number of leading ventures recently emerging to solve this problem.In the next section, I would like to categorize the space business and explain each category in detail.Classification of the Space BusinessIn this explanation, we have divided the space business industry into three categories.Three categories of Space BusinessManufacturing & InfrastructureSpace UtilizationSpace ResearchI’d like to explain each of these with an industry map.Manufacturing & InfrastructureManufacturing FieldThis field manufactures rockets, satellites and ground stations. The field of manufacturing of small rockets and small satellites has been attracting a lot of investment recently.Infrastructure FieldSpace infrastructure, like terrestrial infrastructure, is the invisible backbone of services used by people around the world. Like terrestrial infrastructure, space infrastructure is an area that will become increasingly important in the future for convenience, services, and national security and defense. Space UtilizationThe utilization of space can be divided into two categories: the use of satellites and the use of space.Use of SatellitesThe use of satellites refers to the use of satellites to study location information and climate change. In other words, satellites at this time are used to improve services on earth.Use of SpaceAs the name implies, the use of space represents making things in an environment that does not exist on Earth. For example, it means storing energy in an environment that cannot exist on Earth, such as solar power, which is not affected by clouds or weather. Space ResearchThe goal of this field is to help humans enter space.There are two main types of space exploration: manned space exploration, in which humans board rockets and other vehicles to explore space, and unmanned space exploration, in which only a spacecraft goes into space without a human presence.Unlike manufacturing/infrastructure and space utilization, this is an area of space business where the goal is not to improve services on Earth, but to expand the scope of activities into space. ConclusionIn this article, we have introduced the concept of the space business and its constituent fields. In the next article, we would like to give you detailed information about each field and introduce you to some representative companies in each area.If you are a foreign engineer looking for a job in the Japanese space industry, please register with G Talent , the leading recruitment agency for foreign IT engineers. Our professional consultants will help you find a job in the Japanese Space Business for free.

Video streaming has become part of everyone’s daily activities ever since the start of Youtube. The development of mobile devices has made video content more accessible to people, whether on a long bus ride home or while waiting in a coffee shop. By 2021, an average person is expected to spend 100 minutes a day watching online videos.Nowadays, several streaming platforms are available in every country. With the recent pandemic, online streaming consumption worldwide increased while Netflix became the top streaming platform.In Japan, most people still prefer to watch movies and shows on TV. However, the younger generation has become heavy users of online streaming platforms for its convenience. Part of its appeal is the convenient access to these streaming sites and other forms of entertainment in one device. But this type of service wouldn’t be possible without the work of IT engineers.IT Engineers in Video Streaming App DevelopmentThe influx of viewers on these video streaming platforms causes servers to shut down. It’s an IT engineer’s task to fix this and other similar issues to keep viewers entertained while staying at home during the pandemic. Their job also includes the maintenance and development of more features that would best fit any device used for this service.Building a Video Streaming PlatformsIT engineers have to be versatile in this field of work. Not only do they handle several data, but they also are working on different specializations of IT work. If you are looking forward to working in Japan’s video streaming market, you have to know the necessary tools and information to develop online video streaming platforms.Machine Learning AlgorithmsAlgorithms are necessary for any streaming services. It helps recommend to users a selection of movies they might want to watch based on their viewing history or analyze a user’s rating to improve the platform. Therefore, IT engineers must be equipped with knowledge in machine learning algorithms to provide the best user experience.Cloud hostingIT engineers working on a video streaming service handle several types of data and video content. Keeping the servers running is an integral part of the work. Instead of using a single server, companies prefer cloud hosting platforms to balance the load. If one server fails, another server kicks in and keeps your video streaming service running.Moreover, cloud hosting platforms allow quick access to video content, and it’s easy to increase their space. They are also a cheaper option compared to purchasing hard drives. Therefore, IT engineers must be familiar with several cloud hosting platforms to provide clients the best options for their video streaming service.Computing ArchitectureDeveloping a video streaming platform requires a complex architecture. A cloud architect is responsible for designing the features necessary in an online video streaming platform, such as the search engine, recommendation system, caching architecture, and A\B testing, with cloud computing.Network ConnectionDepending on the project’s scale, video streaming services must be integrated into a content delivery network (CDN) to handle significant traffic. CDNs serve a large portion of the internet today, including graphics, scripts, downloadable media files, software, live streaming media, and on-demand streaming media. An IT engineer must know the content delivery techniques needed to be applied in the service.SecurityCustomers have to input sensitive information like credit details in a subscription-based video streaming platform. IT engineers must have vast knowledge in cybersecurity to prevent these important data from being accessed by anyone.Also, the security of the video streaming service includes the monitoring of server failure. IT engineers will have to develop safety precautions in accessing accounts on different devices. They also deal with domain restrictions and watermarking for extra live stream security.Other SkillsIT engineers must be equipped with the necessary programming languages, primarily PHP, Ruby, and JavaScript. They should have experience in web or mobile application development, basic TCP/IP knowledge, and be capable of handling network and server designing. Experience in live streaming protocols such as RTSP, RTMP, WebRTC, HLS will give you an edge in the industry.Development ProcessIT teams work together for more than 300 hours, depending on how big the video streaming service is. They have to work on several functions and designs to provide customers the best user experience. Here’s a breakdown of the tasks of each stage in the development process. User RegistrationIt takes about 32 hours to work on the registration feature in a video streaming platform. The task includes testing of the email confirmation and addition of login options. User ProfileThis part of the process takes a shorter time. In 16 hours, engineers brainstorm and apply the account’s functions and personalization, such as editing names, uploading photos, and showing a user’s preferred genre, actors, and movies. Subscription and Payment GatewayIn this part of the development process, the team and the client will choose the best monetization model, whether as pay-per-view, advertising, or subscription, and preferred payment method for the video service. The application of the subscription and payment gateway features takes 80 hours to accomplish. Notifications, Content Search, and Reviews and RatingsPush notifications remind users of the new movie or series available and advise them of subscription notices and options. Moreover, the search bar needs to provide several options, such as genre, ratings, and more, to provide the best video content selection. The application of these features will take 88 hours of the team’s time. DesignThis part of the process is the most demanding of all. IT engineers must produce the best layout to provide a seamless user interface to all types of devices. The whole process could take 100 hours or more since it involves several confirmations from the team and the client.ConclusionThe market size of Japan’s paid streaming services reached 277 billion yen in 2019. With the recent pandemic, video consumption is set to increase as people spend more hours on their mobile devices and computers. The doubling of the market size from 2015 to 2019 shows that Japanese consumers are embracing this new form of entertainment.As more subscribe to video streaming platforms, the need for better content and features in these services arise. Therefore, it is expected that the need for IT engineers will increase in the industry, opening several opportunities for foreign IT engineers to fill.Sources:https://theappsolutions.com/blog/how-to/app-like-netflix/https://www.hostinger.ph/tutorials/what-is-cloud-hostinghttps://www.computersciencedegreehub.com/faq/what-is-computer-architecture/https://interestingengineering.com/how-exactly-does-netflix-recommend-movies-to-youhttps://www.smartinsights.com/digital-marketing-platforms/video-marketing/video-marketing-statistics-to-know/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2020/04/11/digital/streaming-isolation-apps/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1097284/japan-svod-market-share-by-service/https://en-gage.net/itochu-cable_saiyo/work_837767/

最近宇宙に関するビジネスニュースが多く見受けられるようになりました。小型人口衛星のエンジンを本来の価格の3分の1で開発したIHI、3000基の衛星打ち上げを予定するAmazon、約1万基を超える衛星の打ち上げ予定のスペースXなどなど。アメリカ、中国など世界中の大手企業やベンチャー企業が宇宙ビジネスに進出し、多額の投資を行なっており、これまで以上に熱い盛り上がりを見せています。今回の記事では、これから宇宙ビジネス業界を初めて勉強する方に向けて、世界の宇宙ビジネス業界の現状と各分野についてわかりやすく解説をいたします。本記事は、英語でもお読みいただけます（英語版はこちら　The Space Business Industry and Current Situation）。宇宙ビジネスの領域宇宙ビジネスと言えば、おそらくロケットが最初に頭に浮かぶのではないでしょうか。しかし、実際の宇宙ビジネスはロケット以外にも幅広い分野があります。宇宙ビジネスとは人工衛星の打ち上げや運用及びデータ活用など、宇宙において商業目的で行われる事業のこと。民需による営利を目的とした衛星放送や通信、衛星データ活用などのサービスを行う企業のみならず、官需が支える軍用等も含めたロケットや人工衛星の機材、設備の製造などインフラにかかわる宇宙産業など、宇宙空間に関するビジネスを総称して宇宙ビジネスという。参照：コトバンク / 宇宙ビジネスとはロケット以外にも衛星のデータを活用して地上でのサービスを向上させることなど様々な分野が宇宙ビジネスには含まれています。そして、最近になって宇宙ビジネスは特に熱い盛り上がりを見せています。次に、なぜこの業界が今活発になっているのかを説明していきたいと思います。なぜ今宇宙ビジネスが熱いのか？５月30日（現地時間）、米・スペースXの有人宇宙船「クルードラゴン」の打ち上げが成功し、31日には宇宙ステーションへのドッキングを完了させた。YouTubeなどで、打ち上げからドッキングまでの一部始終を見ることができるが、タッチパネルが設置されたクルードラゴンの船内や、途中で宇宙飛行士の二人が宇宙服からポロシャツにチノパン着替えた様子を見ると、宇宙への移動の敷居が下がっているように感じられた。参照：WEDGEInfinity / なぜいま、宇宙ビジネスが熱いのか？数年前と比べると、有人ロケットを宇宙に発射することが民間企業でも成功できるようになっており、宇宙がより身近になってきています。アメリカのアマゾン社が通信サービス向けに3000基、スペースXは同じく通信用に１万基を超える衛星の打ち上げを予定していることが発表され、この大手2社の発表によって他国の企業もこの打ち上げラッシュに参加することが予定されています。また、小型衛星による宇宙からのセンシング需要が高まっていることに加え、通常のロケットよりも寿命が短い小型ロケットの発射にかかるコストが減少、発射する頻度が多くなったことも宇宙ビジネスを盛り上がっている大きな要因と言えるでしょう。しかし、この中で様々な問題も発生します。例えば、スペース・デブリ（使用済みの衛星や衛星同士の衝突で発生したごみ）をどう回収するかです。最近ではこの問題の解決をするための有力なベンチャー企業が続々と登場しており、スペース・デブリに関連しているビジネスも大きな注目を浴びています。続いては宇宙ビジネスを分類した上で各分野を詳しく解説したいと思います。宇宙ビジネスの分類宇宙ビジネス業界を3つに分類しています。宇宙ビジネスの３分野製造・インフラ宇宙利用宇宙探査それぞれの業界マップを用いながら説明をしていきたいと思います。製造・インフラ製造分野ロケット、人工衛星、地上局などの製造を行う分野です。特に最近投資が盛んな小型ロケットや小型衛星などを製造する分野です。インフラ分野宇宙インフラは、地上のインフラと同様に、世界中の人々が利用するサービスの目に見えないバックボーンとなっています。地上のインフラと同様、宇宙インフラも利便性やサービス、国家安全保障・防衛のために今後ますます重要になってくる分野です。 宇宙利用宇宙利用は人工衛星の利用と宇宙空間の利用の2つに分類されます。人工衛星の利用人工衛星の利用は位置情報や気候変動などを調べるときに使う人工衛星のことを言います。つまり、このときの人工衛星は、地球上のサービスの向上などを目的に使われています。宇宙空間の利用宇宙空間の利用はその名の通り、地球にない環境の下でモノを作ることを表しています。例えば、雲や天候に影響されない太陽光発電のような地球上ではありえない環境でエネルギーの蓄積を行うことなどがあげられます。 宇宙探査この分野は人類が宇宙へ進出することを目的とする分野です。主に人類がロケットなどに乗車して宇宙探査を行う「有人宇宙探査」と人間の存在を必要としない探査機のみが宇宙へ行く「無人宇宙探査」の2種類に分かれます。この分野は、他の製造・インフラや宇宙利用とは異なり、地球上のサービスを向上させることが目的ではなく、宇宙空間へ活動範囲を広げることを目的としている宇宙ビジネスの分野となります。 まとめ今回の記事では、宇宙ビジネスとはどのようなものかとそれを構成する分野について紹介させていただきました。次回の記事では、各分野に関する詳細の説明と分野ごとの代表企業をご紹介していきたいと思います。日本の宇宙ビジネス業界で働きたい外国人エンジニアの方は、是非、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日本の宇宙ビジネスへの転職をご支援いたします。

Refer-a-friend Incentive Campaign with Amazon Gift Card 100,000 yen!Please refer your friends and acquaintances who are speaking Japanese and are considering changing jobs with IT experience!If your friends join a company via GTalent, you will receive a ¥50,000 Amazon Gift Card.Available conditionsYour friends and acquaintances who meet the following conditions are available!Foreigners living in Japan.Those who can speak Japanese（More than JLPT N3 level）.IT Engineer and Those who studied programming at universitiesPlease refer your friends and acquaintances who are speaking Japanese and are considering changing jobs with IT experience!※Those who have already registered with G Talent are not eligible.IncentiveIf your friend successfully do job change with using G Talent, you will receive a 50,000 yen Amazon gift card!You will get an email with Amazon gift card within one week from the day one month has passed since the friend who joined the new job.Campaign DeadlineRegistration by June 30, 2020*You can get the incentive even if the friend who you refer to us change job after the deadline.EntryPlease register below!Refer-a-Friend Incentive Campaign Entry FormPlease let your friend who you refer to us know in advance that he/she will be contacted by G Talent.We look forward to introducing your friends!

Amazonギフト券10万円プレゼント！友人紹介キャンペーン日本語が話せてITの経験を持つ転職を検討している友人・知人をご紹介ください！以下の３つの条件を満たすご友人・知人を紹介いただき、ご紹介いただいた方がGTalentを通じてご就業されましたら、あなたにAmazonギフト券を50,000円分をプレゼントいたします！ご紹介の対象者以下の条件を満たす友人・知人の方が対象となります。日本国内に在住の外国籍の方日本語ができる方（JLPTでN3以上）ITエンジニアとしての経験や大学などでプログラミングを学んだ方日本語が話せてIT関連の経験を持つご友人・知人をご紹介ください！※すでにGTalentにご登録いただいている方は対象外となります。キャンペーン内容ご紹介していただいた友人がGTalentを利用して転職に成功したら紹介者にAmazonギフト券5万円分をプレゼントAmazonギフト券のプレゼントは、紹介者してくれた友人が転職先に入社をして1ヶ月を経過した日から１週間以内にメールでお送りいたします。 エントリー方法以下のエントリーフォームからご登録ください。友人紹介キャンペーンエントリーフォームご友人にGTalentから連絡が入ることを事前にお伝えください。ご友人のご紹介お待ちしております！

Digital transformation (DX) has altered the competitive landscape of organizations in Japan. By leveraging the right combination of technologies, companies can enhance traditional roles such as sales, marketing, and finance, and create new business processes that ease their operations.However, with the explosion of AI systems and IoT devices, challenges are bound to arise. As more companies integrate these technologies, IT consulting services are needed more than ever to improve business operations and production with digitalization. Discover their responsibilities and what makes this career so attractive to IT professionals.Role of an IT ConsultantFor IT engineers looking for more challenges and are tired of the slow-moving operations of large companies, an IT consulting career will introduce a wide range of processes and technologies that will help you grow as an IT professional.As an IT consultant, clients will be looking for your guidance. You will be exposed to various industries, technical environments, and people with high expectations from your performance. The responsibilities of an IT consultant can be divided into three.AnalystIT consultants are responsible for problem and risk analysis, which involves operation verification and conducting tests. Design, development, and task management skills are required to fulfill this role. They prioritize the problems based on the magnitude of their risks and examine the system’s issues to avoid recurrence.ConsultantExperience in system and operations maintenance is a must for IT consultants since they conduct asset evaluation during company mergers. They are also responsible for IT infrastructure decision-making, such as applying a new system or enhancing an existing technology.As a consultant, they provide DX solutions and proposals to improve business competitiveness by utilizing AI and IoT technology. With the introduction of digital technologies, designing a training framework to enhance employees’ IT skills is also part of their task.ManagerAs a manager, IT consultants monitor the projects’ progress to check for delays or problems to fix. Moreover, they are tasked with quality control, creating work plans, and scheduling coordination with other parties.IT consultants deal with high-level management support. More people will be involved as the projects grow. Therefore, management skills are required to ensure the quality and timeliness of a project.Qualifications of an IT Consultant in JapanBeing an IT consultant is a compelling choice for IT engineers willing to take the challenges involved in providing DX solutions. Moreover, this profession is among the highest paid in Japan, having an average annual income of over 9 million yen. Since IT consultants require high skills and knowledge regarding new IT technologies, they also have to undergo tests to qualify for the job.IT Strategist ExamIT consultants deal with making proposals to integrate DX in reforming business operations. To formulate the best strategies, they must possess high-level knowledge about IT and the recent technological trends. This national qualification exam will prove your skills and gain the trust of your employers.IT Project Management ExamThe IT Project Management Exam is one of the most sought after qualifications of many aspiring IT consultants and employers. The scope of technology spans across several businesses and industries. Thus, projects can be large-scale and complex. Once you have passed this exam, it proves that you are capable of managing rapid technological upgrades and version changes, and the challenges with handling tools and aligning skills to complete a project.Becoming a Successful IT Consultant in JapanThe increasing demand for DX has transformed the way organizations use technology in their business strategies and opened several opportunities for IT consultants in Japan. Here are some tips to ensure your career’s success in Japan.1. Build RelationshipsStarting as an IT consultant and getting your name and expertise recognized can be a challenge. Begin building relationships with your new clients or to whoever you will be reporting to. They can be managers, executives, or even employers with good influence in the company. Always provide the best solutions to your new clients and communicate with them properly.2. Always Pay Attention and Keep an Open MindPart of being an IT consultant is identifying the problems and points to enhance the IT infrastructure of companies. However, the proposals may not be up to the client’s ideas, or sometimes, the budget may be an issue. You may end up redrafting your plan to suit your client’s resources and needs.3. Keep a ChecklistAn IT consultant’s job handles several projects and sub-tasks that must be accomplished on a specific timeline. A newbie in this position may find it challenging to keep tabs on the progress of each project. Therefore, having a checklist or a to-do list can help you monitor the progress every day and solve issues quickly.4. Always Ask for HelpYou might get overwhelmed with the load of work you will be handling. Always remember that your consulting company is willing to help you and give you the best advice. Furthermore, know your fellow consultants. You can ask them for ideas on how to create better DX proposals.5. Learn How to Review Client ContractsProject contracts should cover costs, hours, deadlines, milestones, and more. Learning how to review a client contract and confidentiality agreements can be stressful and time-consuming for those who are unfamiliar with administrative processes. Coordinate with fellow IT consultants and reach out to the best firms that will check these contracts.6. Focus on a Few IndustriesIT consulting covers all industries in need of DX solutions. Early in the consulting career, focus on particular sectors, and gain lots of experience. Clients appreciate IT consultants with in-depth industry-specific insights you bring to the table. When you find the industry the best suits your expertise, seek out assignments to improve your current skills.7. Develop Communication SkillsAs an IT consultant, you will be interviewed by clients, depending on the business organization. As part of interviews, consultants must provide and eloquently describe the solutions they have for a company’s IT problems and inquiries. Developing your communication skill will help you clearly convey your previous experiences and skills, as well as the value that you will be bringing to the company.ConclusionShifting your career path to IT consulting requires you to upskill and be updated with the latest digital technologies and IT trends. The demand for their services in improving the business structure and operations is increasing, especially with the application of AI and IoT devices.So if you’re ready to face the challenges and career growth opportunities provided by this profession, you can start by studying for the qualification exams required by employers. Check our website for IT consulting jobs.Sources:https://www.cee-global.com/digital-transformation-dt-dx-consulting/#:~:text=DT%2FDX%20is%20the%20process,all%20aspects%20of%20an%20organization/https://www.bigdata-navi.com/aidrops/2902/https://aimconsulting.com/insights/what-to-consider-when-becoming-an-it-consultant/https://www.cio.com/article/3269852/the-7-fundamentals-of-it-consultant-success.html

The IT sector in Japan continues to expand, however, as Japan’s shrinking population makes it harder for employers to fill posts, more of them are opening their positions to foreigners. Also, many foreigners are thrilled to improve their careers in Japan, but what motivates foreigners to work in Japan?We asked 100 Foreign IT Engineers about their reasons for the decision to work in the land of the rising sun and what found attractive on a job when chinging jobs in Japan. We will also share with you the current salary trend for IT engineers.Reasons to Work in JapanJapan is often said to be one of the most highly developed and technologically advanced nations in the world. Japan offers advanced technology in its major metropolises and beautiful landscapes that you can find just an hour away by train from Tokyo. We asked 100 foreign IT engineers their reasons to choose Japan as a work destination.Future Career AdvancementJapan offers exceptional opportunities to grow both technical and non-technical skills by working with high-end technology, along with talented engineers from around the world. Japan continues to lead the world in science and engineering, but due to the shortage of domestic IT-skilled talent and an increasing need for organizations to look overseas to fill the talent gap more companies are hiring top talent from around the globe. Many companies in Japan encourage working with the latest technology and tools to improve the technical skills of their engineers. As for non-technical skills, you will be encouraged to improve your planning, process, and eye for detail skills.Interest in Japanese CultureMany foreigners emphasize Japanese politeness. People in Japan tend to go out of their way to be helpful to others, the care put in interactions with others is one of the highlights of Japanese culture, and this translates in the workplace as people making an effort to be pleasant and non-confrontational. Apart from this, the food, the people, the architecture and the “kawaii” culture seem to be quite attractive for foreigners.Japan is Safe and Has a Good Living EnvironmentJapan is known for its relative safety with low crime levels, and Japanese cities are often globally ranked as the safest cities to live in. Japan puts a strong focus on crime prevention, making it less common to commit violent crimes. Violent crime in Japan is almost non-existent as the nation and its population value peace and prosperity over minor inconveniences or trifles that may lead to conflict.What is Attractive When Changing Jobs in Japan?In today’s highly competitive hiring landscape in Japan, IT engineers have endless work opportunities to choose from. Engineers are entering an expanding job market, which leads to more open jobs than skilled workers to fill them, that leaves employers at a disadvantage. So what exactly are foreign IT engineers putting weight on when choosing a job opportunity?Able to Use Their Experience and SkillsMany foreigners consider that being able to transfer their skills and abilities gained from previous working experiences and use them in their future career is the main reason for them to choose a new job opportunity. Being able to transfer their skills to new positions will help them go beyond their job description.The Job They Want to DoIT engineers who quickly learn new skills and gain experience from various places and situations may want to take it to the next step, maybe by applying for a manager position or just a position that allows them to thrive in their desired industry.Good SalaryA competitive salary is a key piece of talent attraction. Job seekers want to be paid their worth and to be compensated for the expertise and IT skills they bring to the table. Especially, in a competitive job market as it is Japan’s IT Industry. Check out our salary guide for up-to-date 2020 salary data found below that’ll help you stay competitive.Current Salary Trend of IT Engineers- November 2020This graph shows the results of a survey in which foreign IT engineers shared their current annual salary. From the pie chart, it is clear that the majority of foreign IT engineers in Japan, 42.7%, are below 4 million yen. Following the 29.2% earning more than 4 million and less than 6 million yen. 16.7% earns more than 6 million and less than 8 million yen and in the smaller group, only 11.5% earns more than 8 million yen.ConclusionIn conclusion, the results of this survey have shown that many foreign IT engineers found many attractive points about living in Japan. And while the salary is not as high compared to other countries, Japan offers a lot of other perks that make the country attractive to foreigners who seek job opportunities abroad.If you are a foreign IT engineer and you are thinking about changing jobs in Japan, please register to G Talent. G Talent is a recruitment agency specialized in foreign IT engineers, we work with start-ups and large companies that are eager to hire skilled foreign IT talent.