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What is the typical way of project management in Japanese companies?

In order to be successful as a project manager at an IT company in Japan, you need to be familiar with the way project management is often done in Japan. Knowing how work is often done in Japan will make it easier to participate in projects, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the flow and methods beforehand.In this article, we will explain the typical project management methods and techniques used in Japanese IT companies, as well as some tips for succeeding in project management in Japan. If you would like to work in project management in Japan, please use IT-related global recruitment agency “G Talent”.What is project management?In IT company project management, the following are the main things that need to be managed.BudgetSchedule and tasksAttendance of project membersIssuesSystem qualityIn addition to managing the budget, schedule and members of a project, the project manager also manages issues and system quality. The main role of the project manager is to manage the project appropriately in all aspects and lead it to success.Reference: プロジェクト管理基本のやり方/ShelterThe flow and methods of project management commonly used in Japanese companiesWe will introduce the typical flow and methods of project management in Japanese companies. By understanding the overall flow, you will be able to respond smoothly when you become a project manager.PreparationPlanningManagementClosingPreparationWhen managing a project, it is essential to make preliminary preparations to confirm the delivery date, budget, project goals, etc. You should identify the issues and tasks of the project, and assess the difficulty of the issues, how long it will take to solve them, the nature and difficulty of the tasks, and the skill level of the personnel required. It is difficult to assess the difficulty and issues without past experience or skills, so it is also important to seek the appropriate methods and opinions of experts and experienced people as necessary.Reference: 【新人PM必見】プロジェクト管理の方法とコツ/Lychee RedminePlanningOnce you have identified and carefully examined the issues and tasks, you can work out a schedule by working backwards from the deadline. When carrying out proper project management, it is necessary to create a schedule that allows you to complete the work without overworking yourself.At the same time as the schedule, it is also important to assess how many resources and personnel are needed, and what level of skill is required for the allocated personnel. If there are not enough personnel and the schedule cannot be completed within the planned timeframe, it is necessary to coordinate with other departments to get the necessary personnel to help out. If you are also planning to train junior staff, you will need to consider who you will pair up with, and who will be in charge of training them.Reference: プロジェクト管理に必要な項目と成功のポイントとは?/NotePMManagementOnce the schedule has been decided and the necessary resources have been gathered, the project will be launched and the project manager will manage the entire project. After the project has started, it is necessary to receive progress reports from the members at regular progress meetings, and to have them report promptly if any problems arise in the methods or results, etc.If manufacturing and testing have started and you receive reports on a daily basis, you may also receive reports on the progress of manufacturing and testing, the number of bugs that have occurred, etc. at the progress meeting. In addition to progress reports, it is also important to communicate closely with project members and be in a position where you can consult with them immediately about even small matters.In many projects, it is common for some kind of problem to occur. It is necessary to have a system in place where the project manager is always aware of the situation and can deal with any problems as soon as they arise.Reference: 進捗会議で何を話すのか/サル先生のプロジェクト管理入門ClosingOnce the delivery is complete and all the steps in the schedule have been completed, the project is closed. Closing is the process of reviewing the project content and results and compiling information to be used in future projects. The project manager analyzes the causes of any deviations from the original plan, why these deviations occurred, what went well and what did not, and summarizes the results. For the next project, it is also necessary to summarize the areas that should be reflected on and the areas that should be utilized in the next project.Reference: プロジェクトや工程終了時に行う7つのポイント – プロジェクト・フェーズ終結/プロマネ研究室Common Project Management Methods in JapanFrom here, we will introduce some of the specific methods of project management commonly used by Japanese companies. By becoming familiar with the methods introduced here, you can reduce the chances of being confused when managing projects for the first time at a Japanese company.Gantt chartWBS (work breakdown structure)CCPMWaterfall developmentPERT diagramAgile developmentGantt chartThe Gantt chart is the oldest method of project management. It is managed in a format similar to Excel, with tasks lined up in order from the top row, and the number of days passes as the columns move to the right.A bar is set for each task, with the left edge being the start date of the task and the right edge being the completion date. The upper and lower bars are divided into the planned and actual, and as progress is made, the actual fills in.The tasks are arranged in a staircase-like pattern, and it is easy to see at a glance how much the planned and actual progress deviate from each other. However, there are also disadvantages, such as it being difficult to understand the relationship between tasks and it being difficult to respond to major schedule changes.Reference: ガントチャートって何ですか?/ITmediaWBS (Work Breakdown Structure)WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) is a method of breaking down tasks into smaller tasks and creating a schedule for them. For example, in the testing process, it is necessary to set the perspective, identify items, prepare for reviews and testing environments, create test data, conduct tests, and check the results. Once the necessary tasks have been identified, the schedule for the tasks is decided and implemented.By using this method, you can identify what needs to be done to reach the goal and how much work will be involved. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as being subjective and making it difficult to break down tasks.Reference: WBS(作業分解構造図)とは?ガントチャートとの違いや作り方を基礎から解説/マイナビクリエイターCCPMThis method, known as Critical Chain Project Management, is often used for large-scale projects, and is a method of minimizing tasks and budgets and allowing for a buffer in the schedule.It is said that when deadlines for work are set, people often do not start work until the very last minute, so by setting a deadline with a buffer rather than a true deadline, you can eliminate waste and shorten the schedule. However, if an inexperienced manager uses this method, they may end up taking too much of a buffer and creating an unrealistic schedule, so it is a method for experienced managers.Reference: CCPM(クリティカルチェーン・プロジェクトマネジメント)とは?大型プロジェクトにはCCPMを取り入れよう/株式会社システムイングレータWaterfall developmentWaterfall development is a method of arranging processes in order, like the flow of water, and has been used for a long time. For example, the project schedule is made up of the following stages: requirements definition, external design, internal design, manufacturing, testing, delivery, and operation.Waterfall development is often used for large-scale projects where the schedule and work content remain largely unchanged. In the case of large-scale systems where functions are added repeatedly, the project stages remain largely the same. If the work process is established, it is easy to make a schedule and to steadily carry out the project.However, it is not suitable for projects where the schedule is difficult to change, where a major problem occurs and the plan goes awry, or for short-term projects.Reference: ウォーターフォール開発とは?メリットとデメリットを解説。ほかの開発手法も紹介!/発注ラウンジPERT DiagramA PERT diagram is a chart that shows the order of tasks and work within a project. PERT diagrams show tasks, work times, work start dates and work end dates, and the order of each task is shown using arrows. It is suitable for complex work orders, such as when work on C can begin after work on A and B is complete, or when work on D and C is not sequential, but work on E cannot begin until C is complete.Reference: PERT 図とは?仕組みや作成方法を徹底解説/asanaAgile developmentAgile development is a method of project management that repeats processes in short periods of time called “iterations”. It is the opposite of waterfall development, where the entire process is decided from the start, and the process is repeated many times.For each iteration, plans and goals are set, and the process is repeated in a short span of time, with the issues and results from each iteration being immediately applied to the next. It is possible to carry out flexible and speedy development while repeatedly changing the specifications. However, it will be difficult to carry out a project without problems using this method unless you have experienced and knowledgeable managers.Reference: アジャイル開発とは? 特徴とメリット・デメリット、スクラムまで徹底解説/Monstarlab Blog5 Tips for Successful Project Management in Japanese CompaniesFrom here, we will explain some tips for successful project management in Japanese companies.Look over the PMBOKUtilize management toolsSetting milestonesCarry out risk managementEmphasize communicationLook over the PMBOKThe PMBOK is a kind of reference book that summarizes knowledge about project management. The PMBOK is the world standard for project management, so it can be used not only in Japan but also in any country where project management is carried out.In some cases, knowledge of the PMBOK is required when hiring a project manager. If you have a good grasp of the PMBOK, it will be useful when carrying out project management work in any country.Reference: PMBOKとは?プロジェクト達成のための世界標準知識を学ぼう/インターネットアカデミーUtilize management toolsTo carry out project management smoothly, let's actively use management tools. We recommend tools that have all the functions a project manager needs, such as progress management, information sharing with team members, file sharing, and attendance management. If you manage manually using Excel or other software, it is easy to make mistakes or forget things, and it will take a long time. Using a management tool can be expected to improve the efficiency of management work.Setting milestonesWhen managing a project, it is important to always be aware of the milestones. Setting detailed milestones, such as checking the direction of the work in progress as well as the deadline for the entire task, can help to prevent delays in progress and also to check the work. Setting specific deadlines for answering questions and submitting materials can also help to prevent them from being neglected.Reference: マイルストーンとは?意味や使い方を解説!中間目標の設定でプロジェクトを成功させる!/JootoマガジンCarry out risk managementRisk management is extremely important for project managers. For example, if the schedule is tight, you will need to take action such as making arrangements to get people from other departments to help out. Be prepared so that you can deal with anything that happens.Reference: プロジェクトにおけるリスク管理とは?手法やプロセスについて解説します/JootoマガジンEmphasize communicationIn order to succeed in project management, it is essential to share information and communicate with team members. It is important to actively communicate with team members, rather than just waiting for them to report.If the atmosphere is such that team members are unable to raise issues, the problems may not be discovered until they have grown in scale, and the damage may be significant. Make sure you communicate with your team on a regular basis so that you can talk to them quickly when they raise their hand.Let's find a Japanese IT company that suits you and work in project management!In this article, we have explained the typical flow of project management in Japanese IT companies, the methods commonly used, and tips for succeeding in project management in Japan. Project management is a very important element for ensuring project success. By knowing the Japanese way of doing things, you will be able to carry out project management smoothly in a Japanese company.For those looking for IT engineer jobs in Japan, we recommend the foreign IT engineer job change agency “G Talent”. They have experience in supporting the recruitment of over 200 companies and engineers from over 70 nationalities, and they have many jobs registered that will allow you to work as a project manager, so you are sure to find a job that suits you.

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What is the typical way of doing web development in Japanese companies?

There are cases where the way web development is done differs between Japan and other countries. In order to work as an IT engineer in a Japanese company, it will be easier to do your job if you know about the methods and approaches to web development commonly used in Japanese companies, as well as the knowledge and programming languages commonly used in Japanese companies.What are some of the methods commonly used in web development in Japanese companies? In this article, we will explain the common methods of web development used by Japanese companies, the knowledge required, and the programming languages commonly used by Japanese companies. By reading this article, you will be able to obtain the information you need to carry out web development at a Japanese company. If you would like to work as an IT engineer in a Japanese company and be involved in web development, please use the recruitment agency “G Talent”, which brings together global companies in the engineering industry.What is web development?Web development is one of the most common types of engineering work in Japan and around the world, and involves the development of systems such as web services, web apps and web software. Nowadays, it is becoming more common to use web-based systems such as web services and cloud services. Because they are low-cost and highly convenient, there is a growing demand for web-based developers over on-premise systems and software developers.Along with the growing demand for web developers, there is also a growing demand for web engineers in Japan. There is a shortage of IT-related personnel in Japan, including web engineers, and there is also a high demand for foreign web developers. If you are a foreign engineer and you want to work on web development in Japan, it is important to know about the common ways of doing web development in Japan.Reference: Web開発とは?Web開発の流れや必要な準備について解説!/発注ラウンジ[7 Steps] Common web development methods in Japanese companiesFirst of all, we will introduce common web development methods in Japanese companies. There are a total of 7 steps, so let's get to know the general development flow and the content of each step.Requirement definitionExternal designInternal designDevelopmentTestingReleaseOperation and maintenanceRequirement definitionRequirement definition is the process of clearly defining the necessary functions and requirements before starting a project. The website's design, what you want to achieve, what kind of output is needed, etc. are all defined in detail, and a document is created that summarizes these requirements.Once the requirements have been more or less finalized, the necessary budget, personnel, project period, etc. are also decided at this stage. In Japan, it is often the case that a solid plan is made at the beginning of the requirements definition process. For this reason, it is said that the schedule tends to slip and work becomes tight the further along the process goes.Reference: システム開発の「要件定義」とは?進め方やコツを解説/発注ラウンジExternal designExternal design is the system's basic design stage, in which screen design, input/output specifications, etc. are designed based on the functional and performance requirements and constraints, etc. specified in the requirements definition document. In addition to the external design of functional requirements, it is also necessary to design the external design of performance requirements such as the number of users, number of accesses, and response time.The external design is carried out while carefully checking to ensure that there are no omissions in the requirements. If there are omissions at this stage, it will cause major rework later on, so it is important to carry out the work in a reliable way. If a system is created with an incorrect design, it will have to be redone from the design stage, so the design is repeatedly reviewed to ensure that there are no omissions or mistakes.Reference: 外部設計書と内部設計書の違いとは?作成ポイントまで解説!/株式会社システムイングレータInternal designInternal design is the internal design work that is not visible from the outside, such as deciding what language and development environment to use, how to process data, and how to structure the system. It is necessary to clearly define the details, such as the internal operation of the system and the structure of the database. The system must be designed with lean processing and structure so that it can also meet the performance requirements.DevelopmentBased on the external and internal designs, this is the stage where the coding is implemented and the system and programs are developed. High-quality programs must be created while making full use of the programming languages that correspond to the system and programs.In Japanese companies, it is common for development to be outsourced to subcontractors on a module-by-module basis. When outsourcing to subcontractors, it is necessary to hold thorough discussions with the subcontractors to ensure that there are no gaps in understanding. Depending on the subcontractor, there may be differences in approach, so it may be necessary to iron out any differences during the discussions.Reference: WEBシステム開発のプロセス、プログラミング言語、費用などを解説/GALKTestingThe testing process is an essential part of web development. Testing helps to avoid problems and security risks, and also allows you to check that the system has been developed as per the requirements. The testing process is divided into several stages, including unit testing for each module, integration testing where modules are combined, system testing where the system is run from the user's perspective, and operation testing where the system is checked for operation in the actual client environment. It is essential to complete all tests, and bugs are collected as necessary based on the results of the tests.Reference: Webアプリのテスト工程とは?テストの内容と工数について解説/株式会社DesafiosReleaseOnce steps from 1 to 5 have been completed, it is time to release the completed program to the client's system environment. There are three common patterns of release work in Japanese companies: simultaneous migration, where all programs are released at once; sequential migration, where programs are released gradually in stages; and parallel migration, where the old and new systems are run simultaneously for a certain period of time before being gradually switched over. The method used for migration will depend on the system, the content of the program, and the company.Reference: システムリリースを成し遂げるには?/エンジニアの入り口Operation and maintenanceOnce the release has been completed without any problems, the final stage is the operation and maintenance process. The content of operation and maintenance work that is often carried out by Japanese companies includes monitoring to check that the program is running without any problems, daily and monthly maintenance, changing settings as necessary, and dealing with problems. There are also cases where you have to respond to inquiries from end users of the system.Reference: ソフトウェア・システムの「開発」「運用」「保守」の3つの仕事内容とは/Hybrid technologiesKnowledge and skills required for web development, which is common in Japanese companiesThe following three are the knowledge and skills required for web development, which is common in Japanese companies.ProgrammingFrameworksDatabasesProgrammingProgramming is a skill that is required not only when programming in the development process, but also when in charge of the design or testing process. Common ways of using it include when reviewing programs as a designer, or when checking the modified parts of a program when a bug occurs in testing. Of course, advanced programming skills are required when programming. If you have a lot of work experience in the language you are using, you will be able to do a better job.If you have skills such as being able to use advanced development environments and develop tools, you will be in high demand as a web developer. Being able to use advanced development environments has the advantage of being able to speed up compilation and detect program errors. By developing your own tools, you can also automate program checking, automatic debugging, program management, and automatic test data generation.Reference: Web開発とは?Web開発をするために必要なスキルやフローを解説/Geekly MediaFrameworksBy mastering frameworks, you can develop high-quality programs efficiently, so knowledge and skills in frameworks are necessary when programming in the development process.A framework refers to a set of pre-made source code that exists for each programming language. When developing a system, there are common functions that are used in many systems, such as login authentication, input forms, network communication, and payment functions, and by utilizing frameworks that have already been created for such functions, it is possible to efficiently develop high-quality programs.There are frameworks for each programming language, such as Ruby on Rails for Ruby and CakePHP for PHP. If you learn the framework for the programming language you use in the workplace, you will be able to program at a high quality.Reference: フレームワークとは?概要やプログラミング言語別の機能を分かりやすく解説/レバテックルーキーDatabasesIn order to be active in web development at a Japanese company, you will also need knowledge and skills related to databases. In almost all cases, databases are used in any system. You will need to design and develop databases that store data such as customer data and transaction histories, and make them easy to access. Along with programming languages, you should also acquire the skills to develop and operate databases.Reference: 【Web開発の基本】初心者が知るべき重要な概念/QiitaThe main languages used in web development at Japanese IT companiesFrom here, we will introduce the languages that are often used in web development at Japanese companies.HTML, CSSJavaScriptPHPPythonJavaTypeScriptRubyHTML, CSSHTML and CSS are essential for web development. HTML is a language used to write web pages, and it can be used to create text, images, paragraphs, page structure, etc.CSS is a language used to set styles for pages written in HTML. It can be used to specify font size, font, color, etc. There are also development environments that can automatically generate HTML and CSS, so if you make good use of these, you can develop efficiently. When working on web development, you will need to understand the syntax of HTML and CSS, as you will sometimes need to look at the source code itself to make improvements or find problems.Reference: HTML/CSSとは?初心者向けの基礎知識と学習サイト5選/SAMURAI ENGINEER BlogJavaScriptJavaScript is a language used to create dynamic screen movements. For example, moving the mouse on the screen to make an animation appear is something that can only be achieved with JavaScript. Many websites and web apps now use animated features, and JavaScript is used for all of these. JavaScript is used frequently, so it is a language that web engineers must learn.Reference: JavaScriptとは?基本的な書き方や勉強方法~入門~/AKKODiSPHPPHP is a programming language developed for website creation, and it can be used to develop all kinds of website elements. As it is not the latest programming language, there is a good chance that it will be overtaken by other languages in the future.However, there are already many websites that have been built using PHP, and there are many opportunities to use it for adding functions and operational tasks. For this reason, it is one of the languages that web engineers should learn.Reference: PHPとは?基礎知識、できることを初心者にもわかりやすく解説します/カゴヤのサーバー研究室PythonPython is a language that is used not only for website construction, but also for AI field development. It is used in AI development, automatic data processing, analysis, etc., but it can also be used for web service and web app development. If you want to work as an AI-related engineer as well as a web developer, we recommend that you learn Python.JavaJava is a general-purpose language that can be used for development in a wide range of fields. Using Java, you can develop websites, smartphone apps, software, embedded systems, core systems, and more. It is a language that is widely used around the world, so it is a good idea to learn it.TypeScriptTypeScript is an extension of JavaScript developed by Microsoft. It is highly compatible with JavaScript and is less prone to errors, making it easier to develop high-quality source code. If you want to develop web pages with advanced functionality, we recommend that you learn it.Reference: 【TypeScript】TypeScriptとは何か?/QiitaRubyRuby is a programming language that is easy to write and read, and can be used to develop web apps and other software. There is an excellent framework called Ruby on Rails, and by making use of it, you can carry out development efficiently. Due to the existence of an excellent framework, it is expected to continue to be used in the future. It also has potential, so if you want to become a web developer, it is one of the languages you should learn.Reference: プログラミング言語のRubyとは?特徴やできることを解説/発注ラウンジLet's get active as a web developer by referring to the methods commonly used by Japanese companies!In this article, we have explained the methods and necessary knowledge for web development in Japanese companies, as well as the programming languages commonly used by Japanese companies. If you keep in mind the development methods commonly used by Japanese companies, it will be easier for you to participate in web development projects at Japanese IT companies. By acquiring the commonly used knowledge and programming languages in advance, you may be able to make a career change more advantageous.We recommend that foreign nationals looking for IT engineer jobs in Japan use the job-placement agency for foreign IT engineers, “G Talent”. This is a job-placement site for foreign engineers living in Japan, but it also handles engineer jobs for Japanese people.It has a track record of supporting the recruitment of over 200 companies and helping over 70 nationalities of engineers find new jobs. There are plenty of IT jobs at companies where you can work in a fair environment regardless of your nationality, so you're sure to find a web engineer job that suits you.

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How easy is it for foreigners to work in Japan? An explanation of the current situation and future prospects

Japan has a different culture to many other countries, so it may be a difficult environment for foreigners to work in. However, the number of foreigners working in Japan has been increasing in recent years, and it is true that some foreigners find it easier to work here than in their own countries. In this article, we will explain the current situation regarding the employment of foreigners in Japan, the points that foreigners find easy to work with, and the future prospects for foreign employees.Please check out the advantages and disadvantages that foreigners find appealing about Japanese companies, as well as the characteristics of Japanese companies that are easy for foreigners to work for. If you are looking for a job in Japan that places importance on work-life balance, please use High Career's job-placement agency for foreign nationals, "G Talent'".The current situation of foreign employment in JapanFirst of all, we have summarized the current situation of foreign employment in Japan into three points.Demand for foreign worker is increasingThe employment situation of foreigners in JapanAbout the new residence status "Specified Skills Employment"Demand for foreign workers is increasingIn Japan, the birthrate is declining and the population is aging, and the working population is decreasing, so the demand for foreign workers in Japanese companies is increasing. In particular, in the IT industry, the demand for engineers and other workers is increasing rapidly due to the promotion of DX, but the number of Japanese IT workers is decreasing. Compared to Japanese people, many foreign workers are more knowledgeable about IT, and they are more likely to be valued by various companies.Reference: 日本のIT人材不足の実態とは?/SMS DataTechThe employment situation of foreigners in JapanAccording to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's report on the employment of foreigners, the number of foreign workers in fiscal 2019 was approximately 1.66 million. This is the largest number since the reporting obligation was introduced, and it has increased by about three times in 10 years from approximately 560,000 in 2009. As Japan's working population declines, we can expect to see the number of foreign workers increase even further. As the accuracy of AI-based translation apps also improves, we can expect to see more companies that place an emphasis on making it easier for foreign workers to work in Japan.Reference: 「外国人雇用状況」の届出状況まとめ【本文】/厚生労働省About the new residence status “Specified Skills Employment”In order to work in Japan, foreign nationals need to have a work-related visa status. There are several types of visa status, and in 2019, a new visa status called “Specified Skills Employment” was approved. Specified Skills Employment is divided into “Type 1” and “Type 2”, and the details are as follows.Specified skillsType 1Type 2Period of stayUp to 5 yearsNo limitFamily residence statusNot grantedGrantedRequired skillsAbove a certain levelSkilled levelRequired Japanese language abilityDaily conversation levelNone in particularTypes of work that can be obtained 14 types of work2 types of workWith the addition of the two types of employment for specified skills to the list of residence statuses, it has become even easier for foreigners to work in Japan. It is expected that the number of foreigners who want to work in Japan will increase even further from now on.Reference: 【3月最新】外国人労働者受け入れ問題とは?メリットやデメリット、受け入れ方法も解説/ウィルオブ採用ジャーナルPoints where foreigners feel that it is easy to work in JapanThe following four points can be cited as points where foreigners feel that it is easy to work in Japan.Employment is stableInsurance and welfare benefits are well-developedAble to learn high-level skillsThe country is safe and secureEmployment is stableAs many Japanese companies have a system of lifetime employment, there is almost no risk of being unfairly dismissed if you are employed as a full-time worker. Even if you are employed on a non-regular basis, the contract period is generally adhered to. The fact that employment is stable and future salaries are easy to predict is a major attraction of working in Japan.Reference: 「『日本型雇用」を考える』~国際比較、問題点、そして未来~」(視点・論点)/NHKInsurance and welfare benefits are well-developedMany companies in Japan have well-developed welfare benefits, including health insurance and employment insurance. Even if you are a foreigner, you can join a health insurance scheme if you work in Japan. You can receive a high-level health check-up once a year, and you can also reduce the cost of visiting a medical institution when you are sick or injured.The content and quality of welfare benefits other than insurance differ depending on the company, but commuting allowances, housing allowances, maternity leave and congratulatory/condolence leave are common. Some companies have unique welfare benefits, so you can also get an idea of how easy it is to work at a company by looking at the content of its welfare benefits.Reference: Common & Unique Employee Benefits in JapanAble to learn high-level skillsJapanese technology and services such as “Omotenashi” and “Made in Japan” are highly regarded around the world. One of the appeals of working in Japan is that you can learn high-level skills and services that you can't learn in your own country. As we will discuss later, salaries in Japan may be lower than in other countries, but it is also true that there are many foreigners who work in Japan in order to gain experiences that can only be gained in Japan.Reference: 日本の技術力が世界的にすごい本当の理由/FreshtraxThe country is safe and secureJapan is famous as a country with particularly good public safety. It is strictly prohibited to carry guns or drugs, and the risk of being involved in a violent incident is significantly lower than in other countries, which is one of the reasons why it is easy to work here. The political situation is also stable, so you and your family can live in peace in Japan. There are also benefits to working in a country with good public safety, such as being able to concentrate on your work.Points that make it difficult for foreigners to work in JapanAlthough Japan is a country where many foreigners feel comfortable working, there are also some who find it difficult to work here for the following reasonsDifficulty communicatingLow salary levels and treatmentLong working hoursUnique culture and customsComplex procedures Difficulty communicatingAlthough it is common for people of different nationalities to use English to communicate with each other, there are not many Japanese people who can speak English, so you may have difficulty communicating. In many cases, you will need to use Japanese in order to communicate smoothly in Japan. If you work for a global company, there may be many people who can use English, but you can expect to have particular difficulties in your daily life.Reference: 日本人の英語力、非英語圏で87位に後退:スイスの教育機関2023年調査/nippon.comLow salary levels and treatmentIn recent years, the salary levels in Japan have been stagnant to the extent that some Japanese people have even gone to work in the US and Australia. For this reason, some foreigners may find it difficult to work in Japan due to the low salary levels and poor working conditions. However, there are also people who earn higher salaries in Japan than in their home countries. For these people, there are significant differences depending on their home country, as they find it easier to work in Japan.Reference: 日本人の若者が海外に出稼ぎへ 増加の裏側にある労働問題/NHKLong working hoursThe tendency for working hours to be long is another of the reasons why it is difficult to work for Japanese companies. In Japan, many people die from overwork due to long working hours, and this is a problem that frequently arises. As overtime and working on days off tend to be common, and the amount of time you can spend on your private life tends to be small, those who plan to work in Japan in the future need to be careful about the length of their working hours.Reference: 長時間労働の原因は何なのか?日本人の労働実態と問題点/RELO総務人事タイムズUnique culture and customsJapan also has a unique culture and customs in the workplace. For example, the system of “seniority by length of service” is still firmly rooted in common sense, and there is a tendency to evaluate people based on their age and how long they have been with the company, rather than on their simple skills or performance. For those who have worked for companies overseas, where there is a tendency towards a merit-based system, it may be easy to feel that the gap makes it difficult to work.There are also other unique aspects of Japanese culture, such as 'punctuality' and 'unspoken rules'. In Japan, it is more important to be punctual than to have a high quality or accurate work, and it is also important to take into account the feelings of the other person. People who are strong-willed and push their opinions through may be avoided as people who disrupt teamwork.Complex proceduresIn order for a foreigner to work in a Japanese company, it is essential to obtain a work visa. From the time of application to the time of obtaining a work visa, it takes approximately 1 to 3 months, and the procedures are also complicated. Depending on the type of job or industry, there is a possibility that the application for a work visa will be rejected, and in that case, it will not be possible to work in Japan.From the company's point of view, in order to employ a foreigner, they need to check their status of residence, and if the status of residence and the type of work or industry do not match, they will have to go through the trouble of changing the status of residence. For this reason, companies that are not used to hiring foreigners may decide not to hire them just because they are foreigners.Reference: 就労や長期滞在を目的とする場合/外務省Will it become easier for foreigners to work in Japan from now on?There are several reasons why it is difficult to work in Japan, but it is expected that it will become easier for foreigners to work in Japan from now on. The following three reasons can be cited.The government is promoting work style reformGlobalization is becoming an urgent issueMajor changes have been brought about after the COVID-19 pandemicThe government is promoting work style reformThe Japanese government is currently promoting work style reform. In Japan today, there are a number of issues related to work styles, such as the “decrease in the working age population due to the declining birthrate and aging population” and “the diversification of the needs of workers, such as balancing work with childcare and nursing care”. In order to resolve these various issues, work style reform is being promoted in various ways, including legal revisions. As a result, the following improvements in work conditions are expected in Japan in the future.Long working hours: Improvement through shorter working hoursLow paid holiday rate: Improvement through diversification of work stylesDisparity in treatment: Improvement in treatment of women, senior citizens and non-regular employeesDelay in globalization: Active acceptance of human resources and know-how from overseasAs the amount of time spent working decreases and the rate of paid leave taken increases, the way Japanese companies work will become more similar to that of overseas companies, making it easier to work. Along with improvements in the treatment of women and senior workers, we can also expect to see improvements in the working conditions for foreign workers. Many companies are now moving towards globalization, and the environment is being prepared to make it easier for foreigners to integrate with Japanese companies.Reference: 「働き方改革」の実現に向けて/厚生労働省Globalization is becoming an urgent issueGlobalization is becoming an urgent issue for many Japanese companies. The wave of Japan's declining birthrate and aging population, which is said to be set to accelerate further, cannot be stopped, and there is a need to look overseas for new customers. An increasing number of companies are now putting their company's future on the line to expand overseas, and foreigners are an easy resource to make use of for these companies.In the IT industry in particular, the latest data and research results are often provided in English, and foreign nationals with language skills and knowledge are in demand by many companies. By finding employment or changing jobs at a company that is rapidly advancing globalization, you will be seen as a reliable, ready-to-work employee, and you will be able to work hand in hand with other foreign employees in the same situation.Reference: 4年で12万人増、外国人エンジニア採用に注目が集まる理由を解説!/xseeds HubMajor changes have been brought about after the COVID-19 pandemicThe way Japanese companies work has changed significantly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as follows. Before the COVID-19After the COVID-19Working styleCommuting to workWorking from homeWorking hoursManagement by time card Introduction of IT systemsMeetingOn-siteOnlineThe world has changed from a time when it was normal to commute to work on time by packed train, to a world where teleworking and staggered work hours are more easily accepted. Online meetings using Zoom and other services are now the norm for meetings. The common sense of Japanese companies is becoming more similar to that of familiar overseas companies, and an environment is being created where it will be easier for foreigners to feel comfortable working in the future.Reference: コロナを通してどう変化した?働き方の多様化に伴う職空間の変化を知ろう!/コンキャリIf you want to find a job in Japan that is easy to work in, we recommend working for a global company!In Japanese companies, demand for foreign nationals is expected to increase even further in the future. The advantage of working for a Japanese company is that foreign nationals can experience the ease of working there, such as stable employment, insurance, and the richness of welfare benefits. There is also the possibility that you may find it difficult to work due to the uniqueness of the culture and customs, but as Japan promotes work style reform, these problems are gradually disappearing.If you are looking for a comfortable place to work in Japan, we recommend finding employment at a global company. Not only are global companies taking the initiative in work style reform, but they also have many foreign staff and staff who are understanding of foreigners, so you are likely to find it easy to work there.For people who are looking for a global company that suits you, we recommend “G Talent”, a foreign IT engineer job-placement agency that specializes in global companies. G Talent has matched engineers from over 70 different nationalities with Japanese companies, and you can find a company with a good working environment. We also provide support for learning Japanese and obtaining visas, so please feel free to contact us if you are worried about your language skills or are planning to expand into Japan.

Articles in English

What are the future prospects after the accelerating work style reform in Japan?

In recent years, work style reforms have been accelerating in Japan. In the past, the Japanese work style was characterized by “lifetime employment” and “8-hour working days”. However, issues such as low productivity and a lag in globalization have been pointed out, and work style reforms to correct these problems are accelerating. In this article, we will explain the Japanese work style up to now, the issues that have emerged from this, the content of the work style reforms that will be needed, and the disadvantages and risks of these reforms.If you are looking for a work style that suits you, please use the job change agent "G Talent", which brings together companies that are adopting new work styles. As only global companies are registered, you can find companies with a variety of work styles.The work style in Japan up until nowThe following three were the standard work styles in Japan up until now.Lifetime employment8 hours working per day2 days off per weekFirst, let's look at the basics of the working styles that have been considered common sense in Japan up until now.Lifetime employmentLifetime employment is a system in which companies employ people they have formally hired until retirement age. Because employment until retirement age is guaranteed, employees can earn a stable income until they retire. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that it is difficult for the principle of competition to work, and young, talented employees cannot fully play an active role, so productivity tends to be low.Reference: 終身雇用制度の現状(メリット・デメリット)から見る人事制度と、これからの在り方について/ライフワークス8 hours working per dayIn Japan, the Labor Standards Act stipulates that employees must not work more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week. However, depending on the “overtime work agreement” set by the labor union, overtime work exceeding the statutory working hours is permitted, so there are many companies where employees must work more than eight hours a day.Reference: 労働時間・休日/厚生労働省2 days off per weekIn Japan, it is common for people to be given two days off per week, and many companies are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. There are two types of two-day weekend system: the “complete two-day weekend system” and the “two-day weekend system”. The complete two-day weekend system guarantees that employees are given two days off every week, but the two-day weekend system is a system that guarantees employees are given two days off at least once a month, so be careful.Reference: 「週休二日制」と「完全週休二日制」って違うの?ポイントを解説/はたらくぞドットコムIssues revealed by the way people have worked in Japan up to nowThe way people have worked in Japan up to now, as introduced above, has revealed the following issues.Low productivityLong hours of workLow rate of paid leaveShortage of manpowerDisparity in treatmentSlow progress towards globalizationLow productivityOne of the biggest issues with the way people have been working in Japan is the low level of productivity. According to a report by the Japan Productivity Center, Japan's labor productivity in fiscal 2020 was ranked 23rd out of 38 OECD member countries. This is only around 40% of the level of Ireland, which ranked first. In particular, the lifetime employment system means that companies have to continue to employ low-productivity employees, and this is thought to be a factor in the low level of productivity.Reference: 国際的にみた日本の時間当たり労働生産性/公益財団法人日本生産性本部Long hours of workIn workplaces where employees have to work on days off or where overtime is common, the amount of time spent working will naturally increase. This is often the cause of death from overwork, and it is not uncommon for cases to end up in court between the bereaved family and the company. Long working hours also reduce the amount of contribution you make to the company. In order to work efficiently, long working hours are one of the major problems.Low rate of paid leaveMany people who work for Japanese companies are famous for not taking paid leave. According to statistics from a major travel company in 2019, the rate of paid leave in Japan was 50%, the lowest of the 19 countries surveyed. In the same survey, the paid holiday take-up rate in Germany, Spain and Singapore was 100%. If you can't take paid holidays, you can't enjoy your private life or refresh yourself by getting away from work. Moderate holidays are essential for efficient work, so the low paid holiday take-up rate is also an issue for Japanese companies.Reference: なぜ日本が最下位?上司の理解、人手不足…「有給取得」世界19カ国比較/TRiP EDiTORShortage of manpowerIn Japan, where the birthrate is declining and the population is aging, many companies are facing the problem of a lack of manpower. Recently, the promotion of DX is also causing a shortage of manpower. Since system development is a highly specialized job, the IT industry is struggling to secure personnel with high skills.Reference: 人手不足が深刻化する日本|現状と原因、企業が実施したい6つの対策/人材アセスメントラボDisparity in treatmentIn Japanese companies, disparities in treatment, including in terms of money, should not be overlooked. The disparity between men and women is particularly serious, with the wage gap between men and women in Japan at a high level of 24.5%, compared to the 10% level in Western countries. There is also a significant disparity in treatment between regular employees and non-regular employees.Reference: 「世界でワースト2位」日本の男女賃金格差が全然埋まらない理由2つ/PRESIDENT onlineSlow progress towards globalizationGlobalization can increase the chances of creating new businesses and the possibility of cost reductions, but many Japanese companies are lagging behind in terms of globalization. According to JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), around 35% of Japanese companies have overseas bases, which is well below the majority. As the population of Japan is expected to decline further from now on, globalization will be essential for the growth of companies in the future.Reference: 企業のグローバル化の課題解決方法とは?/顧問バンクWhat kind of work style reforms will be required in Japan from now on?In order to resolve the issues introduced above, the following kinds of work style reforms will be required in Japan from now on.Shortening working hoursDiversifying ways of workingStabilization of employment for women and senior citizensImprovement of treatment for non-regular employeesGeneralization of changing jobs and having a second jobProactive acceptance of overseas human resources and know-howShortening working hoursThe benefit of shortening working hours is that it creates an environment where employees can concentrate more easily, which in turn leads to increased productivity. If working hours are reduced, employees will have more time for their private lives. This will also lead to increased motivation at work, and we can expect a synergistic effect on work.Reference: 労働時間の短縮によるチーム生産性の向上/独立行政法人経済産業研究所Diversifying ways of workingCompanies are being asked to diversify the ways they work, for example by introducing flexible working hours and adopting a free-address system. Teleworking and remote working also received a lot of attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. If a workplace allows you to work outside the office, it will be easier for people living far away, including overseas, to work.Furthermore, the concept of workcation, which combines work and vacation, is also becoming more widespread. By introducing workcation, it will become easier to work in combination with paid holidays, and employee satisfaction will also improve. It can also be used as a selling point in recruitment activities, and it can also have the effect of making it easier to attract talented people.Reference: ワーケーションとは?基礎知識や事例、導入のポイントをご紹介!/ワークフロー総研Stabilization of employment for women and senior citizensJapanese companies are often criticized for lacking in terms of gender equality. By providing support for childbirth and childcare, and appointing talented women to management positions, you can make the most of the potential of the human resources you have in your company. As the proportion of the senior population increases due to the declining birthrate and aging population, it is also an important issue to make effective use of the senior population.Reference: 女性の管理職昇進意欲を高める鍵は「管理職への両立支援」/パーソル総合研究所Improvement of treatment for non-regular employeesThere is also a need to improve the treatment of non-regular employees, such as contract workers, temporary staff, and part-time workers. If the treatment of non-regular employees remains poor, the number of people who are unable to get married or have children due to financial concerns will increase, and the declining birthrate and aging population will accelerate even further. It is thought that giving fair evaluations to talented people will raise the motivation of non-regular employees and improve productivity.Reference: 非正規雇用とは?特徴を分かりやすく解説!デメリット・メリットを紹介/キャリチェンGeneralization of changing jobs and having a second jobIn the past, the culture of lifetime employment and seniority-based promotion that was common in Japanese companies meant that the principle of competition did not work, and this did not lead to improvements in productivity. By changing the common wisdom of the past and making changing jobs more common, it will become easier to advance your career. As a result, companies will find it easier to secure high-quality human resources, and employees will find it easier to improve their working conditions.In addition, recently, more and more companies are lifting the ban on second jobs. The “20 million yen problem for retirement” has also become a hot topic, and many people living in Japan must be worried about their future and retirement finances. As a result, there is a growing demand for an environment that allows people to work a second job, and there is also a need for flexibility to meet these demands.Proactive acceptance of overseas human resources and know-howJapan is falling far behind, particularly in the IT field. In order to catch up, we must actively recruit people with practical experience in IT-advanced countries and people with specialized education. Companies that have a global environment where Japanese and foreign people work together can be expected to succeed and grow.Reference: 27カ国中最下位…日本がIT人材足りない根本理由/東洋経済オンラインThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought about major changes in the way people work in JapanThe COVID-19 has brought about various changes in the way people work in Japan, as follows. Before the COVID-19After the COVID-19Working styleCommuting to workWorking from homeWorking hourManagement using time cardsIntroduction of IT systemsMeetingsOn-siteOnlineAlthough the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic are not exactly a cause for celebration, if we look at them positively, we could say that the COVID-19 has advanced the way Japanese companies work and think. Many Japanese companies have made major changes to their policies in the post-COVID-19 era, and the environment is becoming more comfortable for foreigners who are worried about adapting to Japanese culture.Reference: 新型コロナが進展させた働き方の変化/名城大学There are also disadvantages and risks to the way we work in the futureThe way we work in the future, which will be improved by work style reform, is not all good. The disadvantages and risks of the way we work in the future are as follows.Increased costsIncreased burden on managementThinning of communicationIncreased costsThere is a possibility that costs will increase due to work style reform. For example, if you introduce IT tools such as a system for managing when employees leave work, you will have to expect to spend money on implementation and training. As the first step in evolving into a progressive company, you will need to invest a certain amount of money.Reference: 働き方改革6つの課題とは?4つの解決策まで徹底解説/PROFFITIncreased burden on managementSome people say that the burden on managers has increased as a result of the work style reforms. For example, if the places where subordinates work become scattered due to the diversification of work styles, attendance management will become more laborious. The increase in the rate of paid leave taken may cause work to be shifted to managers.In particular, for those working under the “advanced professional system”, they will be excluded from regulations such as working hours and holidays, and will also need to work in a way that is similar to discretionary labor. In order to prepare for this increased burden, measures such as the moderate use of outsourcing and giving more discretion to staff below management level are necessary.Reference: 働き方改革で管理職の負担増?しわ寄せを防ぐための取り組みとは?/ワークスタイル情報空間Thinning of communicationAs teleworking increases, it is possible that communication will become more thin. It is also true that some people are concerned that the opportunity for so-called “drinking communication” will be lost. On the other hand, there are more and more young Japanese people who think of work and private life as separate, and this generation may be more accepting of thinning communication.In the future, Japan will need to reform its working style to keep up with the changing timesIn the past, the mainstay of Japanese working practices was “lifetime employment” and “8-hour working days”, but issues such as low productivity and long hours of work became problems. In response to this, many companies are promoting working practice reforms, and Japan's unique bad culture is disappearing. For those who grew up overseas or are foreign nationals, Japanese companies will become more comfortable places to work in the future.If you want to work for a company that is adopting a new way of working, we recommend the foreign IT engineer specialist recruitment agency “G Talent”. G Talent has been involved in recruitment support for over 200 companies, and as it attracts global companies, you can find jobs that adopt a variety of ways of working. If you are interested in changing jobs to a Japanese company, please use the completely free “G Talent”.

Articles in English

For foreigners: How has working in Japan changed since the COVID-19?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many changes in the way Japanese companies work, such as the introduction of telework and remote work. Foreigners working in Japan often find themselves confused by the many differences between their home country and Japanese culture. Since there have been even more changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to be aware of the changes that have taken place in Japanese companies since the COVID-19 pandemic in order to smoothly adapt to working in a Japanese company.We will also explain the key points to prepare for working after the COVID-19, so please refer to this if you are a foreigner who wants to work for a Japanese company after the COVID-19. If you want to work for a company that adopts a working style that suits you, please make use of the global IT company recruitment agency “G Talent”.Changes in the way of working in Japan after the COVID-19Due to the spread of the new COVID-19, there have been the following changes in Japanese companies since the COVID-19.The spread of teleworkAwareness of infection control measuresDecrease in face-to-face transactions and business tripsReview of old corporate systemsThe spread of teleworkThe spread of teleworking is probably one of the biggest changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the benefits of introducing teleworking is that it eliminates the need to spend time commuting to work.Many people who work in companies have to spend several hours commuting to and from work each day. By freeing up the time that office workers used to spend commuting to work, they can now spend that time relaxing at home or investing in themselves by studying, for example.If teleworking allows people to have more time for their private lives, it is hoped that mental stress and physical fatigue will decrease compared to the past. This will ultimately lead to an increase in productivity.Reference: コロナによる働き方の変化。テレワークは定着していくか?/SHARINGAwareness of infection control measuresSince the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have been taking measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Examples of these measures include the followingEnsuring that employees wear masksLimiting the number of people who come to workInstalling partitions between the spaces where employees sitEnsuring that employees maintain a distance from each otherRegularly opening windows and doors in the workplace to let in fresh airInstall disinfectant and encourage regular disinfectionInstall thermal cameras at entrances to check employees for fever, etc.Various measures are being implemented to prevent the spread of infection in various work situations.Reference: 中小企業のための新型コロナウイルス対策/OHサポート株式会社Decrease in face-to-face transactions and business tripsSince the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant decrease in face-to-face transactions and business trips in order to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19. Instead of meeting face-to-face with business partners, there has been an increase in opportunities to hold discussions via web conferencing. The benefits of the decrease in face-to-face meetings and business trips are not limited to the reduced risk of infection. As the time spent traveling has also been reduced, this time can now be used for other work.Reference: コロナ禍で減少する国内・海外出張、規定上の出張関係費は据え置かれる傾向/産労総合研究所Review of old corporate systemsOne of the major changes since the COVID-19 pandemic is that old corporate systems that were taken for granted in many companies are being reviewed. For example, in the past, there was a tendency in many companies to think that “it was only natural to hold meetings face-to-face”. However, as recent trends show, meetings can be held online without any problems.Furthermore, when teleworking was first being introduced, it was thought that some employees would have to come into the office because they needed to use their personal seal on documents. However, in the modern age, digital seals are just as effective online. Therefore, after the COVID-19, there is no need to come into the office to use your personal seal.Since the COVID-19 pandemic, systems that were previously thought to be “unchangeable” are being reviewed, and work efficiency is being promoted. Companies that see the changes in working styles caused by the COVID-19 as “a good opportunity to review their corporate structure” will be able to continue to change into companies that are even more comfortable to work for after the COVID-19 pandemic.Reference: 時代は“脱ハンコ”へ コロナ禍で進む「電子契約/電子署名」の将来 慶応大の手塚教授に聞く/ITmedia NEWSCultural changes in Japanese companies since the COVID-19 pandemicSince the COVID-19 pandemic, the following cultural practices that were common in Japanese companies have been decreasing in frequency.Regular drinking sessionsMeals with co-workersCommuter rush hourHowever, it is thought that these changes are only temporary. In some cases, they may return once the COVID-19 crisis has settled down, so we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the outline of these changes.Regular drinking sessionsIn Japan, it is common for employees to have drinks together after work. However, since the COVID-19, there has been a trend to refrain from drinking sessions in order to prevent the three close contacts. The fact that there are fewer opportunities for drinking parties means that individuals spend less money and have more free time, which is a major benefit.On the other hand, it could be said that the fact that there are fewer opportunities for employee communication is a disadvantage. This is because drinking parties were often used as a place for employees to get to know each other.Furthermore, even after the COVID-19 pandemic, there are people who are still holding online drinking parties on the web. Compared to the past, many people may feel that online drinking parties are easier to attend, as there is less risk of staying out late or incurring large expenses.Reference: 職場の飲み会は必要?「飲みニケーション」についての最新調査、コロナ禍を経て仕事関係の飲み会は減少傾向に/YAHOOニュースMeals with co-workersIf you work for a Japanese company, it's not uncommon to be invited out for a meal by your boss, or to go out for a meal with your subordinates or colleagues. However, eating with multiple people and talking in enclosed spaces are major factors that increase the risk of infection, so just like drinking sessions, meals are also being curtailed after the COVID-19 pandemic.When holding a dinner party after the COVID-19, it is essential to choose a restaurant that takes infection control measures into consideration, such as choosing a restaurant with terrace seating or one where it is easy to keep a distance between people. Compared to a casual drinking party, the bar may be raised, but one option to prevent infection is to hold it online.Reference: ニューノーマル時代の接待やビジネス会食はどうすれば良い?/ヒトサラCommuter rush hourSince the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have introduced teleworking, which has greatly eased the commuter rush. The fact that people are less likely to get caught up in the crowds is probably one of the typical benefits of teleworking.Especially in areas with large populations, there is a clear trend in Japan towards more people commuting to work by train than by car. Therefore, the station concourses in the morning are so crowded that it is difficult to even walk freely. The trains are also similarly crowded, and it is not uncommon for it to be so crowded that you can't even move a single step. The fact that telework has become widespread and people no longer have to take the train has a positive impact on both body and mind.Reference: 「年中満員電車の社員と出社ゼロ社員」コロナ後さらに開く"テレワーク格差"/PRESIDENT onlinePoints to consider when preparing for the way we work after the COVID-19 pandemicIn the post-COVID-19 era, it is essential to work with the following points in mind.Create an environment where both telework and commuting to the office are possibleActively communicate with other employeesAdapt to new systems while understanding the corporate cultureCreate an environment where both telework and commuting to the office are possibleIn order to survive in the post-COVID-19 era, where many things have changed in recent years, it is necessary to be able to respond to both telework and commuting to the office. In order to make telework comfortable, various innovations are required, such as preparing a work room at home and improving the communication environment.On the other hand, some people feel that communication is easier when they go into the office, so it can be said that teleworking and going into the office each have their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the company, there are cases where employees can choose the way they want to work, so it would be better to be able to respond flexibly to both ways of working so that you can work more comfortably and efficiently.Reference: 影響は一長一短、米国でのテレワークはコロナ危機後も継続見込み/ForbesActively communicate with other employeesIf you are going to be working mainly from home, you need to be aware of the weakness of teleworking, which is that it can be difficult for employees to communicate with each other. As you won't always have colleagues around you, it will be more difficult to communicate than before. In order to avoid falling behind with your work due to teleworking, make sure you communicate well while making these kinds of efforts.If you have any questions, make sure to check them via chat or phone.Interact with your colleagues through online events, etc.When you come to the office, make sure to take thorough infection control measures and actively communicate with others.It is said that one of the disadvantages of teleworking is the lack of communication between employees. To remedy this, make use of the methods above to resolve any communication issues you may have.Reference: テレワークでのコミュニケーションにおける4つの課題点と解決策を紹介/コクヨマーケティング株式会社Adapt to new systems while understanding the corporate cultureThe COVID-19 has changed many things, including the way we work and people's values. However, if the general way of working in the post-COVID-19 era is not suited to the corporate culture, the way we work may not change significantly even after the COVID-19. If you focus too much on the unique post-COVID-19 working styles, such as “Why do people still commute to work after COVID-19?” or “Why are there still so many drinking parties?”, you may end up disrupting the harmony. While adapting to the systems that are changing due to COVID-19, let's not forget to have a good understanding and respect for the company culture before COVID-19.If you are looking for a job at a Japanese company that is understanding of the post-COVID-19 situation, try '"G Talent"In order to work without stress while preventing the spread of COVID-19, it is necessary to find a company that understands the way of working in the post-COVID-19 era. If you are looking for such a company, please use the job-change agent “G Talent”.G Talent is a recruitment service operated by Bizmates, an online English conversation service. We support people of various nationalities in finding work at Japanese companies. Our IT-savvy bilingual career advisors will propose jobs that match your desired working style.In addition to job introductions, they also provide a range of services, including salary and conditions negotiation support, resume creation support, and support for foreign nationals to obtain visas, so if you want to work at a company that suits you, why not start by registering?▶︎Click here to register for G TalentLet's get to know and adapt to the new ways of working in Japan that have emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic!In this article, we have introduced some of the changes that have taken place in Japanese companies since the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the introduction of teleworking and a decrease in opportunities for after-work drinks. By learning about the changes to working styles brought about by the COVID-19, even foreigners working in Japan for the first time will be able to adapt to their company more smoothly. If you are planning to work in Japan or would like to learn about the cultural differences between Japan and your home country, please refer to the content introduced in this article.Since working styles have diversified since the COVID-19, if you want to find a company with a working style that suits you, please use the job-change agency “G Talent”, which gathers global IT companies.

Job Hunting Knowledge

[With examples] When do engineers use English at work?

In recent years, engineers who are active in their work are required to have English skills. However, the term “English skills” covers a wide range of levels and types, so by learning about real-life examples of engineers using English, you can understand the English you need to learn. In this article, we will explain real-life examples of engineers who are active in their work using English. Let's grasp real-life examples of engineers using English and do some image training for career development.In addition to real-life examples, we will also explain the reasons why engineers use English at work and the benefits of learning English. If you are looking for a job where you can use English, please use the job-placement agency “G Talent”, which specializes in global companies.Summary of real examples of engineers using English at workFirst, we have compiled real-life examples of engineers using English at work.Communicating with foreignersReading English technical booksEnglish interviewsProject managementBridge SE workFor each example, we will explain the type of work, the characteristics of the company you work for, and the people you work with, as well as introduce examples of how English was used in the work. Please use the examples of changing jobs, studying abroad, and working overseas as a reference, and imagine your career as an engineer taking on new challenges in a new environment.Communicating with ForeignersMr. A, who has changed jobs to a company where he has the opportunity to work with foreign engineers, uses English in his daily communication. After working in web marketing, Mr. A changed jobs to a global IT company. At his new company, he is able to learn the latest information on IT and English, such as debating with foreigners at morning meetings and being exposed to the latest IT trends on TED, and he is working in a workplace where he can make use of his expertise.Despite being a small company, the workplace environment is diverse, so I discuss and communicate with native English-speaking engineers, and I am able to work hard alongside colleagues who share the common language of English and IT. I can say that the things I gained by diving into a global environment were significant. This is an example of using English not only at work, but also in everyday conversation.Reference: 【社員インタビュー Vol.9】DXエンジニア 英語力と専門性を高められるグローバルな環境/株式会社プリンシプルReading English technical booksMs. B, an engineer, started using English in his new job. She had always wanted to work as an engineer using English, and her wish came true.Since she started working in English, she has been able to read English-language technical books and other voluminous documents with ease. She is still continuing to study IT-related subjects in English, and is also working to improve his English skills in order to keep up with the latest information. This example focuses particularly on reading ability.Reference: エンジニアの僕が仕事で英語を使うようになって思うこと/masaytan's blogEnglish interviewsAfter studying abroad in the US, Ms. C, who became an IT engineer after returning to Japan, was able to make use of the English skills she had acquired during her time abroad and grew to the point where she was able to exchange opinions with the interviewer in English during the interview. She was able to communicate her experiences during his time abroad in English during the interview, and the interviewer was able to understand that she had studied hard during her time abroad. Although she had to interrupt her career to study abroad, she was able to acquire sufficient English communication skills, so she was glad that she had taken on the challenge.At the web services company where she changed jobs, she reads technical books and websites written in English, and responds in English when she receives inquiries from overseas teams in English. In this example, she is using English in a variety of different jobs, but in addition to business English, learning everyday English will also help you to express your thoughts in interviews and other situations.Reference: 【インタビュー】ボストン留学を経て未経験のIT業界へ!英語力を活かしてエンジニアに転身/English HubProject CoordinatorMs. D, who works in a department that verifies whether mobile phone lines and machinery are operating correctly, is also a project coordinator in her department. She carries out follow-up and problem solving to ensure that the verifiers can concentrate on their work, problem escalation, document creation, and meeting participation, etc.Due to the nature of the work, there is a lot of communication with the relevant parties, and as a verifier, it is necessary to give instructions in English to foreign engineers. In addition to making sure that communication conveys sincerity in everyday situations, it is said that adding English to the communication with foreign engineers helps to make difficult requests easier to carry out. Ms. D's strength is that she is able to communicate in English, which makes it easier to build a relationship of trust with foreign engineers.The number of foreign engineers working in Japan has been increasing in recent years, and by communicating in English it is possible to make more complex requests, as in this example.Reference: 【新卒2年目インタビュー】外国人エンジニアへの連携・指示でミッション完遂!バイリンガルプロジェクトコーディネータの奮闘記/AVINTONBridge SE workMr. E, who works as a bridge SE in the Philippines, works with Filipino engineers in English every day. Before he started working as a bridge SE, his TOEIC score was around 300, but after he started studying hard when he was hired, he improved to the point where he now has a TOEIC score of 700.Mr. E had experience working with foreign engineers in Japan, and he was giving instructions and feedback to foreigners in Japanese for domestic work. Now that he is working overseas, he has been able to learn the terminology and English expressions necessary for work, and is able to give instructions and feedback to Filipino staff in English. As this example shows, English ability is essential for those who want to work overseas.Reference: 【社員インタビュー】業務をこなせる英語力ってどのくらい?【ブリッジSE編】/Infinite points Philippines Inc.Why do engineers use English at work?There are three reasons why engineers use English at work.Because programming languages are based on EnglishBecause there are many global companiesBecause a lot of information is released in EnglishBecause programming languages are based on EnglishProgramming languages are based on English. Having English skills means you can learn programming languages by associating them with English vocabulary, rather than by rote memorization. This can be expected to reduce coding errors, improve work efficiency, and make troubleshooting easier, so engineers with English skills have an advantage.Reference: プログラミングに英語は必要?初心者のためのプログラミング学習の始め方/学舎さくらBecause there are many global companiesdue to a shortage of labor and the delay in IT education in Japan, the number of companies hiring foreign IT engineers from overseas is increasing. The number of workers from Asia, including China, South Korea and Vietnam, as well as North and South America, is increasing, and globalization is progressing.In order to make it easier to hire foreign IT engineers, some Japanese companies have made English the official language of the company, and the importance of English is increasing. English skills are especially necessary for global companies and foreign-affiliated companies, so English skills are essential for career advancement.Reference: 4年で12万人増、外国人エンジニア採用に注目が集まる理由を解説!/xseeds HubBecause a lot of information is released in EnglishIT technology is being developed all over the world, so the latest information is announced in English as soon as it becomes available. If you can understand English, you will be able to keep up with new information more quickly and easily. In recent years, translation services have also been developed, but they are not perfect, so engineers who can understand English in English are in high demand. If you want to quickly catch up with information and improve your skills, you should work on improving your English.Reference: ITエンジニアに必要な英語力とは?よく使う単語やおすすめ勉強法など紹介/ユニゾンキャリアメディアThe benefits of learning English that engineers can use at workThere are three main benefits to learning English that engineers can use at work.It increases the number of job options available to youYou can deepen your knowledge by reading English materialsIt leads to career advancementIt increases the number of job options available to youIn recent years, there has been an increase in the number of projects that are ordered on the assumption that the person will be able to use English. Therefore, being an engineer who can use English will increase your options for work.On the other hand, even if you have IT expertise and skills, there are cases where you cannot participate in important projects simply because you do not have English skills. The reality is that by expanding the scope of your work, you can increase your income by making a difference in your experience and achievements. English skills are essential for expanding the scope of your work and career.Reference: エンジニアに必要な英語力は?IT業界のTOEIC平均や勉強法も紹介!/Career-firstYou can deepen your knowledge by reading English materialsThe latest IT-related technologies and trends are often communicated in English. There are also technical books written in English, so reading English materials will help you deepen your knowledge. In fact, some of the examples we have introduced here are of people who have become able to read and understand English technical books and the latest information.Even if you use translation apps, it is difficult to understand everything, so engineers who can understand English literature as it is will progress more quickly. This will lead to professional development and skill improvement, and you may be able to achieve better results, get a pay rise or promotion more quickly.Reference: IT業界で英語力って本当に必要?求められる理由や選考で影響するのか解説!/DigmediaIt leads to career advancementIn order for engineers to advance their careers, they need to have English skills. The number of jobs that require English as a condition of employment is increasing, and there are cases where people with high skills as engineers are not hired because they cannot speak English. If you are aiming to work for a large company where English is the official language or a foreign-affiliated company, you will also need English skills. If you want to advance your career or work overseas like the examples we have introduced here, you should work on improving your English skills.Reference: 英語ができるエンジニア/キャリア(人生の選択肢)が超絶に変わります!【インフラエンジニア編】/CAMOUFLA BLOGEngineers have many opportunities to use English at work, and the benefits of learning English are greatIn this article, we have introduced some examples of situations where engineers use English at work. Engineers have many opportunities to use English, and engineers who can use English have many advantages. Acquiring English skills will broaden the scope of your work and help you to acquire skills and advance your career. There is no doubt that English skills will be a great asset to you as an engineer.If you are looking for a job where you can make use of your English skills, we recommend using “G Talent”, a job-placement agency specializing in foreign IT engineers. They can introduce you to jobs that match your current English level, so please tell a bilingual consultant with a wealth of IT knowledge about your hopes and circumstances. Registration is free, so if you are thinking about career advancement or changing jobs, why not register?

Articles in English

What level of English is required for an engineer's job?

In order for engineers to be successful in their jobs, all companies require English skills related to engineering and IT work. If you want to be successful as an engineer in your job, what level of English should you aim to acquire? In this article, we will explain the English level required of engineers, the reasons why engineers need a certain level of English skills, and how to study English.If you are an engineer who wants to make the most of your English skills, we recommend that you look for a job on “G Talent”, a job-placement service specializing in global IT recruitment. Use this article as a reference to acquire the level of English skills required of engineers, and improve your annual income and career as an engineer.The level of English skills required for engineering workEnglish skills are required of engineers, but what level of English is needed? In this article, we will explain the level of English skills required for engineering work, based on the following points.English comprehension at the level of an engineer is necessary for any companyMany companies require English skills equivalent to the third grade of the EIKEN testTo acquire business English, aim for a TOEIC score of 700 or aboveThe level of English proficiency required differs depending on the company and your position. We will explain the level required for foreign engineers who want to work for a wide range of Japanese companies, so please refer to this.English comprehension at the level of an engineer is necessary for any companyThere are companies in Japan that have set English as their official in-house language and accept many foreign engineers, but even if you don't work for such an IT company, you will still need to understand English related to engineering work. As there is a possibility that you will use English words related to engineering in your work, you should at least understand the minimum amount of English related to IT terminology and the industry. Even if you are not good at English, if you can understand the words, there are cases where it will not hinder your work.Reference: エンジニアに英語力は必要か?需要と効率的な勉強法を紹介!/案件ナビMany companies require English skills equivalent to the third grade of the EIKEN testThe minimum English level required for working as a foreign engineer in the Japanese IT industry is the third grade of the EIKEN test. The third grade of the EIKEN test can be obtained if you understand the English you learn at junior high school. In order to obtain the third grade of the EIKEN test, you must take a written test as well as an interview test. Since it is difficult to prove your English ability, obtaining an EIKEN certificate is a useful way to demonstrate your English ability.Reference: エンジニアに必要な英語力は?IT業界のTOEIC平均や勉強法も紹介!/Career-firstTo acquire business English, aim for a TOEIC score of 700 or aboveIn global companies, there is a high possibility of career advancement if you can speak business English. If you want to acquire business English, aim for a TOEIC score of 700 or more. By acquiring business English, you will be able to communicate fluently when meeting with overseas customers or foreign IT engineers who have come to work in Japan from another country.According to the Association for International Business Communication, the average score for Japanese test-takers of the TOEIC Listening & Reading test in 2021 was 574 points. So although the TOEIC 700 mark may seem like a high hurdle, why not give it a try for the sake of your career?Reference: TOEIC700点で一流ビジネスマンへの道を切り開く! 英語力はキャリアアップの最短ルート/ENGLEADWhy a certain level of English is necessary for engineering workThere are four reasons why a certain level of English is necessary for engineering work.Programming languages are based on EnglishThe number of companies with a multinational workforce is increasingThere are opportunities to work with overseas engineersThe latest information is disseminated in English Programming languages are based on EnglishThe programming languages that are essential for engineers' work are based on English. One of the reasons why you should understand English is that, by acquiring English skills, you can learn programming by linking it to the meanings of English words, rather than just memorizing programming languages. This not only reduces coding errors and improves work efficiency, but also makes it easier to deal with bugs and other problems.Reference: プログラミングで必要な英語力とは/DMM WEBCAMPThe number of companies with a multinational workforce is increasingIn the Japanese IT industry, the movement to hire foreign engineers is accelerating due to a shortage of Japanese workers and delays in IT education. As there are engineers from various countries such as China, South Korea, Vietnam and the United States, many companies are inevitably English-speaking environments. In some IT companies, English is the official language of the company, so in IT companies with a multinational workforce, English communication skills are necessary.Reference: 日本企業における外国人エンジニアの市場価値は?求人の探し方も紹介/G Talent BlogThere are opportunities to work with overseas engineersIn recent years, due to the popularity of offshore development, there has been an increase in the outsourcing of programming to overseas countries such as Vietnam. In such cases, you will have to communicate with overseas engineers. When communicating with overseas engineers without using the local language or Japanese, you will often have to use English, so English skills are essential when working with overseas engineers.Reference: ベトナムがオフショア開発で人気の理由とは?委託先の選定ポイントも/VNEXTThe latest information is disseminated in EnglishAs IT technology is being developed around the world and the core of IT companies is located in English-speaking countries, the latest information is often disseminated in English in the IT industry. Therefore, if you cannot understand English, you may not be able to catch the latest information quickly. In order to quickly grasp the latest information in IT, you should acquire English skills.Reference: エンジニアなら読んでおきたい海外の開発ブログ・メディア14選/レバテックキャリアA guide to the level of English proficiency required for an engineer's jobUp to this point, we have been introducing the relationship between an engineer's job and English, but from here we will explain the level of English proficiency required for an engineer's job, divided into EIKEN and TOEIC.EIKENIn the case of EIKEN, the minimum level is at least EIKEN Level 3. EIKEN Level 3 can be passed with English ability equivalent to the level of a junior high school graduate, so the hurdle is not that high.If you want to acquire business-level English skills, the benchmark is to obtain at least Pre-1st Grade in the EIKEN test. If you are applying for a job at a foreign-affiliated company, you will be able to list Pre-1st Grade in the EIKEN test on your resume and use it to your advantage. Pre-2nd Grade to 2nd Grade in the EIKEN test is the benchmark for acquiring English skills at the level of everyday conversation.Reference: ビジネスレベルの英語力とはどの程度?TOEICや英検スコアで比較/English WithTOEICThe benchmark score for TOEIC is 600 to 700 points or more. A score of 700 or more is a good benchmark for acquiring business English, so if you want to learn business English, aim for 700 points. If you can speak business English, you will have more opportunities to get involved in projects with overseas companies and to be posted overseas, which will be a plus for your career.Companies that have made English their official in-house language may require a higher TOEIC score. The required TOEIC score will vary depending on the company and job type you are applying for, so be careful. For example, Rakuten, Inc. requires a TOEIC score of 800 or above for mid-career hires for executive positions.Study methods for acquiring the English skills needed for an engineering jobEven engineers with low English skills can acquire English skills through study. The following four points are recommended methods for acquiring English skills.Learn the basics of English study with a textbookRead English-language mediaUse an English conversation schoolWatch English videosLearn the basics of English study with a textbookIf you have no English basics, start by studying the basics of English. To acquire English basics, we recommend using a textbook. With textbooks, you can read and review the material over and over again, so you can study it as many times as it takes to master the basics. Using textbooks that collect English expressions and vocabulary commonly used by IT industry professionals and engineers, you can learn English expressions used in the workplace quickly and efficiently.Reference: 「いろんな本で英語を勉強する」or 「同じ本を何度も繰り返す」【どっちが効果アリ?】/ピマログRead English-language mediaIf you want to learn English that you can use at work, we recommend using English-language media. By reading English newspapers and other media published online, you can learn native English that you can use at work and other situations. English newspapers and online news are also a good way to gather information, as you can catch up on the latest trends around the world and information that is hard to come by in Japan or your home country.Reference: 情報収集しながらリーディングスキルが身につく?!英語学習に最適な海外メディア20選/MoneyForward BizpediaUse an English conversation schoolBy attending an English conversation school, you can practice speaking with native English-speaking teachers. Nowadays, there are also online English conversation schools, so you can take lessons without being too restricted by time or location. English conversation schools offer a variety of courses and levels, so it is important to choose a lesson that suits you.Reference: 英会話教室に効果はある?自分に合った効果的な勉強法の見つけ方も/ECC外語学院Watch English videosIf you want to learn English in a fun way, make use of English videos. Watching foreign films and YouTube videos is a great way to practice listening to English and get used to the sounds of the language. You can also gradually practice so that you can understand the same film or video without subtitles after watching it a few times. Movies and videos are a great way to learn English expressions that you use in everyday life, so they are recommended for those who want to improve their speaking ability. One of the great things about them is that you can learn without feeling self-conscious during your spare time, such as when you're on the move.The level of English proficiency required for an engineer's job differs depending on the companyIn this article, we have explained the level of English proficiency required for engineers. The level of English proficiency required differs depending on the company and position, but if you are working in Japan as a foreign IT engineer, it is a good idea to acquire English proficiency equivalent to Level 3 of the EIKEN test at the very least. In order to acquire business-level English, we recommend that you aim to achieve a TOEIC score of 700 points.Depending on your level of English, you may be able to take on more work, and you may even get the chance to participate in overseas projects or be posted overseas. Use the information in this article as a reference, and learn in a way that suits you to acquire the English skills you need.If you are looking for a job that makes use of your English skills, we recommend the job-placement agency for foreign IT engineers, “G Talent”. They support the job hunting and career change activities of foreign IT engineers who want to work in Japan, and their bilingual consultants, who have a wealth of IT knowledge, help match engineers with companies that are actively hiring foreign engineers and job openings. If you want to acquire the English skills you need to work in Japan as an IT engineer and start your career in Japan as a foreign IT worker, please be sure to register with G Talent.

Articles in English

Engineers who can speak English have an advantage when it comes to finding a job!

IT engineers have a high chance of getting a job with English skills. However, if you are not confident in your English skills, you may be wondering how to study English. In this article, we will explain why English skills are an advantage when looking for a job, how to improve your English, and how to study English.We will also introduce the level of English proficiency that global companies in Japan are looking for in their engineers, so please check to see if your current English level is a good fit for your desired place of employment. If you are an engineer looking to find a place of employment at a global company where you can make use of your English skills, we recommend the global recruitment agency “G Talent”.If you are an engineer, being able to speak English will give you an advantage in your job search!Engineers working in Japan have a high chance of being at an advantage in their job search if they can speak English. The following four reasons are given as to why this is the case.Because programming languages are based on EnglishBecause the latest information is released in EnglishBecause offshore development is becoming more commonBecause there are IT companies where English is the official languageBecause programming languages are based on EnglishProgramming languages are basically based on English. For this reason, learning English is not just about memorizing programming languages, but also understanding the meaning of English words in source code, which is one of the main reasons why it is advantageous when looking for a job.For example, the English words “if” and “else” are used in various programming languages, such as C, Python, JavaScript and Ruby. By learning English, you can smoothly master programming and be active in your job.Reference: 英語教育も?!プログラミングと英語の意外な関係/パプナビBecause the latest information is released in Englishthe IT field, which engineers are involved in, is developing around the world, and in particular, the IT companies that lead the world are mostly English-speaking companies such as Google and Apple. For this reason, the latest information in the IT industry is generally released in English.Even in this day and age, when translation software is so advanced, being able to read English without using translation software will help you to understand it more quickly. In order to be the first to catch the latest information in the industry, engineers who want to be successful in their chosen career should acquire English skills.Reference: ITエンジニアに必要な英語力とは?よく使う単語やおすすめ勉強法など紹介/ユニゾンキャリアメディアBecause offshore development is becoming more commonin recent years, offshore development is progressing in Japan, with system design and specification writing being carried out in Japan and programming being outsourced to companies overseas due to reasons such as a shortage of IT personnel. For this reason, personnel who can speak English are highly valued as those who can communicate with local staff. As offshore development is expected to continue to progress, the scarcity value of IT personnel who can speak English is expected to increase.Reference: あらためて、オフショア開発とは|日本においてオフショア活用が進む理由/SHIFTASIABecause there are IT companies where English is the official languageIn Japan, the number of IT companies that have made English their official company language is increasing. At companies where English is the official company language, some companies recommend that employees obtain a certain level of TOEIC score or higher when they join the company, so having English skills can be an advantage when looking for a job.For example, Rakuten, Inc., a world-famous IT company, requires a TOEIC score of 600 for mid-career hires in the member class, 650 for the management class, and 800 for the executive class as of 2021. Engineers with English skills have a higher chance of being able to work at their desired place of employment.Reference: デジタル転職Q&A/win3The advantages that engineers with English skills can gain in their place of employmentThe following are the five advantages that engineers with English skills can gain in their place of employment.You can participate in a variety of projectsIt becomes easier to communicate both within and outside the companyYou can work more efficientlyYou can expect to receive better treatment and career advancementYou are more likely to be given the opportunity to work on overseas projects or to be stationed overseasYou can participate in a variety of projectsEngineers with English skills have a high chance of being able to participate in a variety of projects at their place of employment. For example, if you work for a company that does offshore development, you can play a role in connecting Japanese companies with overseas engineers by making use of your English skills. If your English skills are good, you may be able to participate in projects with overseas companies.In recent years, the number of foreign engineers working in Japan has been increasing, so there is also the possibility of being able to take on a management position overseeing a development team that includes foreign engineers.Reference: プロジェクトマネージャーが英語を使えることで得られるメリット/レバテックキャリアIt becomes easier to communicate both within and outside the companyEngineers who can use English will find their work scope broadens, and at the same time, it will become easier to communicate both within and outside the company. In the case of offshore development, it is also a benefit that you can create a good atmosphere because you can have casual conversations in English with engineers of various nationalities.In recent years, the shortage of IT personnel in Japan has led to an increase in the number of foreign engineers. As a result, engineers who can use English can communicate with other English-speaking engineers in the company without the need for translation software, making it easier to build relationships of trust.Reference: ハイブリッドコミュニケーションの世界で活躍するエンジニアへのソリューション/GDIYou can work more efficientlyFor a variety of reasons, including the increase in the number of foreign engineers and offshore development, there are more and more opportunities to use English in the IT industry. Engineers who can't speak English use translation software or interpreters, but one of the advantages of having English skills is that you can communicate directly, which makes work more efficient.If you work for a global company, there is also a high possibility that you will need to read English documents and materials. In this case too, having English skills will allow you to catch information efficiently. As an infrastructure engineer, when responding to problems with network services that are being developed globally, you will also be able to speed up the process from investigation to resolution, which will be advantageous.Reference: インフラエンジニアに英語力は必要か?英語力を身につけるメリットや水準を紹介!/パーソルクロステクノロジーYou can expect to receive better treatment and career advancementOne of the benefits of being an engineer with English skills is that you can expect to receive better treatment and career advancement. By working for a global company, engineers with English skills can communicate with clients in English and be evaluated as highly valuable personnel, which is advantageous. Furthermore, being able to quickly catch up with the latest information means that you can improve your skills more quickly, and it is easier to enhance your career and skills.Reference: 英語ができるエンジニア/キャリア(人生の選択肢)が超絶に変わります!【インフラエンジニア編】/MOUFLA BLOGYou are more likely to be given the opportunity to work on overseas projects or to be stationed overseasEngineers who can speak English can also respond directly to overseas projects. The chances of being posted overseas also increase, and the possibility of being involved in a variety of work increases compared to engineers who cannot speak English. If overseas projects and overseas postings increase, it will also be advantageous for future career development. For engineers who want to be active with an eye on overseas, acquiring English is a must.Reference: 外駐在のメリットと、その先にあるキャリア。海外勤務求人も紹介/JAC RecruitmentEnglish language ability required of engineers by Japanese global companiesThe following are typical levels of English language ability required of engineers by Japanese global companies.A minimum TOEIC score of 700A general understanding of English IT terminologyListening and speaking ability as well as reading and writing ability are also importantBilingual and native speakers have a significant advantageA minimum TOEIC score of 700In foreign-affiliated companies, global companies, and companies where English is the official language, TOEIC scores are sometimes used as a condition for employment. In the case of general Japanese global companies, a TOEIC score of 700 or above is the minimum line. You will need to understand not only the English used in everyday conversation, but also the English used in business situations, so you should also work on acquiring general business English.Reference: 【足切りラインはどこ?】外資系企業でのTOEICスコア目安/Gariben式A general understanding of English IT terminologyTo work as an engineer in a global company, you will need to be able to understand most English IT terms. As the English used by engineers differs depending on the type of work they do, you should learn IT terms in English that match your job content. If you can remember not only IT terms but also English related to your industry, you can expect to be more active.Reference: ITの英語:ITエンジニアが知っておきたい英単語と表現/Think ITListening and speaking ability as well as reading and writing ability are also importantIn order for engineers to make use of English in their workplace, it is important to have listening and speaking skills as well as reading and writing skills. This is because there are cases where you will be communicating directly with overseas business partners and customers, and English conversation is required.Furthermore, as the number of foreign engineers is increasing in many IT companies, if you cannot understand Japanese, it is highly likely that communication will be in English. In order to communicate smoothly both within and outside the company, you should also work on your English listening and speaking skills.Reference: 英語学習は「話す」ことが大切!グローバル組織で働くエンジニアに聞く、学習方法と働き方/Findy Engineer LabBilingual and native speakers have a significant advantageIf you have English skills at the level of a bilingual or native speaker, you will have a huge advantage in the workplace. Because you have English skills at a business level or above, you will be able to think logically and express yourself in English immediately, and you will also find it easier to speak up in meetings. You will have more opportunities to participate in overseas projects and to be posted overseas, and your range of work will expand.Reference: プログラミングは英語圏の人が圧倒的に有利、もはや卑怯なレベル/QiitaHow engineers who want to be more employable can improve their EnglishHaving English skills is an advantage when looking for a job as an engineer, but there are many people who are wondering how they can improve their English. Here, we will introduce three ways for engineers who want to be more employable to improve their English.Study for a TOEIC score of 700Specializing in English related to ITCreate an environment where you can speak English on a regular basisStudy for a TOEIC score of 700One way to improve your English is to focus your studies on the TOEIC. Many global companies set a minimum score of 700 points on the TOEIC, so studying to achieve this score will help you to acquire English skills that you can use in your work. There are many textbooks and apps that help you to achieve a score of 700 on the TOEIC, so make good use of them.It is also possible to measure your English ability by converting your TOEIC score to CEFR. CEFR is an international standard for measuring foreign language proficiency and operational ability, and there are six levels ranging from the most basic level, “A1”, to the highest level, “C2”. If you score between 705 and 950 points in TOEIC Listening/Reading, you will be at the “B2” level.Reference: CEFR(セファール)とは?英語力をCEFRで測る方法とレベルアップのための勉強法/PRONTESTSpecializing in English related to ITIf you are an engineer who uses English at work, it is efficient to learn English vocabulary that is specialized for use in IT. The following are examples of English words that are frequently used in the workplace by engineers.progress進捗function機能integration test総合テストunit test単体テストdevelopment開発requirement definition要件定義There are many other English words specific to the IT industry, so let's gradually learn them.Reference エンジニアに必要な英語力とは?おすすめ勉強法や頻出単語を紹介/産経オンライン英会話PlusCreate an environment where you can speak English on a regular basisBy creating an environment where you can speak English on a regular basis, you can improve your English skills on a regular basis. If you have foreign colleagues at work, try to speak to them in English as much as possible, or take an online English conversation course, and create an environment where you can use English on a regular basis.Using any spare time you have to learn English vocabulary and phrases that you can use in English conversation is also effective for busy working adults learning English. If you practice repeatedly and can use them naturally in English conversation, you will be able to accelerate your English learning even more.Reference: しい社会人のための3ステップの英語勉強法と使えるツール5選【継続のコツも解説】/Bizmates BlogEngineers who want to give themselves an edge in the job market should use “G Talent”In this article, we have explained why and how engineers who can speak English have an advantage in the job market, as well as the necessary English skills and how to acquire them. By acquiring English skills, engineers can participate in a variety of projects and communicate more easily with people both inside and outside the company.By acquiring English skills, engineers can also improve their treatment and career prospects, and there is a higher chance of being assigned to overseas postings. Using the methods introduced here as a reference, let's start a brilliant career as an engineer by acquiring the level of English skills required in the IT industry.If you are looking for a job where you can use English, we recommend "G Talent". G Talent is a job-placement agency specializing in foreign IT engineers. It provides strong support for the job-hunting activities of foreign IT engineers who want to work in Japan, as well as Japanese IT engineers with high English skills. It has a large collection of global job openings where you can use English, so please use it if you want to advance your career as an engineer.

Articles in English

【2024 Edition】Top 20 Most Popular IT Companies for IT Engineers!

Choosing the right place to work is important if you want to be successful as an IT engineer. There are many IT companies in Japan, and if you choose a good company that suits you, you can work as an IT engineer in a wide range of fields. However, there is also a compatibility factor when it comes to choosing a place to work, so it is important to gather information about the company before making a decision, rather than just choosing the most popular option.In this article, we will explain the rankings of popular IT companies in Japan and how to find good IT companies. By reading this article, you will be able to obtain information on good IT companies in Japan, which will be useful when choosing a place to work. If you want to find a job efficiently, we recommend "G Talent", a job-placement agency specializing in global IT companies.【2024 Edition】Top 10 Most Popular Places to Work for IT EngineersLet's take a look at the popular IT companies in Japan. According to the “2023 Graduate Engineer Student Targeted Employment Desired Company Ranking”, the following companies have made it into the top 10. In addition to the reasons for the popularity of these 10 companies, we will also explain their business content, performance trends, future prospects, and how IT engineers are active in these companies.CyberAgentYahoo!SonyMercariGoogleRakutenNTT DataRecruitDeNALINECyberAgentCyberAgent is a company that has gained recognition for its services such as Ameba Blog and Ameba. It has since launched a succession of popular services, including the community service Ameba Pig, the dating app Tapple, and the internet TV station Abema TV. The company is continuing to expand its business, increasing its market share in the internet advertising and gaming industries.Working at CyberAgent will give you influence in a wide range of fields in the IT industry, and you will be able to play an active role in various fields, such as the web services, gaming and advertising industries. This company is popular with many people because of the high-earning potential and the fact that you can work in a media-related job with a lot of influence.Reference: サイバーエージェントとは?事業内容と子会社を徹底解説/すべらない転職YahooYahoo is famous for its search engine, but it is also a global company that is developing various businesses in a wide range of fields, including auction, advertising, and fiber-optic line businesses. It is a large company in the SoftBank Group, and is mainly expanding its business in the internet industry.As it handles a wide range of fields, you can work in various industries, such as engineering, design, marketing, business development, sales, and customer support. It is a stable large company, so it is a popular place to work.Reference: ヤフーに就職&転職!ヤフーで働くのに求人にはどんな職種がある?給与や待遇は?/ジョブシフトSonySony is a major Japanese company that is developing in various industries, including the entertainment and infrastructure sectors, as well as the precision equipment sector, which includes cameras and smartphones. With sales of 11.5 trillion yen, it is the second-largest IT company in Japan, and high earnings can be expected. If you get a job at Sony, you can work as an infrastructure engineer or a web engineer for entertainment content. It is a popular place to work because you can work stably at a large company that represents Japan.Reference: IT企業ランキング|大手企業の年収・売上【2024年】/キャリハイ転職MercariMercari is a pioneer in the market place for transactions between individuals, and is a popular flea market site with over 20 million monthly users. Demand for peer-to-peer transactions continues to grow, and sales are expanding. If you work as an IT engineer at Mercari, you can play an active role in the development and operation of the site. It is a popular place to work because you can play an active role in the development of Japan's largest flea market site and can expect to earn a high income.Reference: メルカリに転職する方法!中途採用難易度や求人情報を徹底解説/すべらない転職GoogleIt is a global company that develops search engines and web services around the world. It is a major global company that is on a par with Amazon and Microsoft, and it continues to grow at a steady rate. If you can get a job at Google, you will be able to play an active role on the front line as an engineer. It is also known for its generous welfare benefits, and if you get a job there, you can expect your annual income to increase.Reference: IT企業ランキング|大手企業の年収・売上【2024年】/キャリハイ転職RakutenThis is a Japanese IT company that is involved not only in e-commerce malls, but also in credit cards and financial services. It has a wide range of businesses and is continuing to grow. If you get a job at Rakuten, you can work as an engineer in areas such as e-commerce malls and financial systems. It is a popular place to work because you can aim for a high income at a company that is growing.Reference: 【就職偏差値ランキング】IT企業の「新卒入社難易度」を徹底解説! /エンジニア就活NTT DATAThis is a leading Japanese IT company that works on not only private-sector systems but also financial systems and public systems. It handles a wide range of infrastructure services in Japan and is steadily growing. By working for NTT DATA, you can play an active role as an engineer supporting Japan at one of Japan's largest IT companies. It is a popular company because you can work as a cutting-edge engineer at a stable large company.Reference: Up To Data人と仕事、キャリアを伝えるWEBマガジン/NTT DataRecruitThe largest company in the human resources placement, temporary staffing and recruitment advertising business. The job market is continuing to grow, so future sales expansion is expected. If you work at Recruit, you can play an active role as an engineer developing and operating recruitment websites and web advertising sites. The reason for its popularity is that it is the largest company in the human resources industry and you can work in a stable environment.Reference: リクルート、24年3月期純利益過去最高に 米求人は不振/日本経済新聞DeNAThis is an IT company whose main business is smartphone app games. The smartphone app market is continuing to expand, and the company is also developing other businesses such as internet services, so sales are increasing. The work content includes engineering work such as game development, internet service development, and operation. The popularity of the company can be seen in the expansion of its game business and other reasons.Reference: アプリ市場の今後は?さらに伸びていく市場を解説!/DiGLabLINELINE is a company that is developing a wide range of mobile services and advertising businesses, centered around the LINE app. For Japanese people, LINE is now an indispensable communication tool, and the company is growing steadily, with the LINE business at its core. If you get a job at LINE, you can work as a development or operations engineer for the LINE app or advertising services, or as a web marketer. It is a popular place to work because you can get a job as a high-earning engineer.Reference: 日本発の世界第三極へ。アジアで広がるLINEのハイパーローカライゼーション戦略とは/Z HOLDINGSThere are many other popular places to work for IT engineers! 10 hot major companiesIn addition to the rankings introduced above, there are many other popular places of employment for IT engineers in Japan. The following 10 companies are currently in the spotlight. We will explain the business content, performance trends, future prospects, and how IT engineers are active at these 10 companies.NECHitachiMicrosoft JapanGMO InternetNTT DocomoNintendoAmazon JapanNomura Research InstituteSoftbankFujitsuNECNEC is a major Japanese electronics manufacturer. In addition to home appliances, the company is also involved in IT network solutions, mobile business, and semiconductor solutions through its subsidiaries. It is a popular destination for those who want to work for a major Japanese company in a stable position.Reference: 【就職難易度は?】NECの採用大学ランキング|学歴フィルター,倍率,選考フローも/就活の教科書Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi is a major Japanese electronics manufacturer that has also expanded globally. As such, there is also the possibility of being able to work in a global environment at an overseas base. If you work at Hitachi, you will be able to be involved in the development of IoT products and smart home appliances as an IT engineer. As it is a major company, you can also expect a high income.Reference: 【電機メーカー:業界研究】大手4社(日立製作所・ソニー・パナソニック・三菱電機)を比較!業績比較・ランキング・平均年収・社風/強みの違い/ONE CAREERMicrosoft JapanMicrosoft is a global company with the world's largest market share for operating systems. It is currently expanding its business in a wide range of areas, including the Internet, and sales are expected to continue to grow. As a global company, you can work in a global environment and work with cutting-edge engineers, which is one of the attractions of the company. It is popular because it places importance on work-life balance, such as introducing a 3-day work week and promoting remote work, so it is easy to work at.GMO InternetGMO Internet is an IT company whose main business is internet-related infrastructure. The company is currently expanding its business in a wide range of areas, focusing on internet and mobile phone lines.By working at GMO Internet, you can play an active role as an infrastructure engineer or system engineer. The company has many subsidiaries, and in addition to its internet infrastructure business, it is also involved in internet advertising and media, cryptocurrency, and internet finance businesses, so you will be able to work in a wide range of areas.Reference: GMOインターネット株式会社/withBNTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO is a company that is developing businesses such as smart life businesses and mobile phone compensation services, with mobile communications business as its core. Businesses related to smartphones are expected to continue to expand in the future.If you work for NTT DOCOMO, you can be involved in mobile communications as an infrastructure engineer or in IT service development as a systems engineer. It is a popular company because if you can get a job at the largest mobile communications company in Japan, you can expect to earn a stable, high income.Reference: 【企業研究】NTTドコモの事業内容や業務、強み・弱みを分析/IT JOB JOURNALNintendoNintendo is the biggest company in the video game industry, and it has a wide presence overseas. It is a major company that has spread Japanese game content around the world, and it is expected to continue expanding its business worldwide in the future.If you get a job there, you will be able to play an active role as an engineer involved in game development and operation. It is a popular company because it is a major company that can create Japanese game content that is popular around the world, and it offers the appeal of being able to work in a stable environment.Reference: 【企業研究】任天堂に就職するには?企業情報・評判・就活対策まとめ/インターンシップガイドAmazon JapanAmazon Japan is the largest EC site, and is currently expanding its business by entering the video business, such as Amazon Prime. Demand for EC sites and video businesses is expected to continue to grow in the future.At Amazon Japan, you can work as a development and operations engineer for the EC site, or as a system development and operations engineer for Amazon Prime. Working at a growing global IT company will also be an advantage for future job changes.Reference: アマゾンジャパンに転職したい人のための企業研究【自社株の付与&社割も】/リサコNomura Research InstituteNomura Research Institute is Japan's largest think tank, and is expanding its sphere of activity around the world. Demand for consulting services based on the analysis and verification of large amounts of data is increasing, and the company is expected to continue growing in the future.If you get a job here, you will be able to work as an IT consultant in the IT solutions field. There are many companies that require IT solutions, and depending on your skills and knowledge, you can expect to earn a high income, making this a popular company.Reference: 野村総合研究所(NRI)ってどんな会社?事業紹介や競合との違いなど徹底解説/就活市場SoftbankSoftbank is involved in a wide range of businesses, including mobile communications such as smartphones and infrastructure businesses. It has many group companies and is steadily expanding its sales. If you work at Softbank, you can play an active role as an infrastructure engineer or web engineer.FujitsuFujitsu is a company that is developing a wide range of businesses, including IT solutions, as well as precision equipment such as PCs. It is the developer of Japan's supercomputer “Fugaku” and has high IT technology. It is a company that has a presence in the fields of precision equipment and IT, making use of its technology and know-how, and it is possible to work there while gaining first-hand experience of the skills of a systems engineer or researcher in IT solution development.Reference: 富士通の強みから参考にしたい企業研究のポイント|競合となる企業も押さえよう/キャリマガIf you want to work for a company that is popular with IT engineers, find a job with "G Talent"The companies we have introduced as popular places to work in Japan are all major corporations that are difficult to get into. In order to find a job that suits you, it is important to obtain as much information as possible about the company and to have a clear idea of what kind of work you will be doing and what kind of career you want to build.There are many excellent companies in Japan, both major corporations and smaller companies that we have not introduced here. If you would like to find out about a variety of excellent companies, please use the job-placement agency “G Talent”, which specializes in global IT companies.G Talent has over 1,000 IT job openings, from large companies to small and medium-sized enterprises. It provides a variety of support, including job hunting support, visa support for foreigners, and salary negotiation support, so it is recommended for those who want to find a job that suits them.

Articles in English

What languages should back-end engineers in IT companies focus on?

In order to be successful as a backend engineer in an IT company, you will need a wide range of skills and knowledge. In particular, knowledge of languages is essential for backend engineers, and there are many different types of languages, so you may be wondering which one you should focus on. The languages required for backend engineers change over time, and also depend on what kind of system development you are working on.In this article, we will explain the languages that backend engineers should focus on, the languages that they should learn in the future, and the future prospects for backend engineers and what they need to do to be successful. If you want to work as a backend engineer in Japan, we recommend “G Talent”, a recruitment agency specializing in global IT companies.What is a backend engineer working at an IT company?The term "back-end engineer" refers to an engineer who develops server-side programs for web pages and web applications. Websites and web pages have two types of programs: the front-end, which is the program that users can see on the screen, and the back-end, which is the program that users cannot see.The back-end program handles processing requests from the front-end and database operations. For example, the role of the backend is to authenticate users by checking their login information against the database, and to output customer data by referring to it. Backend engineers are the ones who develop backend programs like this.On the other hand, frontend engineers develop the frontend programs that users see on the screen, using HTML, CSS, etc. They are responsible for executing the frontend programs, such as moving animations on the screen and outputting input forms.Back-end engineers and front-end engineers have different roles and objectives, so the knowledge and skills they need to focus on are also different. In this article, we will take a closer look at back-end engineers, who work on the programs that are not visible to users.Reference: バックエンドエンジニアとは?フロントエンドエンジニアとの違いや求められるスキルについても解説/AKKODiSLanguages that back-end engineers in IT companies should focus on from now onThere are many different types of languages used by engineers, and many people may be wondering which languages they should focus on in order to become active as a backend engineer at an IT company in the future. Languages in high demand for backend engineers should be prioritized for learning, and it is also recommended to learn languages that are expected to develop in the future. In this article, we will introduce four languages that backend engineers should focus on in the future.PythonPython is a programming language suitable for engineers working with deep learning. Back-end engineers who want to work in fields such as AI and machine learning in the future should learn it. Python is a language that can also be used for developing web apps, games, desktop apps, etc. However, for back-end engineers who do not work on AI or machine learning, it is not a language that should be mastered as a trend.Even among backend engineers, if Python has already been introduced in the workplace or is included in the requirements for job postings, you should hurry up and learn it. If you need deep learning skills, we recommend that you consider learning it.Reference: Pythonでできること一覧!AI・データ分析など事例をふまえて解説/UdemyメディアGoGo is a relatively new language, and it is increasingly being used for back-end development. Compared to Java and Ruby, the way you code is very different, so the learning curve is steep, but the advantage is that you can do it with less coding, so it's compact and less prone to bugs. Go is a language that is expected to develop in the future, so it is recommended that you learn it if you want to work as a back-end engineer at an IT company in the future.Reference: Goエンジニアの仕事内容は?将来性や身に付けるべきスキルについて解説!/HiPro TechKotlinKotlin is a relatively new language that is Java-based and suitable for Android development. If you are a backend engineer who wants to start developing Android apps, we recommend learning Kotlin. Although the iPhone has a large share of the smartphone market in Japan, Android is dominant worldwide. Demand for Android app development is expected to remain high in the future, so if you are planning to develop apps, you should learn Kotlin.Reference: Kotlinのこれからを語るScalaScala is a new language that is compatible with Java and has many advantages, such as high-speed processing and high development efficiency. It can be used for server-side development and development related to big data analysis, so it is a language that is set to develop in the future. As the successor to Java, it is highly secure and can be used for large-scale systems. For this reason, it is one of the languages you should learn if you want to work as a backend engineer for an IT company in the future.Reference: Scalaとは?将来性やメリット・デメリット、Javaとの関係も解説/レバテックキャリアLanguages that back-end engineers in IT companies should knowThe four languages introduced above are relatively new languages that back-end engineers should know. From here, we will also introduce the five standard languages that back-end engineers often use.PHPPHP is a language that is active as a back-end development language. There are many existing systems that have been developed in PHP, and it is often necessary to use PHP when performing system maintenance or adding functions. However, PHP is not a trendy language, and it is expected that it will gradually give way to new languages that will become major in the future. However, there are many IT jobs that require PHP skills, so it is one of the languages you should learn if you want to work as a backend engineer at an IT company in the future.Reference: 2000年以降20年間のプログラミング技術の歴史を振り返って、得た知見を書いてみる/QiitaJavaJava is a basic language that should be learned as a top priority for back-end engineers. It is used all over the world because it is highly secure and can reduce bugs and security risks, and there are many parts that are necessary for working with existing systems. If you learn frameworks such as Spring and Spring Boot together, you will be able to code efficiently.Although Java is an old language that is rarely upgraded, there are still many job postings that require Java skills. If you are looking to change jobs and increase your annual income, we recommend learning it.Reference: バックエンドエンジニアになるには(身につけるべき重要なスキル)/kinstaRubyRuby is a language developed in Japan and is the base language for the popular framework Ruby on Rails. Using it in conjunction with this framework makes programming easier and allows for more efficient development. It is a language that is constantly evolving, so it can be said that it will continue to play an active role in the future. It is particularly often used by venture companies, so back-end engineers who are aiming for jobs at venture companies should learn it.Reference: プログラミング言語のRubyとは?特徴やできることを解説/発注ラウンジC, C++The C language, which has been used for a long time, is a general-purpose language that can be used for developing operating systems, core systems, software, embedded systems, etc. C++ is an object-oriented language that extends the C language, and can be used for a wide range of applications, including web apps, embedded systems, AI development, and game development. There are many systems that run on these languages, and there are still many system maintenance and function addition projects. For this reason, you should make sure you have a good grasp of these languages as a backend engineer.Reference: C言語は今でも価値のある言語か?/InfoQC#C# is a language that is very similar to Java, and it can be used for web apps, smartphone apps, game development, etc. As it was developed by Microsoft, it has a high affinity with Microsoft products. There are many existing systems that are running on C#, so it is one of the languages that you should know as a backend engineer.Reference: C#の将来性はある?需要が高まっている理由や成功するための方法を紹介/HiPro TechWhat is the future for IT companies as a backend engineer?There are many different types of engineers in IT companies, and I'm sure many people are wondering what the future holds for backend engineers. Backend engineers' jobs, such as maintaining and operating existing systems, will never disappear, so it can be said that this is a job that will continue to be in demand. In fact, there are many job openings for adding functions to existing systems, fixing bugs, and maintenance, and it is predicted that the high demand for backend engineers will continue in the future.Furthermore, the market for IT systems and smartphone apps is expected to continue growing, so the demand for backend engineers is extremely high. However, the skills required of backend engineers are constantly evolving, so you need to constantly acquire new skills and knowledge.Reference: バックエンドエンジニアの今後は?予想される5つと必要とされ続けるためのスキルを解説/DMM WEBCAMPIt is a chance for foreign IT workers to work as back-end engineers in Japan!In recent years, the shortage of IT workers in Japan has continued, and the number of foreign IT engineers has been increasing in order to make up for the lack of human resources. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's “Summary of Reports on Employment Status of Foreigners” (as of October 31, 2021), the number of foreign workers has continued to increase as shown in the following graph. In particular, in Japan's IT industry, where the shortage of human resources is progressing, there is a high possibility that demand for foreign IT engineers will continue to grow. For foreigners who want to play an active role in Japan from now on, it can be said that backend engineering is one of the recommended occupations.What is necessary to play an active role as a backend engineer at an IT company?In order to play an active role as a backend engineer at an IT company from now on, you will need various knowledge and skills in addition to programming languages. In particular, the following five things are things that you will not lose by remembering as a backend engineer.Improve management skillsImprove framework skillsAcquire cloud skillsAcquire knowledge of securityAcquire front-end skillsImprove management skillsWhen working for a Japanese IT company, team work is required in almost all workplaces. In particular, if you want to become a leader or manager rather than just a worker as a team member, you will need management skills to ensure that work is carried out smoothly within the team. As you will need to communicate with team members, manage progress, manage problems, and train junior staff, you will need to develop high-level management skills. If you want to become a successful backend engineer, you should work on improving your management skills.Reference: バックエンドエンジニアの将来性とキャリアパスとは/エンジニアスタイルImprove  framework skillsIn order to carry out efficient development, you will need framework skills. A framework is a pre-defined structure for efficient development. The frameworks you can use will differ depending on the language you use, such as Ruby on Rails for Ruby or Spring Boot for Java, so make sure you learn the right framework and use it well. By making use of frameworks, you can become an excellent backend engineer who can efficiently generate high-quality code.Reference: フレームワークとは?概要やプログラミング言語別の機能を分かりやすく解説/レバテックルーキーAcquire cloud skillsIn recent years, there has been an increase in the number of projects that prioritize cost performance by utilizing cloud environments rather than setting up their own servers. For this reason, there is an increasing demand for backend engineers to have cloud service skills such as AWS, Azure, and GCP. By acquiring these skills, you can become an effective backend engineer.Reference: バックエンドエンジニアの役割とは? 仕事内容や必要なスキルをご紹介/HiPro TechAcquire knowledge of securitySecurity is an important requirement for any system development, not just for backend engineers. In particular, backend engineers often handle users' confidential information, etc., so it is essential to maintain security. If you want to work as a backend engineer in the future, you must acquire knowledge about security, as there is a possibility that you will not be able to engage in practical work if you do not have knowledge about security.Reference: バックエンドエンジニアの仕事とは? スキルや案件例、向いている人の特徴も紹介/FLEXYAcquiring front-end skillsBackend engineers can carry out overall development smoothly by also acquiring front-end development skills. If you have skills in both areas, you will be able to expand your opportunities as an engineer. Front-end skills are not essential, but they are one skill you should acquire if you have the time.Work for a Japanese company as a backend engineer at an IT companyIn this article, we have explained the languages that backend engineers should focus on, the basic languages that they should master, the future prospects for backend engineers, and what they need to do in order to be successful. If you want to become a successful backend engineer, please refer to the content we have introduced here. In addition to basic and up-to-date languages, you can become a backend engineer who can quickly make a difference by acquiring other skills and knowledge.For foreign IT personnel who want to work as backend engineers in Japan, we recommend using the job-change agency for foreign IT engineers, “G Talent”. With over 200 companies providing recruitment support and a track record of over 70 nationalities of engineers changing jobs, you can find IT jobs at companies where you can work in a fair environment regardless of your nationality.