Technical Skills vs. Language Skills in Japan

Japan is notorious for its strict language requirements in the workplace. If you’ve ever browsed job listings for positions in Japan, you’ve likely seen the dreaded “JLPT N2 or higher required” stamped across many of them. This can be discouraging for foreigners who are still working on their Japanese skills but are highly skilled in other areas. However, there’s good news—technical skills can sometimes outweigh language skills in Japan, and in some cases, they can be the deciding factor in getting hired.

1. The Global Nature of Tech and Engineering Jobs

Industries like software development, AI, robotics, biotech, and mechanical engineering have a global language: technical expertise. If you’re a software developer who can code in Python, C++, or Java, your ability to write efficient and secure code will often be valued more than your ability to chat fluently in Japanese.

Japanese companies—especially tech firms—are realizing that hiring foreign engineers can boost innovation and global competitiveness. This is why some companies now offer jobs with English as the primary working language, even in Japan. Large corporations like Rakuten, Mercari, and LINE have already shifted toward English as their official workplace language, and many startups are following suit.

Example:
A machine learning engineer with experience in TensorFlow and deep learning algorithms may find that their expertise is in such high demand that companies are willing to accommodate their lack of Japanese proficiency.

2. The Growing Need for Foreign Talent

Japan is facing a serious labor shortage, especially in highly specialized fields. According to reports, the country is experiencing an acute shortage of engineers, cybersecurity experts, and AI specialists. The Japanese government and corporations have recognized this and have started relaxing strict language requirements for jobs that are difficult to fill.

This demand has led to:

• More English-speaking workplaces in IT and engineering.
• An increasing number of visa options for highly skilled professionals.
• Companies investing in interpretation services or bilingual project managers to bridge the communication gap.

3. The Rise of Multinational and Foreign-Owned Companies

If your Japanese isn’t up to par, working at a multinational company or a foreign-owned firm in Japan can be a great workaround. These companies often use English internally and don’t expect employees to be fluent in Japanese. For example, global consulting firms like Deloitte or PwC, as well as major IT companies like Amazon Japan, Google, and Microsoft Japan, frequently hire foreigners with little to no Japanese skills.

Example:
An AI researcher with a PhD and experience working with neural networks may find it much easier to get a job at a Japanese branch of Google or IBM than at a traditional Japanese corporation that expects N1-level Japanese.

4. The Shift in Japanese Business Culture

Traditionally, Japanese companies have prioritized harmony and communication over individual expertise. However, with increasing globalization, this mindset is slowly changing. Many firms now recognize that hiring someone with exceptional technical skills but limited Japanese ability can still be more beneficial than hiring a native speaker with average skills.

Additionally, remote work is becoming more common in Japan, allowing companies to hire foreign professionals who may not be fluent in Japanese but can contribute remotely in English.

5. The Ability to Work with Translators and Bilingual Team Members

In highly technical fields, communication barriers can be mitigated through:

• Bilingual project managers
• Professional translators
• Team members who act as language bridges

This setup allows highly skilled professionals to focus on their expertise while relying on language support for client meetings, documentation, or company policies.

6. Japan’s Government Support for High-Skilled Foreigners

The Japanese government offers various incentives to attract skilled foreign workers, such as:

• Fast-tracked visas for professionals in high-demand fields.
• The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa, which offers long-term residency and family support.
• Tax incentives and housing support in certain cases.

This government push to bring in skilled talent means that many companies are actively seeking foreign experts, regardless of their Japanese language proficiency.

When Language Skills Still Matter

While technical skills can sometimes outweigh language skills, not all jobs in Japan will make this exception. If your job requires frequent communication with Japanese clients, government agencies, or a non-bilingual team, language skills will be essential.

Jobs where Japanese is usually required:

• Sales and marketing
• HR and recruitment
• Customer support
• Legal and compliance roles

Even in technical fields, learning Japanese will open more doors in the long run, especially if you plan to stay in Japan for an extended period.

Final Thoughts

If you have in-demand technical skills, don’t let your lack of Japanese fluency discourage you from applying to jobs in Japan. The demand for skilled professionals, the rise of English-friendly workplaces, and Japan’s labor shortages mean that many opportunities exist for those who can offer value through expertise rather than language proficiency.

That said, learning Japanese—even at a basic level—can significantly enhance your work experience, career growth, and daily life in Japan. But if you’re a top-tier data scientist or a software engineer? You might just find that your technical abilities speak louder than your Japanese skills.

Would you like help finding job listings that fit this profile? Or tips on networking in Japan’s tech industry?