About Japan Dev Guide
By Vetra Aprilia — Backend Engineer, Osaka, Japan
Who's Behind This?
Hi, I'm Vetra Aprilia — an Indonesian developer who moved to Japan and has been working in IT here for over 6 years. I'm currently based in Osaka and work as a backend engineer.
I created Japan Dev Guide because I know firsthand how confusing and overwhelming it can be to navigate the Japanese tech industry as a foreign developer. From visa paperwork to salary negotiations, from understanding work culture to figuring out which companies actually treat international engineers well — I've been through it all.
This guide is my way of helping other foreign developers skip the guesswork and make informed decisions about their careers in Japan.
Why This Guide?
Most resources about working in Japan are either too generic, outdated, or written by recruiters with something to sell. They paint an incomplete picture — glossing over the hard parts or pushing a narrative that benefits their business, not you.
Japan Dev Guide is different. It shares real, on-the-ground experience — no corporate spin. Just honest, practical information from someone who lives and works here every day. Whether you're considering a move to Japan or already here trying to level up, this guide gives you the unfiltered truth.
What We Cover
Japan Dev Guide covers 8 comprehensive topics that matter most to international developers building a career in Japan:
- Visas — Work visa types, requirements, and the sponsorship process
- Salaries — Realistic salary ranges, negotiation tips, and compensation breakdowns
- Hiring process — How Japanese tech companies recruit, interview, and evaluate candidates
- Work culture — What it's actually like to work in a Japanese tech company day-to-day
- Cost of living — Rent, taxes, insurance, and budgeting across different cities
- Tech stack — Popular technologies, frameworks, and tools used in the Japanese market
- Japanese language — How much you really need, and how to improve while working
- Career growth — Promotion paths, switching jobs, and long-term strategies
Contact
Have a question, spotted an error, or want to collaborate? Feel free to reach out: