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The COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed Japan’s job market. What was once an “employer-driven market” has now shifted to a “candidate-driven market,” especially in the IT industry. With the rise of remote work and accelerated digital transformation (DX), demand for tech talent continues to grow. Growth is particularly strong in fields like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. For skilled professionals, this is an ideal time to take the next step toward building a future-ready career. The Impact of COVID on Japan’s Job Market Let’s take a look at how the overall job market in Japan has evolved since the pandemic began. Early COVID Period (2020 – mid-2021): Hiring Freezes and the Rise of Online Recruitment During the initial outbreak, many companies temporarily froze or scaled down hiring. Industries dependent on face-to-face services, such as hospitality, tourism, and retail, saw a sharp decline in job postings, making it a challenging, employer-dominated market. However, this period also saw the rapid adoption of online interviews, reducing geographical barriers and enabling candidates to explore opportunities beyond their region. Remote work also began to gain significant traction and become a standard practice. Mid-COVID to Post-COVID (Late 2021 – Present): Strong Recovery and Labor Shortages As economic activity resumed, companies reignited their hiring initiatives. The job-to-applicant ratio steadily increased, and Japan’s job market fully shifted to a candidate-driven phase. Essential services and specialized professions now face serious labor shortages. At the same time, rising living costs are encouraging more workers to seek better pay and work conditions—further fueling mobility in the job market. Unique Shifts in the IT Industry and the Skills That Will Be in Demand Unlike other industries, the IT sector saw robust growth even during the pandemic. While many companies paused hiring, IT firms faced soaring demand driven by the need for secure remote infrastructure and the explosive growth of online services like e-commerce, SaaS, and online conferencing. Since then, IT professionals have become central to companies' survival and innovation strategies, with high demand for roles such as software engineers, IT consultants, project managers, and data scientists. In the post-COVID era, the demand for advanced tech skills is intensifying. Talent with expertise in areas like: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Blockchain Cloud Technologies Cybersecurity ...are now more valuable than ever. With remote work now a standard option, tech professionals can build flexible, location-independent careers with wider access to top-tier opportunities. Conclusion: Now Is the Time to Seize the Opportunity In the post-COVID job market, the value of IT professionals continues to rise. By sharpening your skills in growth areas like AI and cloud computing, you can dramatically expand your career possibilities. Companies are increasingly offering flexible working styles and attractive compensation packages to secure the best talent. 

With Japan’s shrinking workforce due to its aging population, companies are ramping up their investments in IT. In addition to improving operational efficiency with fewer employees, businesses are advancing remote work policies and reskilling initiatives. 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year where talent strategy and IT adoption become the two main drivers of corporate growth. This article explores how IT investment and workstyle transformation are helping companies overcome talent shortages. The Turning Point of 2025: Aging Workforce Sparks a Wave of Digital Transformation By 2025, Japan's labor force is expected to decline further due to demographic shifts. As the baby boomer generation reaches 75, labor shortages—particularly in healthcare and eldercare—are becoming critical (Source: RIETI ). In response, companies are expanding IT investment to automate and streamline operations. In retail, for example, unmanned checkouts and AI-driven demand forecasting are rapidly being adopted to reduce reliance on human labor. In the service sector, cloud-based systems are being used to centrally manage tasks like customer service, reservations, and inventory. But this is more than just reducing headcount—it is about enabling small teams to produce big results. “Work From Anywhere” Becomes the Norm: Productivity Innovation Through IT and Flexible Workstyles Companies are going beyond automation by leveraging IT to create more flexible and employee-friendly work environments. To support remote work and flexible hours, more organizations are adopting cloud-based attendance management systems and digital communication tools. A growing trend is for urban companies to hire skilled talent from rural areas through remote work, expanding access to quality talent and increasing organizational strength. Online training platforms and digital manuals are also enabling faster onboarding of inexperienced employees. Ultimately, IT is empowering businesses to break free from location-based constraints, expanding their ability to attract and utilize talent—even in a declining population. Reskilling in the AI Era: Why Talent Development is Critical to Competitive Advantage Japan’s talent shortage isn’t just about headcount—it is about a lack of people with the right skills. There is an acute shortage of professionals in fields like: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cloud infrastructure Cybersecurity To close this gap, companies are increasingly turning to reskilling programs. For example, many are now offering in-house training for employees with no IT background, teaching them programming, data analysis, and digital tools. The rise of low-code/no-code platforms is also helping non-engineers to build business applications, further expanding internal capabilities. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, companies are expected to shift from “buying expensive talent externally” to “building skills internally.”  Balancing talent development with smart IT adoption is becoming essential for improving both productivity and long-term competitiveness.

Digital Transformation (DX) has evolved far beyond simply implementing IT solutions—it is now a powerful driver of business innovation. In this article, we explore how three of the latest technology trends are shaping and accelerating DX strategies across industries, from a technical perspective. 1. Advancing Intelligent Automation with Generative AI The application of generative AI is rapidly expanding beyond chatbots and content generation. One of the most impactful developments is its integration with RPA (Robotic Process Automation), resulting in what is now called intelligent automation. For example, in customer support, AI can now understand and categorize inquiries, then suggest optimal responses and next steps—automating even complex, exception-based interactions that were previously difficult to handle. In development environments, generative AI enables automatic generation of code and test scripts, significantly improving productivity. Key skills in this domain include: Understanding large language models (LLMs) Prompt engineering Implementing API integrations 2. Cloud-Native Technologies for Maximum Development Agility A cloud-native environment is essential for organizations aiming to accelerate their DX initiatives. Technologies like Docker and Kubernetes have made microservices architectures mainstream, allowing each service to be independently scalable and resilient. Automated CI/CD pipelines (Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery) and service mesh tools such as Istio further streamline development while ensuring stable operation. In addition, serverless computing (e.g., AWS Lambda) helps significantly reduce the burden of infrastructure management. Key competencies here include: Designing and managing cloud infrastructure Understanding DevOps practices Implementing robust security measures 3. Building the Next-Gen Data Infrastructure with Data Mesh Traditional centralized data platforms often struggle with scalability and agility. The emerging concept of the data mesh addresses these limitations. In a data mesh model, individual departments manage and share their own data products, taking ownership of both data governance and delivery. This decentralization empowers teams across the organization to make faster, more informed decisions. To implement data mesh effectively, organizations must focus on: Data governance frameworks Data catalogs Designing data lineage (the flow and history of data) This is a highly advanced field requiring not only expertise in distributed systems and data infrastructure, but also strong domain knowledge. In Summary  DX is becoming indispensable across all industries, and the demand for professionals who can navigate and lead through change is growing rapidly.

In 2025, Japan’s IT market is projected to grow steadily, showing an 8.2% increase year-on-year. The ongoing push for digital transformation (DX), regulatory compliance, and the growing adoption of IT among small and mid-sized enterprises are driving this expansion. Cloud services and SaaS are also rapidly gaining traction. One of the key developments fueling this momentum is the modernization of legacy systems, which is enabling business innovation. IT investment has clearly evolved from a support function to a core driver of corporate growth. In this article, we explore the connection between the expanding IT market and the rise of DX-driven strategies. What Does an 8.2% Increase in IT Investment Really Mean? Digital technologies become the core of corporate strategy Japan’s IT market is forecast to reach ¥26.6412 trillion in 2025, up 8.2% from the previous year (Source: iMagazine ). According to IDC Japan, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2023 to 2028, surpassing ¥30 trillion by 2028 (Source: IDC Japan ). This growth is not driven by temporary factors. Rather, it is the result of widespread digital integration across all business operations. Organizations of all sizes and industries are now placing IT investment at the center of their business strategy, with a strong focus on enhancing competitiveness and productivity. Cloud & SaaS Accelerate DX with Affordable, Scalable Solutions One of the key enablers of this digital shift has been changes in regulatory frameworks. The invoice system introduced in 2023 and the revised Electronic Book Storage Act fully enforced in 2024 have prompted many companies to accelerate digitization. Of particular interest is the growing adoption among small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). Once hesitant about IT investment, these businesses are now finding it easier to adopt digital tools, thanks to the affordability and flexibility of cloud-based services and SaaS. With low-cost subscription models, more companies are streamlining back-office operations and improving customer experience—all without massive upfront investments. The Road Ahead: Modernizing Legacy Systems & Integrating Siloed Operations Among large enterprises, there is a clear trend toward revisiting and modernizing legacy systems. Outdated IT infrastructures often hinder DX efforts and require bold, strategic overhauls. One major focus is the integration of fragmented systems across departments. This is more than just an efficiency play—it enables the creation of new business models and enhanced service quality. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, IT investment will no longer be seen merely as a cost of doing business, but as a strategic lever for driving future revenue. 

Web3, the next generation of the internet, holds enormous potential—but behind its innovation lie uncertainties and significant challenges. While some projects achieve great success and gain attention, many others fade out before making an impact. In this article, we will explore the key traits that separate successful Web3 ventures from unsuccessful ones. From Speculation to Real Utility – 3 Golden Rules to Survive and Succeed in Web3 When people hear "Web3," they often associate it with speculation or quick profits. But Web3 is about much more than investing—it is about using blockchain technology to solve real-world problems, empower creators, and build decentralized systems with lasting value. Here are three essential principles for creating sustainable, value-driven Web3 projects. 1. Clear Utility and Real-World Value  To succeed in Web3, a project must deliver tangible utility—not just hype or speculation. The key is solving real problems and enhancing users’ lives through technology. Here are some successful examples: DeFi (Decentralized Finance): Makes financial services accessible to people without traditional bank accounts. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens): Allow creators to monetize their work on the blockchain while giving fans provable ownership. DIDs (Decentralized IDs): Enable secure, privacy-respecting digital identity management. The common thread? Each offers clear, practical benefits that improve user experiences. 2. Strong Community and Transparent Governance A thriving community is essential for the success of any Web3 initiative. Web3 is built on decentralization and co-creation, meaning users and developers often become key stakeholders in a project’s evolution. This is where DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) play a pivotal role—giving community members a voice in decisions and direction. Transparency from the start is critical. Sharing roadmaps, welcoming feedback, and building trust through openness all help grow a loyal user base. 3. Robust Technology and Rapid Security Response Security is non-negotiable in Web3. While blockchain provides a resilient backbone, the risks—such as smart contract vulnerabilities and hacking—are real. To ensure user trust and long-term viability, projects must prioritize: Security audits: Engage third-party firms to review code and identify risks. Bug bounty programs: Encourage ethical hackers to report flaws before malicious actors find them. Multisig wallets: Add security layers requiring multiple approvals for major transactions. And when security incidents happen, the speed and transparency of the response can make or break a project’s reputation. Real-World Failure: Lessons from a Web3 Collapse Not every Web3 initiative succeeds. Take the example of ZTX, a metaverse platform born from ZEPETO. It promised a "play-to-earn" model, but the low rewards and repetitive tasks failed to engage users, leading to a steep drop in participation. The broader Web3 space has also been plagued by scams and rug pulls, damaging trust across the ecosystem. In Japan, lack of regulatory clarity and high tax burdens have made it difficult for startups to operate, leading many to scale back or shut down. These cases show that reliability, transparency, and legal alignment are critical pillars for any serious Web3 business. Building a Web3 Career: Skills You Need and How to Grow Web3 is a multidisciplinary field demanding a blend of technical, business, and community skills. Key capabilities include: Programming languages: Solidity, Rust (for smart contract development) Blockchain infrastructure development Tokenomics design Cybersecurity practices Legal and regulatory understanding Community building and management In addition, success in Web3 requires adaptability, a strong ethical mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field.

As you progress your career in the IT industry, one of the most important decisions you will face is: “Should I embrace the fast-paced challenge of a startup or choose the stability and specialization of a large tech company?” Both options offer distinct advantages—but also different trade-offs. In this article, we break down the key characteristics of each path to help you make a confident, informed choice. Startups: For Those Who Thrive on Growth and Ownership Fast-growing startups are often the epicenter of innovation—and a bit of chaos. With lean, agile teams, every team member plays a critical role and often wears multiple hats. This environment is ideal for those seeking hands-on experience across a variety of functions. You will work closely with leadership and benefit from quick decision-making processes rarely seen in larger organizations. Startups often leverage cutting-edge technologies and offer the chance to help build something from the ground up—taking a product from 0→1 or 1→10, which can significantly enhance your market value. Equity or stock options can also offer additional long-term rewards. However, startups come with risks: business uncertainty, limited resources, and often less structured benefits or training. Long hours and high pressure are often part of the deal. But for those driven by passion, eager to learn fast, and ready to take ownership, a startup can be the perfect launching pad. Big Tech Companies: For Those Who Value Stability and Depth Large tech companies offer a different kind of opportunity: robust benefits, structured training, and long-term financial security. You will likely work on high-impact, large-scale projects and have the opportunity to specialize deeply in your field. With strong support systems and well-established processes, these companies are ideal for building a career steadily over time. Their brand recognition can also open doors for future opportunities both inside and outside the organization. That said, there can be downsides—such as slower decision-making, more rigid organizational hierarchies, and limited exposure to emerging technologies. Still, for those who prioritize work-life balance, skill development, and career longevity, big tech offers a solid and secure environment. Find Your Fit: What Matters Most to You? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is understanding your personal career compass—what drives you and what you value most. Ask yourself: Career Goals: What position are you aiming for? (e.g. tech expert, manager, entrepreneur) Growth Pace: Do you prefer rapid, hands-on growth or steady, incremental progress? Work Style: Do you thrive with autonomy and flexibility, or prefer structure and consistency? Risk Tolerance: Are you excited by uncertainty, or do you prefer predictability? By reflecting on these questions and setting clear priorities, you will gain the clarity needed to make the right decision for your future. 

“I want to take the next step in my career.” “I’m ready for a new challenge in a different environment.” As more people consider changing jobs each year, many—especially first-timers—feel uncertain about where to start. In this article, we will walk you through five essential steps to help you navigate your first career change with confidence—focusing specifically on the IT industry. Step 1: Self-Assessment – Clarify Your “Why” and “What You Offer” The most important first step is to understand “ Why” you want to change jobs. List your experience, skills, and accomplishments in detail. If you are an IT professional, include programming languages you have used, the scale of your projects, and the phases you were responsible for. Focus on defining these four key areas: Strengths Weaknesses Interests Core Values Having a clear sense of your career foundation—or “career axis”—will help you stay focused and make better decisions throughout the process. Step 2: Research & Explore Opportunities – Know What’s Out There Use the insights from your self-assessment to research industries, roles, and companies that align with your goals. Explore company websites, news articles, and employee reviews to understand their culture and mission. In IT, technology trends evolve quickly, so make sure to stay up to date on the latest tools and in-demand skills. Alongside job boards, we highly recommend working with recruitment agencies to gain access to exclusive opportunities and expert guidance. Step 3: Prepare Your Application – Turn Your Experience into a Compelling Story Your resume and CV are the first impression you make with potential employers. Showcase your achievements using specific numbers and real examples, and tailor your documents to reflect what each company is looking for. If you are in IT, be sure to include links to your GitHub or portfolio projects. Proofread carefully, and make sure your documents are clear, concise, and easy to read. Step 4: Apply & Prepare for Interviews – Approach Each Opportunity with Confidence Once you begin applying, it is common to interview with multiple companies at the same time, so be sure to keep your schedule organized. Interview preparation is critical. Practice common questions and prepare strong answers for: Why this company? What do you hope to accomplish here? Online interviews are now the norm, so double-check your internet connection and background setup ahead of time. For IT roles, expect technical interviews that may include coding tasks or in-depth questions about your skillset—so be sure to prepare accordingly. Step 5: Accept the Offer & Resign Professionally – Make a Smooth Transition to Your Next Chapter Once you receive an offer, confirm the details: salary, location, working conditions, and responsibilities. If you receive multiple offers, revisit the priorities you identified in Step 1 and compare them carefully. Once you accept a new role, it's time to start the resignation process with your current employer. Legally, two weeks' notice is standard—but in most professional settings, giving one to two months’ notice is more common to allow time for handover.  Be sure to leave on good terms—express gratitude and maintain professionalism throughout.

For Japan’s IT industry to gain a stronger presence on the global stage, three elements are essential: technological innovation, international standardization, and talent development. By leveraging its strengths in manufacturing and IoT, and strengthening its focus on R&D and global talent strategy, Japan can build the next generation of global competitiveness.  In this article, we break down what it takes for Japanese IT to truly go global. The Urgent Reality: Japan’s IT Sector Under Pressure from GAFAM As of 2025, Japan’s IT industry continues to grow—but from a global competitiveness standpoint, major challenges remain. While the U.S. and China lead the world in fields like AI and cloud technology, Japan’s presence is often limited to niche areas or specialized hardware. In the global cloud infrastructure market, tech giants like GAFAM dominate, and many Japanese companies rely heavily on their platforms. Japan has also struggled to produce globally recognized AI products, and there is a significant gap in both research momentum and speed to commercialization. According to Stanford University (Source: Stanford AI Index ), building a balanced global AI ecosystem requires contributions from all countries—including Japan. That insight underscores the need for Japan to shift its strategy toward international impact. To stay competitive, Japan must move away from an inward-focused, domestic IT strategy and toward a globally minded technological vision. The Opportunity: R&D and International Standardization as Catalysts for Global Success To stand out in the global market, Japan must prioritize investment in R&D and active participation in international standardization. Historically, many Japanese companies have developed technologies primarily for the domestic market—making it difficult to keep pace with global innovation trends. That said, Japan holds clear strengths. In manufacturing, for instance, companies are increasingly expanding into global markets with unique smart factory solutions powered by IoT and AI. To further solidify this momentum, Japan must: Engage more actively with international standard-setting bodies Foster industry-university collaborations to boost globally competitive research Leverage government support, such as grants and tax incentives for innovation These efforts will be crucial in shaping future technologies and ensuring Japan’s place at the global table. People Are the Core: Developing World-Class IT Talent in Japan In the global race, technology alone is not enough. Japan also needs IT professionals who can operate across borders. This includes talent capable of negotiating in English, collaborating across cultures, and adapting to overseas markets. However, such globally minded professionals are still in short supply within Japan. To address this gap, many companies are: Hiring international engineers Expanding global training programs Actively rotating young talent through overseas assignments Encouraging cross-border collaboration via remote international teams Looking beyond 2025, Japan’s IT revival will depend on a holistic transformation in technology, systems, and human capital.

As we are well into 2025, the Japan IT sector continues to thrive with both opportunities as well as new challenges. As businesses respond to the continuous need for digital transformation (DX), especially in industries like Insurance, the need for specific skills and the rise of specific professionals gain momentum. Here is what we are noticing… 2025 Japan – Top 3 Roles in Demand IT Security Professionals With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks globally IT Security Professionals are in high demand across the world, and Japan is no exception. Companies are actively seeking IT security professional to ensure data protection as well as maintain governance and compliance standards according to both local and global legislation. In particular, roles such as cybersecurity engineers, security analysts, and penetration testers are crucial to organizations looking to protect their assets, their reputation and overall business. The cost of lack of security or a security breach has had disastrous consequences for many large firms in terms of both branding and financials. AI & Machine Learning Professionals It is not possible with the excitement (and sometime worry) related to ChatGPT, Deepseek and so on to not to add the AI and Machine Learning Professional to this list. In 2025, we are already seeing further acceleration to AI applications across various sectors, with large companies investing heavily internally or even acquiring start-ups to achieve “internal know-how”. A strong race to provide AI-powered solutions, especially among existing and new start-up, is gaining momentum. Data Professionals In relation to the AI and Machine Learning Professional, the demand for Data Scientists and Data Engineers continue to remain high Japan, especially in industries like finance, insurance and healthcare. As global firms operating in Japan strive to analyze both local and international datasets to meet evolving market demands at a local and global level, the competition for skilled professionals—especially bilingual candidates—has intensified. Cloud Engineer and Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) In the last 10 years, there has been an increased focus on moving to cloud systems that offer reliable and scalable solutions in a quick response to business needs. This has led to an increased need for Cloud Engineers and Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) who are responsible to ensure the business performance from the IT point of view. 2025 in Japan sees the requests for these role not changing. With a clear view on the top roles in Japan what are the trends in terms of Skills at the moment? Bilingual Abilities Currently it appears that bilingualism (Japanese and English fluency) is more than just a desirable skill – it has now become a necessity in Japan’s IT sector. As more companies expand overseas the ability to maintain communication across borders, understand and implement new technologies, work across different geographical locations as well as understand documents in both languages is a “Must”. Proficiency in both Japanese and English allows IT professionals to bridge the cultural and language gaps, making them highly valuable in the job market. That being said, it is also important to recognize that certain firms, irrespectively of the size, prefer to focus uniquely on other qualification of IT Professional such as technical skills, and implement internal processes that allow them to overcome language barriers via language tools, unique language adoption, internal training and so on. Interest in New Technology and DX Process Digital transformation (DX) has become a recurring and attractive keyword in Japan’s business world. Companies are seeking professionals who are not only technically skilled but also have a keen interest in emerging technologies and interested in trying new approaches, learning new programming languages and tools, while implementing new strategies in areas like crypto, IoT, and edge computing. In 2025, the best candidates will be those who stay ahead of trends and possess the curiosity to explore new technologies. Whether it's developing blockchain applications for business, leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve manufacturing processes, or applying AI to drive customer insights. A passion for innovation and continuous learning will be key in staying competitive in the Japanese IT market. Understanding of Japanese Culture and Company Dynamics In Japan, workplace culture and understanding local business practices are essential for success. Companies value employees who can seamlessly integrate into their corporate environment and align with local norms and expectations. Understanding Japanese business etiquette, communication styles, and decision-making processes can significantly enhance one’s effectiveness in any IT role. IT professionals who have a deep understanding of Japanese culture, values, and business practices are more likely to thrive in the Japanese IT market. Employers seek individuals who can adapt to Japan’s unique work environment and build strong relationships with both domestic and international teams. Conclusion: The Road Ahead for IT Professionals in Japan Japan’s IT sector is poised for exciting changes in 2025, driven by technological advancements and the growing demand for digital transformation. As businesses continue to invest in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, IT professionals with expertise in these fields will be highly sought after. Additionally, bilingual abilities, a passion for innovation, and a deep understanding of Japanese business culture will be key differentiators for IT professionals looking to advance their careers in Japan. For those looking to succeed in the ever-evolving Japanese IT market, staying up-to-date with emerging technologies, enhancing language skills, and cultivating cultural awareness will be crucial to achieving long-term success. With these qualities, IT professionals in Japan can look forward to an exciting and dynamic future!