Competing With Mass Tech Immigration In Japan?

Summary

In this candid and insightful video, aTranscript summary generation foreign tech worker in Japan reflects on the evolving competition for tech jobs in the country. Drawing from a decade of personal experience, he discusses the rise of offshore development, the influx of skilled foreign engineers from countries like Vietnam, India, China, and the Philippines, and the impact on in-house positions. He emphasizes the growing challenges for mid-level foreign tech workers, the influence of large corporations, and the role of AI in reshaping the landscape. Through anecdotes and practical insights, he highlights who thrives, who struggles, and why understanding these dynamics is crucial for career planning in Japan's tech industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Foreign tech workers in Japan are facing increased competition from other international professionals, with large numbers of skilled workers coming from India, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Africa.
• 😀 The competition is becoming fiercer due to an increase in offshore development, where companies outsource work to cheaper labor markets like Vietnam and India.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on how easier it was to find tech jobs in Japan around 2015, compared to the more difficult landscape of 2025 due to more global competition.
• 😀 Foreign tech workers from countries like China, India, and Vietnam are increasingly proficient in Japanese, making them strong competitors in the Japanese market.
• 😀 While offshore development is growing due to cost-efficiency, many companies still prefer in-house workers for better control and communication.
• 😀 The availability of highly skilled and cheaper workers from abroad is driving down wages for foreign tech workers already in Japan, especially for those without top language skills (e.g., N2 or N1 level Japanese).
• 😀 AI is transforming the tech space by automating tasks like coding and communication, further impacting job opportunities and the value of traditional skills.
• 😀 Tech workers are competing not only with local talent but also with a growing influx of foreign workers, including those from non-traditional sources like Ukraine and Russia.
• 😀 The speaker warns that larger corporations in Japan may hire thousands of new tech workers, which could make it harder for current foreign workers to secure desirable positions, especially in subcontracted work environments.
• 😀 Companies are increasingly favoring hiring cheaper, skilled workers from abroad, including those with language skills and strong technical expertise, over higher-paid foreign workers who may lack local language proficiency.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that while this influx of skilled foreign workers might seem like an opportunity for companies, it also increases the risk for current foreign workers of losing their jobs or being underpaid due to the growing competition.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the transcript, and what is his experience in Japan?

The speaker is a foreign tech worker in Japan who has been working in the tech development field since 2015 or 2016, giving him around 10 years of experience. He also runs a YouTube channel for over 3 years, sharing insights about tech work in Japan.

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic is the competition among foreign tech workers in Japan, including both in-house and offshore work, and how this competition has intensified over the years.

How does the speaker categorize tech work competition in Japan?

He separates competition into two categories: in-house jobs within Japan and offshore development. He notes that offshore work is increasing because it is cheaper but emphasizes that many companies prefer in-house employees for better control and collaboration.

What trends has the speaker noticed among foreign tech workers in Japan?

He observes that a significant portion of foreign tech workers come from countries like China, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Russia. Many of these workers are skilled, often speak Japanese, and are highly competitive in the job market.

How has the difficulty of finding tech jobs in Japan changed over the years?

According to the speaker, it was relatively easier to find tech jobs in Japan around 2015–2020, but by 2025, the competition has intensified due to the influx of foreign tech talent and other factors such as offshore development and economic changes.

What is the impact of offshore development on local tech workers in Japan?

Offshore development provides companies with a cost-effective solution but increases competition for local and foreign in-house tech workers. It allows smaller companies to manage workloads without overhiring, potentially reducing opportunities for in-house developers.

What role do large corporations play in tech employment in Japan?

Large corporations in Japan often subcontract work to smaller companies rather than hiring tech workers directly. This creates a chain where mid-size and smaller companies are dependent on these larger corporations, affecting the job opportunities of individual tech workers.

Who are considered the '1%' of tech workers in Japan according to the speaker?

The '1%' refers to highly skilled foreign tech workers who are exceptional in both technical ability and Japanese language proficiency. Many of them have top credentials from their home countries and secure prestigious positions in Japan.

How does AI factor into the competition among tech workers?

The speaker mentions that AI is not only able to assist with coding but can also handle meetings, communication, and translations. This adds another layer of competition as companies may increasingly rely on AI to reduce reliance on human tech workers.

What advice or perspective does the speaker offer for foreign tech workers in Japan?

He advises foreign tech workers to be aware of the competitive environment, including offshore alternatives and highly skilled peers from other countries. Success requires adaptability, skill, and sometimes Japanese language proficiency. Ignoring these factors can make it challenging to secure or maintain positions.

Why does the speaker emphasize the role of accents in Japanese workplaces?

He emphasizes that while many foreign tech workers may have noticeable accents, it does not hinder their ability to communicate effectively or perform well. Companies prioritize skill and results over accent clarity.

What is the speaker’s perspective on mass immigration or influxes of skilled workers?

He acknowledges that sudden increases in skilled foreign tech workers can significantly impact the job market, potentially displacing existing workers or reducing opportunities. However, he stresses discussing these trends objectively rather than politically.