u/SimpleTailor2155

Need advice from people working in Japan tech industry.

I’ve been researching software developer jobs in Japan recently, but honestly I’m getting very confused because different people say completely different things online.

My current stack is:
JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Next.js, Node.js, Express, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Docker, etc.

I mostly enjoy full-stack web development.

I know some job portals like Japan Dev and TokyoDev, but most of the roles I see either need senior experience or I’m not getting shortlisted for the kind of roles I want.

So I wanted genuine advice from people already working in Japan tech.

Some things I’m confused about:

• What tech stack is actually in demand in Japan right now?
• Is MERN/Next.js enough or should I learn Java/Go?
• I heard Java jobs are mostly in very traditional Japanese companies with tough work culture and internal communication fully in Japanese. Is that true?
• Are international/English-speaking companies actually hard to get into?
• How do you identify a black company before joining?
• Is JLPT N2 now basically compulsory for software developer jobs because of newer immigration/job market trends?
• Can someone still get decent opportunities with N3 if technical skills are good?
• Does experience from a small company/startup actually matter when applying to Japan companies overseas?
• What’s the best way to apply from overseas as a fresher/junior developer?

I’m also trying to understand whether I should focus more on:

• improving Japanese language
• improving DSA/system design
• or learning another stack like Java/Spring Boot or Go

Also wanted to ask about interviews in Japan IT companies.

For full stack developer/software developer roles, what should I mainly prepare for to crack interviews?

Do Japanese companies focus more on:

• DSA and LeetCode-style questions
• system design
• practical development skills/projects
• backend fundamentals
• communication and culture fit
• or Japanese language ability?

For international companies in Japan, how difficult are the interviews compared to companies in other countries?

Would also appreciate tips on:

• how to prepare properly for interviews
• what topics are most important for junior developers
• what kind of projects help during interviews
• and what mistakes to avoid during the hiring process

Would really appreciate honest opinions from people living or working in Japan tech industry, especially foreign developers.

Need genuine career advice. Feeling very confused right now.

I’ll complete my BCA in 2026. I’m from a commerce background originally, so even during BCA I sometimes felt behind compared to people from science/CS backgrounds.

Still, I worked hard and learned MERN stack, Next.js, TypeScript, Docker, etc. I genuinely enjoy development and keep learning every day.

But now reality is hitting hard. In my city, I’m barely finding decent jobs. Most offers are around 15k–18k, and even those expect almost everything from one person.

Another problem is that many companies here have bond policies. Mostly something like 6 months internship + 1 year full-time bond. That means if I join, I’ll probably be stuck there for around 1.5 years with low salary.

So now I’m thinking about MCA. Maybe if I prepare for NIMCET/CUET PG and get into a good college, I could get better opportunities later.

But honestly, I’m not even sure if I can crack a top college. I’m just an average student academically. Preparing would probably take me 1 drop year, and that gap is scaring me a lot.

I’m confused between:

• taking a low-paying bonded job now and gaining experience
• or taking a drop year for MCA entrance prep and hoping things become better later

I keep overthinking:
What if I waste one year and still don’t get a good college?
What if the career gap becomes a problem later?
What if I should just start working now instead of chasing MCA?

At the same time, I also feel like if I stay in these low-paying jobs, growth might become very slow.

Would really appreciate honest advice from people who were in similar situations.
Especially from people who did MCA after BCA, came from commerce background, or took a drop year.

I’ve been thinking about this for a while and wanted to hear real experiences from people who’ve switched jobs.

How much does your current tech stack actually matter when applying to a new company?

For example, if someone is currently working with MERN stack but applies for Java/Spring Boot roles, are companies generally open to that transition? Or do they mostly prefer candidates with direct experience in the same stack?

Also, many people prepare DSA in C++ regardless of the stack they work in professionally. Does that create any issue during interviews?

usually people say pick one language and master it but what in this case ?

Just trying to understand how companies evaluate candidates during switches — whether they focus more on stack experience or overall problem-solving ability and fundamentals.