36-year-old software engineer from India — is moving to Japan realistically possible for me?
Hi everyone,
I’ve been thinking about writing this for a while.
I’m a 36-year-old married man from India with an almost 3-year-old daughter. I’m currently working as a Lead Software Engineer and have 12+ years of experience in software development.
My background is primarily backend engineering:
12+ years in software development
Strong Python/backend experience
Around 8 years of AWS/cloud experience
Distributed systems and microservices
Some shell scripting and Go
Experience designing and building systems that automate business processes
Currently working for a large MNC in a consulting role for an external client
I’ve also worked on internal products/teams in previous organizations
I’ve always loved Japan. This isn’t a recent interest or something I suddenly decided on because of anime or a vacation. I’ve loved the country since I was a kid, and moving there has been a dream of mine for a very long time.
The problem is that I’ve always underestimated myself and assumed that moving to Japan and finding a good engineering job there was probably unrealistic for someone like me.
Recently, my wife and a few people I’ve spoken to online have made me reconsider that. Maybe I’m actually experienced enough to have a realistic shot.
I understand Japanese quite well, although I don’t currently have any JLPT certification. I’m continuing to work on my Japanese as well.
I’m not expecting things to be easy. I’m also not looking to move blindly. Since I have a wife and young daughter, I’d want to make sure I can find a reasonably good job and salary before making such a major move.
So I’d really appreciate some honest advice from people who are already working in Japan, particularly engineers who moved there from overseas.
A few things I’m especially curious about:
Does my experience make me reasonably competitive for senior/lead backend or cloud engineering roles in Japan?
How important is JLPT certification if I can actually communicate in Japanese?
Are there companies in Japan that would value someone with my background while still being reasonably welcoming to foreign engineers?
Is 36 considered too late to make this kind of move?
What salary range should someone with my experience realistically target?
Would you recommend finding a job first and then moving the family, or relocating together?
Are there particular companies, recruiters, or job sites I should focus on?
I’m not looking for reassurance just for the sake of it. If my expectations are unrealistic, I’d genuinely rather hear that too.
I’ve spent a lot of my life thinking “maybe I’m not good enough” and never really trying.
I’d like to change that.
If you were in my position, would you seriously pursue this?
Thanks in advance.