Tech Careers Japan: Fullstack Engineer
Build.
That is what fullstack developers do.
In Japan and around the world.
To get into the details, Aki Ide of SHIFT reached out to Taylor Wiles.
Taylor is a tech recruitment expert in Tokyo. SHIFT is always recruiting engineers, so Aki wanted to get all of the details to help you land a job as a Full-stack Engineer in Japan.
To make sure we don’t miss anything, we also asked Bryan Cheng and Uros Cavic, the technical recruitment leadership team to provide their answers.
You can watch the full interview here:
Understanding Fullstack Engineering
What is a Fullstack Engineer?
Taylor: A fullstack engineer refers to a developer who has the skillset in both frontend/client-side (user-interface development) and backend/server-side development (system and/or database) development, where many engineers tend to specialize in one or the other.
Comments (Bryan, Uros): Usually, they are web FE + Serverside. Not so many do database and FE.
What are the key responsibilities of a fullstack engineer in Japan?
Taylor: It really depends on the needs of the team. They are someone who can handle any kind of development task in the “tech stack” (frontend to backend), and sometimes both at the same time. Though often, fullstack engineers are able to work on the part of the project they are strongest in, or else fill in the gaps whenever a project needs extra help.
What technical skills are essential for a fullstack engineer working in Japan?
Taylor: There’s a ton of tools and programming languages a developer might use, but frontend web development is pretty standardized as Javascript (or its cousin Typescript), so experience in at least one is a must. You can be a “vanilla Javascript developer” only if you’re really good at Javascript, but most likely you’ll need to be familiar with a modern Javascript frontend “framework” like React or Vue.
The Javascript/Typescript backend-framework Node.js is less used in Japan than other backend programming languages like Go, Java, PHP, Ruby on Rails, or Python. Specializing as a “fullstack Javascript engineer” might seem tempting, but I’d still recommend studying at least one other backend programming language to round off your skill set for the Japanese market.
While I do talk to some fullstack engineers whose skills are more on frontend development, I think it’s important to keep in mind that most companies hiring fullstack engineers are looking for someone who can be independent in backend development. Strong command of server-side development principles is crucial for senior-level technical positions like Engineering Manager, Software Architect, or Product Manager.
Finally, if you want to touch up your frontend development skills, consider learning Figma or practicing pixel-pushing with HTML/CSS. Many fullstack developers are embarrassed to say they can’t be trusted with frontend development by themselves because they’re not good at manipulating HTML/CSS.
Comments (Bryan, Uros): I took out JS for React and Vue, you can just call them as it is. There is also React Native, Vue Native for mobile apps. Node.js and Node are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different things. Node is a runtime environment that allows you to run JavaScript on the server side, while Node.js is the name of the JavaScript platform built on top of the Node runtime environment.
Are there any specific qualifications or certifications that are particularly valued in Japan for fullstack engineers?
Taylor: Any web development tech like Docker, Kubernetes, Public Cloud (AWS, GCP, Azure) could be a helpful certification. Concepts like Agile Development, PMP (Project Management Certifications), or the broader category of DevOps, are all attractive even if you’re not directly responsible for project management or DevOps, because it means you’ll understand how to work with those teams/stakeholders more smoothly. Essential skills like API Development or Software Architecture Design, especially in specialized areas like Microservices Architecture or Distributed Systems, are popular topics these days too.
For those interested in specializing in frontend development, any UI/UX Design courses would be great to show you know how to work with designers.
Comments (Bryan, Uros): Having contributions to open source on GitHub/Stack Overflow is really good.
Starting and Growing a Career
How can someone start their career as a fullstack engineer in Japan?
Taylor: Joining a fullstack team is the easiest way to go. If the engineering department is divided into backend teams and frontend teams, it can be harder to pick up skills on the other side. Whereas on a team where everyone’s working fullstack, it’s so easy to raise your hand for projects outside your comfort zone and get mentorship from senior engineers on best practices.
Comments (Bryan, Uros): Get a BS and/or MS in CS first or at least go to the coding camp then search for a job. Typically, startups will have more fullstack roles than larger organizations.
What are the potential career growth opportunities for fullstack engineers in Japan?
Taylor: There are so many opportunities in web development in Japan! Of course, in areas like manufacturing/embedded systems you can also be responsible for developing GUI, but most fullstack developers are working on websites, mobile apps, or web-based software.
What are some common tasks that fullstack engineers in Japan handle daily?
Taylor: Honestly, no different than regular backend/frontend developers (varies greatly but can include maintaining CI/CD pipelines, testing, code review, and so much more).
Comments (Bryan, Uros): There are probably more waterfall environments here in Japan than the US or EU.
Training and Salary Insights
Can you recommend any training programs or courses that would be beneficial?
Taylor: If you’re not an engineer and want to become one, then bootcamps like Code Chrysalis and Le Wagon will train you to be fullstack (usually Javascript/React.js + Ruby on Rails). If you’re already an engineer, taking various e-learning courses could be helpful to land a future job or pick up new projects at your existing work, but I wouldn’t recommend going back to bootcamp unless your formal education is outside of Computer Science. For example, Graphic/Web/UI/UX Designers→Frontend Developers could benefit a lot from a fullstack bootcamp!
What is the typical salary range for fullstack engineers in Japan?
Taylor: I’d say it doesn’t change much compared to someone who specializes in backend or frontend engineering; however, most engineering managers, software architects, product managers, etc., have a fullstack development background. Mid-level engineers often get paid between 6M-8M JPY per year. Once we hit over 8M, it tends to be senior-level, with the average being around 9-10M for individual contributors. These days some engineers are getting paid 11M, 12M, 13M, but that’s typically a team lead or engineering manager salary.
Language Proficiency and Opportunities
How important is Japanese language proficiency for fullstack engineers in Japan?
Taylor: While Japanese is not always required for engineers in Japan, there are tons of opportunities for Japanese-speaking fullstack engineers who can fill in the language gaps in an English-speaking development team. Bilingual engineers can typically negotiate for a higher salary compared to their non-Japanese speaking counterparts, who can sometimes get stuck in lower-level roles.
Are there opportunities for non-Japanese speakers to succeed as fullstack engineers in Japan?
Taylor: Yes, of course, if you have the relevant engineering skills you can absolutely find a job in Japan. However, I’d always encourage engineers to study a little Japanese, even if it’s just casual conversation, to ease cultural misunderstandings, offset culture shock and fatigue, and help them feel more comfortable in their work life in Japan.
Challenges and Trends
What are some common challenges that fullstack engineers face in Japan?
Taylor: It might be more difficult to balance two seemingly separate skill sets at first. I’ve talked to frontend engineers that just can’t get their heads around backend development, and backend engineers who struggle with design sense and/or would rather rip their hair out than pixel-push. However, from what I’ve heard talking to senior engineers, it gets much easier to learn new technical skills as you gain more experience.
What trends or changes should aspiring fullstack engineers be aware of?
Taylor: This is really the same as any fullstack engineer in another part of the world, but strong web development fundamentals are important in the Japan market. Of course, Japanese language skills will set you apart from the many engineers who are trying to find work here.