Ive decided on a language school out in Nagoya and I’m hoping to move out there by the end of the year. I wanted to ask those who are currently in Japan working in a Data Center or in other IT related fields. When I move I’ll have over 2.5 years experience working for one of the top data center companies in America, and 2 years working as an intern Cyber Security role for a hospital. I have had no luck getting a job that’s willing to transfer me, and even my current company wont bother because they don’t want to invest in transferring someone to another country. I figure going to a language school and seriously investing my time, pushing to get to N2 or even N3 would help getting me a job in Japan. Especially as you gain residency off of a student visa.
With the advent of AI, the use of GPU systems growing in Data Centers, and my history working for one of the big server providers, do you think I’ll have a good chance at finding a place to hire me? Whats the job market like for other, smaller companies?
For those currently working for places like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Twitter/X, etc. what is work like out there? My contacts in the industry say its a good gig, but I’d love to hear anything else.
Edit:
Here is some more information that might help.
I have a 4 year degree in Technology Management. It had focuses on Logistics, supply chain, and I also focused a lot on server architecture and did light SQL, but I’m not good at coding. I currently work for a multinational company that has offerings in Japan, but they have told me that they are looking to hire ASAP and that it “takes too long to get Visas”. Fair enough, but frustrating when I have been put on hold for a year with the initial promise from a now promoted manager to have an interview.
I am currently on a wait list for a school, but am looking around and applying to other jobs in the meantime. I am doing this through TokyoDev, JapanDev, Michael Page Japan, LinkedIN, and several other job sites. I have been told by a few different companies that their major issue is my location, however, I’m aware that many companies arent always as forthright about their issues as the could be. As of right now, I am waiting a few months to reach out to the hiring managers within my company to see whether or not they will change their minds about hiring foreign.
As for my history with Japan. I know a little bit of Japanese, but I certainly could know more. Im about an N5 currently. I have had a fascination with the country since I was 5 (In late 20s now) and I have learned as much about their culture as I could. In regards to why I havent learned the language, its because I was convinced by my parents and peers that it was impossible to move there and that I would hate living in Japan. I have taken two trips to Japan and found that I enjoy what I have seen and would love to take the chance and move there. I have saved enough money to not have to work for about 2 or 3 years if I had to, but the issue I have is that I cant enter the country and look for work legally without a Visa. I am hoping to overcome this barrier to entry by attending a Language school for a year or two.
by Magnus_Mainer