Fullstack Engineer in Japan - What You Need to Know

Fullstack.

God is a fullstack engineer.

Every time I hear the word “fullstack” it conjures the smell of butter melting over maple syrup dosed pancakes.

Instead today we are talking about a engineering position in a major Japanese QA vendor, so I spoke with Manthila Baduraliyage, a Technical Recruiter in Tokyo.

My conversation with Manthila shed light on what Japanese tech companies look for in Fullstack Engineers.

She gave me insights into the responsibilities, the day-to-day tasks, and the requirements as well as what she has seen successful applicants do and the reason others have been rejected.

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.

What is a Fullstack Engineer?

As a Fullstack Engineer in Japan, you will need experience in multiple backend technologies along with front-end development. Companies do this to maximize the projects that you can work on with their clients. Instead of hiring one Backend Engineer and on Frontend Engineer, they will hire a Fullstack engineer to work on multiple projects.

For Manthila’s client, these projects will be with international customers in industries like gaming, finance, and retail.

Responsibilities of a Fullstack Engineer

Your responsibilities will be multi-dimensional, encompassing a range of tasks that go beyond traditional development:

Prototype Development: Developing prototypes is a key aspect, especially under the DAAE model, which involves adding a "prototype phase" to improve UX and customer journey in applications.
Agile Development: Playing an active role in Agile development processes, including participating in sprints, stand-ups, and retrospective meetings.
Customer Interaction: Engaging directly with customers is crucial. This includes a requirements hearing, where you'll gather and define customer needs, and communication during the development process to ensure alignment with customer expectations.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: Working closely with service directors and UX designers to develop various system prototypes, from web services to ERP systems.
Technical Implementation: Hands-on involvement in the entire stack, from infrastructure to front-end development.
Continuous Learning and Growth: Opportunities to learn and grow are abundant, with support for gaining internal qualifications and exploring different projects with varying technical requirements.

Now, let's take a look at what you will be doing every day of your life (except on weekends and holidays):

Day-to-Day tasks of a Fullstack Engineer

Your daily life will be varied:

Start of the Day: Begin with a check-in or stand-up meeting with your team to align on the day's goals and discuss any challenges.
Project Work: Dive into your current project, which could range from developing API systems for an e-commerce client to working on internal HR tech products. This may involve both backend and frontend tasks, depending on the project's requirements.
Learning and Development: Allocate time for learning and development, utilizing the company's resources or working on internal tests for qualifications.
Collaboration: Spend time collaborating with cross-functional teams, including service directors and UX designers, to ensure the project aligns well with user experience and client expectations.
Client Interaction: Engage in direct communication with clients, which may involve requirements hearing or presenting progress updates.
End of the Day: Wrap up by reviewing what was accomplished and setting up tasks or goals for the next day.
Remote Work: Given the current trends, you may be working remotely, which involves regular virtual check-ins with your team and clients.

What are the requirements to make this your life?

Requirements for a Fullstack Engineer in Japan

The role of a Fullstack Engineer in Japan, particularly in the dynamic field of development consultancy, requires a diverse set of skills and experiences. Here's a detailed breakdown of the requirements for this position:

Development Phases Expertise: Experience in development from requirements definition and basic design phase is essential.
Infrastructure Environment Skills: Proficiency in environmental construction technology around infrastructure such as AWS, Azure, Docker, etc.
Back-end Development Proficiency: Must be skilled in two or more back-end development technologies such as Java, PHP, Python, NodeJS, Ruby, Go, Scala, etc.
Front-end Development Abilities: Experience with front-end development technologies like JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Angular, Vue, etc.
Mobile Application Development: Skills in mobile application development technologies such as Java, Kotlin, Swift, React-native, Xamarin, etc.

Bonus Points

PWA Development Experience: Prior experience in Progressive Web App development.
Design Orientation: Knowledge and experience in design-oriented development.
0→1 Development Experience: Experience in developing projects from the ground up.
Agile Development Experience: Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
Leadership Experience: Experience as a Scrum Master or Tech Lead.

Personal Attributes

Alignment with Vision: Ability to sympathize with the company's business content and vision.
Ambition and Motivation: A strong sense of ambition, motivation, and responsibility.
Openness and Activity: Willingness to accept things honestly and actively work on tasks.

Additional Considerations

Language Skills: Since the working environment is predominantly Japanese, strong communication skills in Japanese are highly beneficial.
Cultural Fit: An ability to adapt to the work culture and collaborate effectively with diverse teams is important.

Here are the 5 skills that Manthila said you should focus on to get a job as a Fullstack Engineer.

5 Skills that will get you hired

1. Systems Integrator Experience

Why It Matters: Systems integrators play a crucial role in combining different subsystems into a whole, ensuring that each integrated subsystem functions as required. This experience is vital in a consultancy setting where understanding and merging various technologies to create seamless solutions is essential.
How to Build It: Gain experience in system integration by working on projects that involve combining different technologies or platforms. Focus on understanding various systems and their interaction, and get certified in relevant technologies.

2. Over 5 Years of Development Experience

Why It Matters: Extensive development experience signifies a deep understanding of the software development lifecycle and mature problem-solving skills. It also implies exposure to various scenarios and challenges, making you adept at handling complex projects.
How to Build It: Continuously work on diverse development projects. Engage in both personal and professional projects that challenge your skill set. Keep learning and stay updated with the latest technologies to broaden your expertise.

3. Bilingual, With Japanese as the More Important Language

Why It Matters: In the Japanese tech industry, proficiency in Japanese is crucial for effective communication with clients and team members. It also shows your commitment to integrating into the local culture and work environment.
How to Build It: If Japanese is not your native language, consider taking language courses. Regular practice, immersion in the language, and using language learning tools can accelerate your proficiency. Engaging with local communities and cultural activities can also enhance language skills.

4. Tech Stack - Proficiency in Modern Languages

Why It Matters: Proficiency in modern programming languages reflects your ability to keep up with technological advancements and your versatility in tackling current and future tech challenges.
How to Build It: Focus on learning and mastering languages like Java, Python, and GoLang. Participate in coding boot camps, online courses, and hands-on projects. Contributing to open-source projects can also be a great way to improve your skills.

5. Testing Knowledge

Why It Matters: Testing is crucial for ensuring the quality and reliability of software. Knowledge in testing demonstrates your thoroughness and commitment to delivering high-quality products.
How to Build It: Learn different testing methodologies, such as unit testing, integration testing, and system testing. Gain practical experience through hands-on projects, and consider obtaining certifications in software testing.

What is the career path for you as a Fullstack Engineer?

Career Path

Career progression for Fullstack Engineers in Japan offers diverse opportunities. Depending on your interests and skills, you can advance towards management roles, become a tech lead, or shift to project management.

Starting Point: Educational Foundation

Obtain a Relevant Degree: Start with a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. This provides a strong theoretical foundation.
Self-Learning and Online Courses: Supplement your education with online courses in web development, programming languages, and system design.

Early Career: Skill Development

Junior Developer: Begin your career as a Junior Developer, focusing on either front-end or back-end development to gain solid expertise in one area.
Cross-Functional Projects: Engage in projects that expose you to both front-end and back-end technologies. This hands-on experience is crucial.

Mid-Career: Fullstack Engineer

Transition to Fullstack Role: After gaining experience in both front-end and back-end, transition into a Fullstack Engineer role.
Continuous Learning: Keep updating your skills with the latest technologies in web and software development.

Advanced Career: Specialization and Leadership

Senior Fullstack Engineer: As a senior, you'll handle more complex projects, mentor juniors, and lead development teams.
Specialization: You might choose to specialize in a particular industry (e.g., finance, healthcare) or technology (e.g., AI, blockchain).

Future Prospects and Growth

Technical Leadership Roles: Moving into roles like Tech Lead or Chief Technology Officer (CTO), where you'll oversee technical teams and strategies.
Project Management: Transition into project management, focusing on the execution of large-scale projects and managing cross-functional teams.
Consultancy and Advisory: Offering expertise as a consultant or advisor for startups or established companies, focusing on product development and tech strategy.
Entrepreneurship: Leveraging your experience to start your own tech company or develop innovative products.

Continuous Professional Development

Networking: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and tech meetups to stay connected with the latest trends and network with peers.
Certifications and Advanced Education: Consider advanced degrees or certifications in areas like project management, agile methodologies, or specific technologies

Ready to apply? Use this link to reach out to us!

Before you do, here are some tips from Manthila to help you land the job.

Tips for Landing the Job

1. Strong Technical Foundation

Emphasize Core Skills: Ensure you have a strong grasp of both front-end and back-end technologies. Proficiency in modern programming languages and testing methodologies is crucial.

2. Professional Development

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technology trends and advancements. Consider taking up relevant certifications or courses.

3. Understand the Role

Research: Understand the specific needs of the Fullstack Engineer role in Japan. Familiarize yourself with the expectations and responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

4. Cultural Fit and Language Proficiency

Adaptability: Show that you can adapt to the Japanese work culture and environment.
Language Skills: If Japanese isn't your first language, displaying proficiency or a willingness to learn Japanese can be beneficial.

Resume Tips

1. Detailed and Honest

Comprehensive Information: Include all relevant experiences and skills. Don’t leave out any details that can highlight your suitability for the role.
Honesty in Job History: Clearly explain any job changes without being vague. Transparency is valued.

2. Professional Presentation

Include a Photograph: A professional photo can be an important part of a resume in Japan.
Organized Format: Ensure your resume is well-structured, making it easy to read and understand.

Interview Tips

1. Preparation for Different Stages

Initial Interviews: Be ready for phone or video interviews. These are usually brief but crucial for making a good first impression.
Technical Tests: Prepare for technical assessments like the CAT test or coding challenges. Familiarize yourself with platforms like Codility.
Technical Discussions: Be prepared to discuss your previous projects, your role in them, and your technical responsibilities in detail.

2. Language Proficiency

Japanese Skills: Strong Japanese communication skills are advantageous. If you have an N1 level proficiency, it's a significant plus.

3. Clear and Confident Communication

Express Yourself: Be clear in expressing your technical skills and experiences. Demonstrating your thought process and problem-solving skills is important.

Let’s go over the reasons Manthila has seen people get rejected.

Reasons for Rejection as a Fullstack Engineer

1. Job Instability

Frequent Job Changes: Applicants with a history of frequently changing jobs may be viewed as less reliable or lacking commitment. It's important to reasonably explain job changes in your resume and interviews.

2. Insufficient Japanese Language Skills

Language Proficiency: Limited proficiency in Japanese can be a significant barrier, especially if the role requires direct communication with clients or teams predominantly communicating in Japanese. A strong technical background might not compensate for the lack of language skills.

3. Mismatch of Technical Skills

Relevant Experience: A mismatch between your technical skills and the job's requirements can lead to rejection. This includes not having enough experience in the specific tech stack needed for the role or lacking in backend experience for a position that leans more towards backend development.

4. Inadequate Experience

Years of Experience: Having less than the required years of experience (e.g., less than 5 years) can be a reason for not being considered, especially for senior roles.

5. Unclear or Incomplete Resume

Resume Clarity: An unclear or poorly structured resume that fails to effectively showcase your skills, experiences, and achievements can lead to rejection. It’s crucial that the resume is comprehensive and communicates your career journey.

6. Interview Performance

Technical Discussion: The inability to convincingly discuss previous projects, your specific role, and technical responsibilities can be a drawback.
Coding Challenge: Struggling with coding tests or technical challenges during the interview process, such as those on platforms like Codility.
Language Barrier: Even if you speak Japanese, a strong accent or difficulty in clear communication during the interview can be a concern.

FAQ: Working as a Fullstack Engineer in Japan

Here are some frequently asked questions that candidates might have about working as a Fullstack Engineer in Japan, along with informative answers to help you understand the role and the work environment better:

1. What kind of projects will I typically work on as a Fullstack Engineer in Japan?

Answer: You'll likely work on a variety of projects across different industries such as e-commerce, finance, retail, and gaming. The projects can range from internal product development to client-specific solutions, involving both front-end and back-end technologies.

2. Is proficiency in Japanese necessary for Fullstack Engineering roles in Japan?

Answer: Yes, Japanese language proficiency is often important, especially for roles that require direct communication with clients and local teams. While technical expertise is paramount, the ability to communicate effectively in Japanese is a significant asset.

3. What are the typical working hours and work-life balance like?

Answer: Fullstack Engineers typically work standard hours, e.g., 9:00-18:15, with some flexibility depending on the project and company policy. Work-life balance can vary by company, but many Japanese companies are increasingly acknowledging the importance of work-life balance.

4. What kind of career progression can I expect as a Fullstack Engineer in Japan?

Answer: Career progression can lead to senior engineering roles, technical leadership positions, or even management roles. With experience, you might also specialize in certain technologies or industries, or transition into roles like Scrum Master or project manager.

5. How important is Agile methodology in the Japanese tech industry?

Answer: Agile methodology is highly regarded and increasingly adopted in the Japanese tech industry. Experience in Agile environments, particularly as a Scrum Master or Tech Lead, can be very beneficial.

6. What should I focus on in my resume and interviews to increase my chances of being hired?

Answer: Emphasize your technical skills, project experiences, and problem-solving abilities. For your resume, ensure clarity and, a detailed career history, and include a professional photograph. In interviews, be prepared to discuss your technical role in past projects and demonstrate your language proficiency if required.

7. Are there opportunities for continuous learning and development in this role?

Answer: Yes, continuous learning is a key aspect of being a Fullstack Engineer, especially in the fast-evolving tech industry in Japan. Many companies offer resources for professional development, and staying updated with the latest technologies and practices is encouraged.

8. Can I apply for Fullstack Engineer positions in Japan if I am a foreign national?

Answer: Absolutely. As long as you meet the technical requirements and, ideally, have some proficiency in Japanese, being a foreign national is not a barrier. Diversity is often seen as beneficial in the global-facing tech industry.
Message us using this link to find out what Fullstack Engineering positions are open right now!