7 Skills You Need as a Frontend Developer in Japan

You need a job.

Don’t worry, we all do.

That is why I am writing this blog.

That and because I want to help you get hired in Japan.

To get you the information you need, I spoke with three tech recruiters in Tokyo to understand the skills that make successful candidates in Japan.

Here is what they told me:

🇯🇵 1. Japanese Language Skills

Let’s get this out of the way first: you don’t always need to speak Japanese to get hired as a frontend developer in Japan.

But for all roles involving design, UX, or user interfaces for Japanese users—Japanese language ability is an advantage.

Here’s why:

1. You’ll work more closely with Japanese designers, PMs, and other engineers.

2. You’ll better understand the user’s needs and cultural expectations.

3. You’ll be able to participate more meaningfully in team discussions, retrospectives, and planning sessions.

As one recruiter, Bryan, told us:

“Frontend and design teams are often user-facing. If the product is for Japanese users, being able to understand and communicate in Japanese just makes everything easier.”

Even basic conversational fluency can go a long way. And for long-term career growth? It’s a no-brainer.

🧠 2. Get the Fundamentals Right

Before you dive into the newest frameworks or trendy tools, make sure your foundations are solid.

Every company expects frontend engineers to be confident in:

1. HTML & CSS – Clean, responsive, mobile-first design is a must.

2. JavaScript – Still the core language of the web.

3. DOM manipulation, events, and accessibility – Often overlooked but always important.

Thu, another recruiter, emphasized:

“Some people switch to frontend thinking it’s easier, but you really need to understand what’s happening behind the scenes to do the job well.”

⚙️ 3. Learn the Right Tech Stack

Japan’s companies have increasingly embraced modern frontend frameworks and tools. If you want to compete, you need to show you're comfortable with:

1. React & TypeScript – These are the most in-demand skills for web development in Japan right now.

2. Next.js – For performance-focused web apps.

3. Flutter or React Native – If you're interested in cross-platform mobile development.

4. Figma – The go-to for collaborating with design teams.

Even mid-sized domestic companies are now expecting familiarity with these tools—especially for candidates with a few years of experience.

💡 4. Think Like a Designer (Even If You’re Not One)

Frontend developers in Japan work closely with designers—and in many cases, you'll be expected to make UI decisions on your own.

That’s why companies love developers who understand:

1. Design systems and consistency

2. Basic UX principles

3. Accessibility (a11y) best practices

4. How to read and contribute to Figma files

Even better? If you can articulate your design decisions clearly—especially to non-technical stakeholders.

📁 5. Build a Portfolio That Shows Your Thinking

Your resume matters, but in frontend roles, your portfolio often carries more weight.

Hiring managers want to see:

1. Projects that solve real problems (not just clones)

2. Clear explanations of your process, not just the final product

3. Code samples that show structure, clarity, and performance considerations

4. Bonus: Experience working on collaborative teams

Thu’s advice:

“Show how you work with designers, how you think about users, and how you adapt based on feedback.”

🤝 6. Strong Communication Skills (Across Functions)

In Japan, frontend roles often sit at the intersection of multiple teams: design, product, backend, and sometimes marketing.

To succeed, you need to:

1. Explain technical limitations or trade-offs clearly

2. Give and receive feedback constructively

3. Work within team processes like Agile or Scrum

4. Be proactive in asking questions and clarifying expectations

As Reyna shared, design and frontend work is sometimes misunderstood in Japan. You’ll need to advocate for your work and help others understand its value—especially if you’re the only frontend expert on the team.

🧭 7. Stay Curious and Keep Learning

The frontend ecosystem changes fast—and Japan’s catching up quickly. It’s important to stay updated on:

1. New frameworks and build tools

2. Browser APIs and performance optimizations

3. UI/UX trends

4. Mobile-first and accessibility standards

Many developers here stay sharp through bootcamps (like Le Wagon or Code Chrysalis), online communities, and side projects.

✅ Final Thoughts

Frontend development in Japan is an exciting and growing field—but it requires more than just code. To truly succeed, you’ll need:

1. Strong technical skills (especially React + TypeScript)

2. A collaborative, user-focused mindset

3. Solid communication and some cross-cultural awareness

4. And yes—at least basic Japanese skills will give you a major edge

Whether you're targeting a product-led startup, a design-driven agency, or a large-scale B2C service, Japan’s market has room for talented frontend developers ready to learn, grow, and build great things.

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