[Apply Now] Become a Game System Program in Japan: What You Need to Know

Come to Japan.

We have trains.

You can walk at night.

How can you get here?

Become a System Programmer in Gaming.

Here’s how:

What Does a System Programmer Do in Japan’s Gaming Industry?

You're fascinated by building the backbone of a game.

From the engine that powers the visuals to the tools developers use every day.

A System Programmer in Japan’s gaming industry is what you want to be.

This behind-the-scenes role is essential to game development and comes with opportunities to shape how games are built from the ground up.

So…what do you do as a Game System Programmer in Japan?

System Programmers are the technical architects behind a game’s internal workings. You’d be:

• Designing and implementing libraries, frameworks, and in-house engines

• Supporting the full game development process

• Gathering requirements, conducting R&D, and solving infrastructure challenges

It’s a role that demands technical depth and collaboration. You're building tools that other developers rely on every day.

Core Responsibilities of a Game System Programmer

Typical tasks for a System Programmer include:

• Designing and implementing core libraries, tools, and internal frameworks

• Conducting technical research to improve game engines

• Collaborating with planners, designers, and engineers

• Optimizing system performance and debugging issues

Junior System Programmers contribute to similar tasks, with support and mentorship

Skills & Experience You Need to be a Game System Programmer

Companies in Japan look for people with:

• C++ development experience (especially for engine-level programming)

• Experience building internal tools or reusable libraries

• Strong communication skills for cross-functional teamwork

• A technical degree, usually in Computer Science or Engineering

For junior roles, general development or research experience is welcome.

Recent graduates or "second new grads" are often encouraged to apply.

Language Requirements

Language proficiency is a critical part of most System Programmer roles in Japan:

• JLPT N2 or higher is expected

• Business-level Japanese is needed for meetings, documentation, and team coordination

• Many tools and codebases are in Japanese

• Limited Japanese ability may restrict you to international studios or backend-only roles

Fluent Japanese unlocks more career options and faster progression within the company.

What Kind of Person Succeeds?

Successful System Programmers in Japan tend to:

• Stay current with new technologies

• Think about developer usability when building systems

• Communicate clearly and work proactively

• Collaborate and take ownership without waiting to be told what to do

Career Path: How System Programmers Grow in Japan

System Programmer roles in Japan offer a clear and structured career path at medium to large studios.

As you gain experience and expand your technical leadership, you move into more senior and strategic positions.

Here’s a typical progression:

Level	Title	Key Focus
🎓 Entry	Junior System Programmer	Learning the codebase, building internal tools, and gaining hands-on experience with engine-level systems
🛠 Mid	System Programmer / Senior Programmer	Designing reusable libraries, leading feature development, mentoring juniors, improving performance and architecture
👥 Leadership	Lead Engineer / Technical Lead	Overseeing a small team, managing planning and task allocation, coordinating cross-department engineering work
🧩 Management	Section Director / Engineering Manager	Setting technical direction for a department or core technology area, managing multiple teams or projects
🧠 Strategy	CTO / Director of Technology	Defining company-wide tech strategy, managing R&D bu Note: Exact Titles and exact structure can vary by studio, but companies in Japan value long-term technical depth over frequent job-hopping. It's common for engineers to stay with a company for several years as they grow into senior responsibilitie Salary Range for Game System Programmers in Japan Here’s a look at salary bands for System Programmers in Japan: Role Level Approx. Annual Salary (JPY) Junior Programmer ¥4M–¥7M Mid-Level Staff ¥6M–¥10M Senior Staff ~¥10M Team Lead ~¥15M Section Director ~¥20M Director ~¥25M Note: Salaries include bonuses and overtime. Raises are in April, with summer and winter bonuses common. Work Environment & Benefits While each company is different, here’s what you can generally expect: Flexible start times (commonly between 8:00 and 11:00) Standard 8-hour workdays with a 1-hour break 120–130 holidays/year, including weekends and public holidays Hybrid or remote work options, depending on company policy Typical benefits: Commuting and relocation support Retirement programs Childcare and nursing leave Health checkups and vaccination support Free drinks, subsidized meals Special leave options (e.g., refresh leave, anniversary leave) Newer companies often offer more modern, open workspaces and flexible policies. Application Tips To apply successfully in Japan’s game industry: Use a Japanese-style resume and CV (PDF) List project details: tech stack, role, results, team size Include sample code or tools, if not restricted by NDA Avoid fan projects using copyrighted IP (especially from major franchises) 💡 If you're applying from abroad, some companies may provide visa support or relocation packages. Industry Insights for Programmers in Japan Here’s what else you should know: Tech Stack: C++ for AAA and console titles Unity (C#) for mobile or indie games Some studios use proprietary engines Work Culture: “Crunch” periods still occur before launches, but work-life balance is improving Hybrid work is becoming the norm at many companies Job Security: Generally high compared to other markets, though many roles begin as fixed-term contracts Team Structures: Often project-based, with freelancers brought in for specific phases Trends to Watch: Increased investment in AI, AR/VR, and indie development FAQ: System Programmer Roles in Japan Q: Do I need fluent Japanese to work in this role? Yes. For domestic companies, business-level Japanese (JLPT N2+) is required. Some international teams may allow English, especially in backend-focused roles. Q: Can I apply without game industry experience? Yes. Many companies welcome strong C++ developers from other fields like embedded systems, finance, or robotics. Q: Can recent graduates apply? Definitely. Junior roles are often open to recent grads and “second new grads” (those with limited experience post-graduation). Q: Do companies in Japan sponsor work visas? Yes. A relevant university degree and professional experience will help get your visa secured. Q: Is hybrid or remote work common? Yes. Studios allow part-time setups for experienced engineers. Q: What’s the typical interview process like? Resume and portfolio screening Technical interview (coding or design questions) Culture-fit or Japanese-language interview Sometimes, a take-home assignment or tool-building challenge It takes weeks to months. Q: Will I earn royalties from the game? No. Most employees are salaried and may receive performance bonuses, but royalties are rare unless you're on the executive team or working under unique contracts. Ready to work in Japan? Message us using this link to learn what gaming positions are open in Tokyo! Bryan Rios Previous Previous Meet the new Build+ AI & Data Team Next Next [Apply Now] Become a Character Designer in Japan: What You Need to Know COMPANY About Us Careers Blog Privacy Policy FIND A JOB Consumer Tech Enterprise Tech FinTech AdTech FIND A JOB Frontend & Creatives Backend Client-facing Technical Japanese Enterprises FOR COMPANIES Hire Tech Talent Build Plus株式会社 MARIX Ebisu Bldg. 7F 4-4-6 Ebisu, Shibuya Tokyo 150-0013 +81-3-6434-0299 © 2025 Build Plus K.K. All Rights Reserved. 運営会社 会社概要 キャリア採用 転職お役立ち情報 プライバシーポリシー 求職者の方 B2C B2B フィンテック アドテック 求職者の方 フロントエンド エンジニア バックエンド エンジニア プロジェクト マネジメント エンタープライズ 採用担当者の方 IT人材の採用 Build Plus株式会社 〒150-0013 東京都 渋谷区 恵比寿4-4-6 MARIX恵比寿ビル 7F 03-6434-0299 © 2025 Build Plus K.K. All Rights Reserved.