AI Jobs in Japan: Career Opportunities, Skills, and Hiring Trends
Japan makes robots.
Japan makes cars.
We all know these things.
But what about AI (Artificial Intelligence)?
That is what we wanted to find out.
In this edition of Tech Careers Japan, we sat down with Devi, Associate Consultant at Build+, working with AI companies in Japan.
Devi breaks down the current AI landscape in Japan.
From industry trends to hiring realities and tips for foreign professionals, here's what you need to know about working in AI in Japan.
🎥 Watch the Full Interview
🧠 Japan’s AI Landscape: Industry-Led Innovation
Japan’s approach to AI is deeply rooted in its strength in hardware and industrial systems. While countries like the U.S. lead in foundational models and China in surveillance and vision-based AI, Japan excels at embedding AI into real-world applications like:
Robotics (SoftBank Robotics, Honda)
Smart manufacturing (Toyota, Panasonic, Mitsubishi Electric)
Mobility and autonomous driving
Healthcare tech for aging populations
There’s also growing interest in natural language processing (NLP) and generative AI—but Japan’s AI startup ecosystem is still small compared to Silicon Valley or Shenzhen.
🗞️ Fact: Japan’s AI market is expected to triple by 2030, reaching over ¥3.6 trillion (~$24B), with rapid growth in generative AI, multilingual customer service, and AI-powered software tools.
🌱 Why Work in AI in Japan?
Japan’s AI sector isn’t just about tech—it’s about solving big societal challenges. Aging populations, rural depopulation, and labor shortages are pushing companies to build AI tools that make a real impact, from self-driving buses in the countryside to smart eldercare solutions.
"Many companies we work with are using AI to tackle social issues," says Devi. "One client is even building a product specifically for retirement homes."
Add to that stable government investment, growing infrastructure, and a clear national roadmap for an AI-powered "super-smart society," and you’ve got a uniquely attractive career path.
🔎 Most In-Demand AI Roles in Japan
Companies in Japan are hiring across a wide range of AI roles:
NLP Specialist
Generative AI Engineer
AI Product Manager
AI Research Scientist
SHIFT, for example, is actively hiring Generative AI Engineers who can build LLM-powered products from scratch—ideally with hands-on experience in Python and some working knowledge of chatbot or NLP applications.
💼 What Skills Do You Need?
Technical expertise is key. Companies are especially looking for professionals with:
📜 Certifications That Can Give You an Edge
Certifications aren’t required—but they do help:
A portfolio of personal projects (bonus points if you record a video walkthrough!)
🌍 Tips for International Candidates
If you're coming from outside Japan, here’s how you can stand out:
Localize your resume. One-page CVs are common in the West, but in Japan, hiring managers expect detailed documentation—what you did, how you did it, what tools you used, and the outcome.
Show your proactiveness. Can’t use generative AI at work? Build something on your own. Even a simple app or chatbot using public models can make a difference.
Speak Japanese if you can. While technical skills are often more important, many companies still require at least Business or Native Japanese, especially if you'll be working in a Japanese-speaking team.
Add Japanese certifications. Passing the JLPT N2 or N1 shows commitment and can open more doors.
⚠️ Common Challenges & Misconceptions
Language barriers: Most AI roles still require Japanese—especially at large corporations.
Overestimating experience: Python alone isn’t enough. Companies expect proven projects or contributions to real AI applications.
Salary expectations: While top AI talent can earn ¥10M–20M, average salaries range from ¥6M to ¥12M—competitive by Japanese standards, but lower than in Silicon Valley.
"We often work with candidates who assume their Python experience will translate directly to AI work," says Devi. "But companies are looking for people who’ve built real, working generative AI products—even small ones."
🤖 Who’s Hiring in Japan’s AI Sector?
You’ll find roles at:
Large enterprises building in-house AI teams (often via subsidiaries)
Startups—though fewer than in the U.S. or China
Public-private partnerships focused on healthcare, mobility, and smart cities
SHIFT, which hires for internal and client-facing AI positions
Devi notes: “Startups tend to be more flexible on language if your skills are top-tier. Larger companies, on the other hand, are often stricter about Japanese language requirements.”
📈 The Future of AI in Japan
Expect to see growth in:
Multilingual AI customer support
AI for eldercare and healthcare diagnostics
AI-powered automation in logistics and mobility
Generative AI tools for recruitment, software development, and education
In other words: if you’re a skilled professional who’s interested in making a tangible difference, Japan’s AI sector may be one of the most rewarding places to build your career.
