Blog lists in Job seeker (IT engineer) category

For foreigners, finding a place to live in a foreign country or region where they do not know the conditions for renting and are not familiar with the area can be a challenge. In Japan, some companies have a program to support the housing of their employees, which can be a great help for foreign employees. Particularly in many IT companies, which are facing a shortage of human resources, are focusing on a program to support housing and rent as part of their benefit package for employees. In this article, we will explain how this program, which reduces the burden of housing costs from an economic point of view. Each company can have its own housing and rent subsidy program The housing and rent subsidy programs are set up by each company to help employees with their housing expenses, and are not legally set in a uniform manner. The conditions differ from company to company, and of course some companies do not have a program. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), 45.8% of all companies provide some form of housing benefit. However, a higher percentage (56.0%) of companies in IT-related and telecommunications industries provide housing benefits. When you compare terms and conditions for choosing a company, you need to consider not only the salary amount, but also whether the company has a good housing subsidy program. If you are a foreign IT engineer who would like to change jobs in Japan using the housing subsidy program, register with GitTap, a job site for foreign IT professionals. Start by signing up. Examples of housing and rent subsidy programs There are several patterns of housing and rent subsidy programs in Japanese companies. We will discuss and explain some of the most typical cases of these housing subsidy programs. １．Rent subsidy (housing benefit) Rent subsidy (housing benefit) is the most common type of housing subsidy program in which the company provides a portion of the employee’s housing cost as a benefit. For example, if an employee is living in a rented house, the company will subsidize a percentage of the rent, or subsidize the mortgage of the house the employee owns. The conditions and amount of the subsidy will vary by company, so be sure to check the conditions carefully when signing the labor contract. Payment conditions and amount For example, there are many cases where the company provides rent subsidies with conditions such as “X yen per month will be paid to the employee who lives within X kilometers of the company,” “the employee must live in a place where they can commute to the company within X minutes,” or “the employee must live within X stations of the nearest station to the company.” There are also companies that require a certain number of years of continued service, such as “X number of years of service with the company” as a condition for payment. In some cases, you must be the contractor or head of household of the rental property. For example, if you are living with your girlfriend or sharing a room with a friend, and you are not the contractor or head of the household, you should check beforehand if you are eligible for the benefit. The amount to be paid varies by company. For example, in many cases, the company will set a percentage of the rent to be paid, such as “50% of the rent”, and then the maximum amount is set. Overall, the amount paid is decreasing, but the amount paid in the IT sector is higher than the average. According to the Comprehensive Survey on Working Conditions (FY2015) by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the average monthly housing benefit per person is 17,000 yen. Overall, the amount of housing-related benefits is on a downward trend in the cost of benefits provided by companies (results of the Japan Business Federation’s FY2018 survey on employee benefit costs), but in the IT-related and other telecommunications industries, the amount is 25,312 yen per month, much higher than the average. This reflects the recent trend of a shortage of human resources in the IT industry, and shows that more companies are increasing the benefits of housing benefits in order to bring in talented people. ２．Rented company housing Rented company housing is a program in which the company rents a property and the employees live in the rented housing. The employee pays a portion of the rent, but the company subsidizes a certain percentage of the rent, so the employee can live in the housing at a lower cost than renting on their own. Also, since the company signs the lease contract, employees do not have to sign the contract themselves. This is also a great advantage for foreign employees, as it saves them the trouble of searching for a room. In the past, it was common for companies to rent out entire apartments or condominiums on a large scale and then rent each unit to employees, but recently, there are more cases where employees themselves search for a property that meets their requirements and rent it under the company’s name. ３．Employee dormitory An employee dormitory is a facility or building provided by a company for employees to live in. In some cases, the rooms are equipped with furniture and appliances, and meals are provided. In most cases, the rent is reasonable and includes food and other expenses, allowing you to save on living expenses. However, due to the difficulty of maintaining privacy among employees, employee dormitories have tended to be shunned in recent years. In addition, many employee dormitories were built during the period of rapid economic growth and have become decrepit, so the number of companies with employee dormitories is on the decline. The size and layout of the housing to be provided In most cases, the size and layout of rented company housing and employee dormitories are provided according to the number of people in the household, whether they are single or married with a family. For example, rented company housing/employee dormitory provided for single employees are usually single-room, 1K, or 1DK layouts with room sizes ranging from 6 to 8 tatami mats (10m2 to 14m2). On the other hand, rented company housing/employee dormitory for a married employee and their families of three to four people generally have floor plans of around 2DK to 3LDK (19.4㎡ to 23.4㎡). Comparing the above-mentioned benefits from 1 to 3, it should be noted that in the case of 1, rent subsidies are provided in addition to the monthly salary and are subject to taxation due to the increase in total income, which also increases the tax and insurance cost for employees. On the other hand, in the case of 2 (rented company housing) and 3 (employee dormitory), a certain amount of rent is deducted from the salary and paid to the company, so there is no increase in the employee’s own tax payment or insurance cost. Summary Especially when you start working in a new place, you will want to keep your expenses as low as possible until your job is on track and your life is stable. By using subsidies such as rent subsidies (housing benefits), rented company housing, and employee dormitories, you may be able to reduce your rent burden and successfully keep the cost of living in Japan down. When researching employment in Japan, be sure to check whether there is a housing subsidy system. Also, since the criteria vary from company to company, check with your personnel officer for details on the conditions of those subsidies.The post Will the company pay for your residence? Housing and Rent Subsidy Programs in Japan first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

This section explains what procedures and visas are required in order to work as an IT engineer in Japan. These procedures are very complicated and are divided into two categories: those to be completed before entering Japan and those to be completed after entering Japan. In addition, it takes time from the moment you apply to the moment you receive the results of your application, so you need to allow plenty of time for the process. In this article, I will introduce the smoothest and most common procedure. For exceptions and details, please refer to the links provided. What you can learn from this article Required Procedures First, you need a passport and a visa to enter Japan. Then, in order to work in Japan, you need to obtain a residence card that proves your status of residence. We will explain the definitions of visa and residence status (= residence card). About Visa A visa proves validity of your passport that you present at the airport to prove that you can enter Japan. It must be issued by the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country (or the country in which the applicant is staying). The issued visa will be affixed to the passport. In principle, the visa is valid for one entry only. It is valid for a period of three months from the date of issue. And the applicant must pass an immigration inspection in Japan within this period.Reference link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan – Variety of Visa Apply for a working visa In order to work as an IT engineer, you will need a “working visa” for the purpose of long-term stay and employment. In the case of IT engineers, the “Technical, Humanities, and International Services” category of working visa is applicable. Step 1: Apply for Authorization of Resident Eligibility In order to apply for a working visa, one of the required documents is an “Authorization of Resident Eligibility“. This is a document that proves that your activities in Japan are not false and that you meet the requirements for landing in Japan. It is necessary to apply for this certificate at the immigration office in Japan. Therefore, if you are outside of Japan and plan to work, you had better ask the staff of the company where you plan to work to apply for this certificate. Then, you need to have this certificate sent to you from Japan. Once you receive the certificate, take it to the Japanese embassy or consulate and apply for a visa. The documents required for application will vary depending on the type of company you are working for. For those who have graduated from a vocational school and have been granted the title of professional or advanced specialist, a certification is required. For more information, check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website! Note It takes one to three months for the results of the review of an application for Authorization of Resident Eligibility to be issued. It is recommended to have plenty of time for application. This certificate is valid for three months after it is issued. It is possible to apply for Authorization of Resident Eligibility by the applicant himself/herself, but it will take a long time for the application to be reviewed, so it is better to have the company employee in Japan apply on behalf of the applicant. Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents The documents required to obtain a working visa are as follows. Please take these documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. 1. Passport2. 1 copy of visa application form (2 copies required for Russians, CIS countries, and Georgians)3. 1 photo (2 photos required for Russians, CIS countries, and Georgians)4. Authorization of Resident Eligibility (original and 1 copy) For Chinese nationals, these are required in addition to the above5. A copy of the family register6. Certificate of temporary residence or certificate of residence Since you have submitted Authorization of Resident Eligibility, it is easier for the Japanese embassy or consulate general to issue your visa within the standard processing time (five working days from the day after the application is received). Reference Link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Based on the above, the process for obtaining working visa for IT engineers is as follows. What is status of residence (residence card)? Status of residence is a qualification that allows you to stay in Japan legally. A resident card is a “certificate” that proves that you are a legal resident with a resident status and period of stay. Unlike a visa, it can be issued in Japan. Your name, date of birth, gender, nationality/region, place of residence, status of residence, period of stay, whether you can work, etc. are written on the residence card. If there is any change in the information on the card, you are required to report the change. Reference Link: the Immigration Services Agency of Japan How to Receive Your Resident Card If you enter Japan at one of these 7 airports: Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, New Chitose Airport, Hiroshima Airport, or Fukuoka Airport, your passport will be stamped with a seal indicating landing permission, and you will receive a resident card. If you enter the country at any of the other airports or seaports, you will receive your resident card by mail after notifying the municipal office of your residence where you plan to work. If there is a change in the place of employment, or any other change IT engineers with “Technical/Humanistic/International Services” status of residence are required to notify the director of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan within 14 days of the following changes in the contracting organization. Change in the name of the contracting organizationChange of location of the contracting organizationExtinction of the contracting organizationTermination of contract with the contracting organizationConclusion of a contract with a new contracting organization If you want to know more about the residence card, check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website! Based on the above, the process of obtaining the resident card for IT engineers and changing the description is as follows. You can obtain your residence card on the spot when you arrive at any of the 7 airports indicated above in Japan. If there are any changes to the items listed on your resident card, submit a change report to the immigration office. Summary In this article, we briefly explained about the visa and residence card required to work as an IT engineer in Japan. We hope this can be helpful to you when you are considering a career change. If you are a foreign IT engineer who wants to change jobs, you can register with GitTap, a job site for foreign IT professionals, and you may receive scouts from companies that can help you with the visa process. Start by signing up.The post Explaining the Visa and Status of Residence Required for IT Engineers Working in Japan for the First Time first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

The following is an explanation of the tax system for those who will be working in Japan in the future. The amount of tax you have to pay and the deductions you can take are different depending on your living situation. Therefore, it is important to know about Japan’s tax system, especially if you are planning to live in Japan for a long time. In addition, Japan has a tax system called “Furusato (hometown) Taxation” that can enrich your life. This article is designed to help you understand the tax system, types of taxes, and an overview of Furusato taxation. This is a brief explanation, omitting exceptions and minor details. What you can learn from this article Summary of Consumption TaxConsumption Tax Ranking in the WorldHow to calculate income taxHow to calculate residence taxAdvantages of Furusato (hometown) Taxation and how to start Consumption Tax Consumption tax is a tax imposed on transactions when goods or services are purchased. It is borne by the consumer and paid to the government by the business. Consumption tax is divided into national tax and local tax, and the tax collected in local areas is called local consumption tax. Currently, the consumption tax rate in Japan is 10%. (National tax rate: 7.8%, local consumption tax rate: 2.2%) This means that if you buy 10,000 yen worth of clothes, the final amount you will pay is 11,000 yen. Consumption Tax Ranking in the World According to the Ministry of Finance, the countries with the lowest consumption tax rates were Taiwan and Canada at 5%, and the highest was Hungary at 27% (out of 49 countries, mostly ASEAN, OECD, and EU members). Japan has the sixth lowest tax rate, tied with six other countries including such as Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam. It can be seen that Japan has a comparatively low consumption tax rate among the 49 countries. However, Japan’s consumption tax rate is not particularly low, as it is 10% or lower in other Asian countries that are members of ASEAN. Income Tax Income tax is a tax on personal income. The higher the income, the higher the tax rate (progressive tax rate), and depending on whether you are a resident or a non-resident, the different taxes and deductions you are entitled to. The definitions of resident and non-resident are as follows. How to calculate income tax Total income (the sum of all income earned) ↓Subtract 15 types of income deductions ↓Multiply taxable income (minus deductions) by the tax rate ↓Income tax The first item, total income, is different for residents and non-residents. In the case of residents, a foreign tax credit is applied to prevent double taxation of income earned abroad and income earned in Japan. This credit is available mainly in OECD countries.Reference link: Ministry of Finance website (*in Japanese) The taxable income tax that needs to be paid by foreign workers living in Japan depends on the following three categories. Income deduction for non-residents is different A deduction is a reduction in the amount of tax you pay. For residents, there are 15 different deductions. Here are three deductions as examples. Medical expenses deduction Subtract 100,000 yen from the amount you paid as medical expenses, and you will receive an income tax deduction for that amount. Casualty loss deduction In case of loss due to fire, theft, etc., a certain amount of income tax can be deducted. Spousal deduction If a taxpayer has a spouse who is eligible for exemption under the Income Tax Act, the taxpayer is entitled to a certain amount of income tax deduction. Residents are entitled to 15 different deductions, while non-residents are limited to three deductions. For non-residents, there are only three deductions: basic deduction, contribution deduction, and casualty loss deduction. Basic exemptions An income tax deduction that can be deducted based on the taxpayer’s total income. Contribution deduction An income tax deduction allowed when taxpayers make donations to the national government, local governments, specified public service promotion corporations, etc.Reference link: National Tax Office (*in Japanese) Income Tax Table (2021) This is a tax table for determining your income tax. Since Japan has a progressive taxation system, the higher the salary, the higher the tax rate. If your total taxable income is 8 million yen, the tax amount will be as follows.8,000,000 yen × 0.23 – 636,000 yen = 1,204,000 yen How to pay income tax If you work in a companyIncome tax will be subtracted from your salary beforehand, and the company will pay the tax to the tax office on your behalf. This is called tax withholding. If you do your own businessYou are required to calculate your income and tax amount for the year by yourself and report it to the tax office. This is called final tax return. Inhabitant Tax Regardless of your nationality, if you earn more than a certain amount of income, you are required to pay this tax to the prefecture or municipality where you live. If the inhabitant tax is not paid, your application for extension of stay may not be approved. As with income tax, there are two ways to pay the tax: special collection, in which the company deducts the amount of tax in advance and pays it, and ordinary collection, in which you pay the amount written on the payment slip at a financial institution. How to calculate inhabitant tax The inhabitant tax rate is 10% of taxable income in a single uniform manner. There are two types of inhabitant tax: municipal inhabitant tax and prefectural inhabitant tax. The municipal inhabitant tax is a uniform 6%, and the prefectural inhabitant tax (based on income) is a uniform 4%, for a total of 10%. In addition to this, the inhabitant tax is the sum of the per capita tax. The inhabitant tax on per capita basis is 3,500 yen for municipal tax and 1,500 yen for prefectural tax, for a total of 5,000 yen. About Furusato (hometown) Taxation Hometown taxation is one of the income tax deductions mentioned above, which allows you to donate to the local government you want to support. In return for your donation, you will receive local specialties. There are various types of gifts such as meat, rice, fruits, seafood, etc. Advantages of Furusato (Hometown) Taxation The biggest advantage is that when you make a donation, you can deduct 2,000 yen from the donation amount and have that amount deducted from your inhabitant tax for the following year. In other words, you can pay next year’s inhabitant tax in advance, and in addition, you can purchase special products from the municipality you donated to. For example, if you donate 50,000 yen, you are paying 2,000 yen out of your own pocket and paying 48,000 yen of inhabitant tax in advance. Note・Please note that the maximum amount of deduction will differ depending on your total income and family members. Run a simulation on a portal site or the like to know the amount within the range of tax deductions.・In order to receive a tax deduction, you need to file a tax return. Let’s start using the one-stop system If you are a salaried employee and donate to less than five municipalities, you do not need to file a tax return. First, choose the one-stop special system when you make your donation. Then, submit an application for the one-stop special system, and the local government will file your tax return on your behalf. When you submit the application form, you will need to submit identification documents such as a copy of your driver’s license. In other words, Furusato Taxation is a system that allows you to pay taxes in advance through donations, and in addition, receive gifts from local governments. It is a great way to learn about the charms of various regions in Japan through local specialties. Please find a region you would like to visit in the future, or a special product you are interested in, and try to use it.Reference link: About One-Stop Special System Summary In this article, I explained the basic types of taxes, how to determine the amount, and hometown taxes. If you forget to pay taxes, such as the inhabitant tax, it may affect your period of stay in Japan. If you work for a company, the tax is deducted from your salary, so you won’t have to pay it by yourself, but it is important to understand and be aware of it. In addition, there are mechanisms such as hometown taxation that allow you to learn about the charms of various regions while paying taxes, so please make use of them to enhance your life in Japan.The post 【For foreigners】Let’s learn about taxes and hometown tax donation program to fully enjoy Japan! first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

Japan’s corporate culture is said to be unique compared to other countries, for better or worse. Therefore, for foreign job seekers, what the Japanese way of interviewing should be like is a major concern in their job search. If you have passed the application screening, you should know how to behave in an interview and show off your skills and experience without regret. This is a difficult topic because few Japanese are perfect at it and there are many ways of thinking about it. But for now, here are some interview etiquette tips you should know. Contents Preparation to be done before the interview In general, you need to be careful about how you dress for interviews in Japan. IT companies also tend to dress casually and roughly in Japan. However, actually, it varies from company to company, and also depends on whether you are working in-house or being dispatched. Unless you have been informed otherwise in advance, it is recommended that you wear a suit. Leather shoes in dark colors such as black or brown are preferable. Also, be careful not to wear strong perfume or heavy make-up, as it may be perceived differently by some people. Japan is very strict about punctuality, so make sure in advance you know how to get there and who to contact in case you are going to be late. １．Before arriving at the interview site The one thing you must remember is to be punctual. Be sure to arrive at the interview site at least five minutes before the interview. In addition, it is a good idea to have time to check your appearance last minute. However, the company may not be ready for you, so arriving too early can be annoying. If you have a lot of time left before the appointed time, spend some time around the site to kill some time before entering the site at the right time. If you are going to be inevitably late for some reason, keep your contact information from your application and be sure to call them. If there is a delay in public transportation, such as a train, a delay certificate will be issued, so get the one online or at the station. When you arrive at the interview site, it is good manners to keep your coat, bag, and hat in your hand in front of the receptionist. At the reception desk, tell them the time of your appointment, the reason for your visit, your name, and the name of the person in charge. If there is no one at the reception desk or if the company does not have a secretarial extension telephone, ask a nearby employee to tell the person in charge that you are here for an interview. Sometimes the way you behave is checked from the time you enter the reception area, so be aware that you are already being watched by the company you are applying to when you arrive. Some companies, but not all, will send you to a waiting area before the interview. In such a case, wait quietly there until you are called. During the waiting time, you can do some image training on what questions you will be asked and how you will answer them. ２．Entering the interview room When you are led to the interview room, take a deep breath to calm yourself down and relax. Enter the interview room slowly and without haste. If you are nervous, you will be perceived in a negative light. When your name is called from inside the interview room, knock lightly on the door three times (four times in the case of foreign affiliated companies). When you hear a voice from inside saying “please come in” or “please enter,” open the door, say “excuse me,” and enter the room. If there is no response from the interview room, knock again. If there is still no response, say, “Excuse me,” and then open the door. In case the person in charge of the interview enters the room later, follow the instructions given by the staff member. When you enter the interview room, do not proceed to your seat, but turn your body toward the door and gently close the inner doorknob. It is bad manners to close the door with your hands behind your back without turning toward the door. When you enter the room, stand beside the chair, face the front, and say your name. “Thank you for taking the time to see me today.” and bow. After the greeting, sit down in the chair after you are asked to do so. You also need to pay attention to how you sit. Sit with your back straight. Do not cross your legs or sit with your legs wide open. If you are instructed by the information desk to sit down and wait for the person in charge, follow the instructions. After the person in charge enters the room, stand up and greet him or her in the same manner. ３．When the interview begins When you are handed a business card, always accept it with both hands at chest level, saying, “Thank you.” After briefly reviewing the contents, place the card straight down on the left side of the table. If you have been told to bring your application documents, have them ready. If you want to take notes during the interview, store your notebook and writing utensils in your bag where you can easily access them. Pay attention to your posture during the interview. Sit deep in your chair, do not lean back, keep your chin back and your back straight, and place your hands lightly on your knees. Face the front of the room, look the person in charge in the eye, and use a clearly articulated tone of voice. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and maintain a gentle, smiling expression to avoid a blank face. Be careful not to look down or avert your gaze when speaking due to excessive nervousness. Interrupting the other person’s conversation or changing the subject abruptly can be judged as being difficult to communicate with. Listen to what the other person has to say until the end, and try to answer concisely. If there is something you do not understand or do not catch, it is not rude to ask a question. Check the content after the speaker has finished speaking. ４．When you leave the room When you are told that the interview is over, say, “Thank you for your time today.” Thanks to the interviewer and bow while sitting in the chair. After that, don’t be in a hurry to put your writing utensils and documents in your bag and stand up when you are ready to leave. Stand next to the chair and bow. Move to the front of the door, turn your body toward the interviewer, bow one last time and say, “Excuse me,” then turn your body toward the door and open it. Be careful to close the door quietly until the end. After leaving the interview room, do not operate your smartphone or take off your jacket, and remain cautious for a while. Depending on the company, you may be escorted to the exit of the interview room or to the elevator by the person in charge of the interview or a receptionist. If this happens, say “Excuse me” and bow at the exit or elevator. Summary In this article, I have told about the unique interview etiquette in Japan. Although Japanese manners and behavior will be evaluated at the interview, the most important thing is to make the interviewer think, “I would like to work with this person.” Foreign job seekers tend to be so conscious of their manners and Japanese language skills that they tend to speak less, speak with less confidence, and even their body movements tend to be deflated. Even if you are not confident in your ability to communicate in Japanese, try to speak clearly and openly. It is important to prepare in advance and explain in a polite and comprehensible manner that you are a person who can bring benefit to the company you have applied to.The post Manners and behavior required for a job interview at a Japanese company first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

In many countries, IT engineers are expected to have basic communication skills in English. However, in Japan today, Japanese language skills are required for many job applications. Many Japanese companies are worried about the shortage of IT engineers. In order to hire talented foreign students and IT engineers from overseas, they use the JLPT certification to check the Japanese language level of applicants. In this article, we will explain what the JLPT is, a Japanese Language Proficiency Test that is required for employment in Japan. Contents While Japanese companies want to hire foreign engineers, they have few English speakers In recent years, more Japanese companies have adopted English as their official internal language, but there are still very few English speakers in Japan, and foreign engineers are still expected to have Japanese language skills. According to a survey conducted in 2020 by EF Education First, a Swiss educational institution, Japanese people’s English proficiency ranked 55th out of 100 non-English speaking countries and regions, and for the fourth year in a row was identified as “low proficiency level,” the fourth out of five levels. However, due to the recent shortage of human resources caused by the declining birthrate and aging population, as well as the need to cope with globalization, both major corporations and small and medium-sized companies in Japan have recently become more proactive in hiring talented foreign engineers. Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) estimates that there will be a shortage of about 410,000 (optimistic value) to 790,000 (pessimistic value) IT professionals in 2030. In other words, it is to a certain extent that the shortage of IT engineers is recognized as a social issue. There are some companies that do not require Japanese language skills, but in those cases, they are often international companies or companies that already have foreign engineers, and most of those jobs are highly competitive and require a high level of skill. Due to these factors, having Japanese language skills will broaden the range of companies you can apply to. Furthermore, having a certification that proves your Japanese language skill will definitely give you an advantage in your job search. What is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)? JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is held twice a year (July and December). JLPT is divided into five levels, from N1 to N5 in order of difficulty. The second most difficult qualification, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or higher, is specified as a condition for applying for many jobs offered by Japanese companies to foreigners. The standard for N2 certification is that “in addition to understanding Japanese used in everyday situations, the applicant should be able to understand Japanese used in a wider range of situations to some extent.” It is said that the number of Kanji characters required to pass N2 is about 1,000 and the number of words is about 6,000. # There is a similar test called “Nihongo Kentei Shiken (Japanese certification test)”, but this is a different test for native speakers of Japanese. Use your Japanese language skills to succeed as an engineer In most cases, foreign engineers are required to have a level of Japanese that allows them to communicate smoothly with Japanese staff within the company. Of course, if you can speak Japanese fluently and work well with the staff within the company, you will be able to work more efficiently. Also, speaking your own language and English is a great advantage to be able to communicate with people outside of Japan, which Japanese staff could not be good at. As a PM or Bridge SE, you may be entrusted to communicate with foreign engineers inside and outside the company in the future. If you don’t have any qualifications, try to show your “speaking ability” in the interview! Even if you don’t have a certificate of JLPT N1 or N2, there are still people who can speak Japanese without any difficulty, because JLPT only evaluates reading and writing ability, not speaking ability. So, for example, even if you can speak Japanese well, reading and writing kanji can be difficult for people who come from countries where kanji is not used. Therefore, the JLPT certification becomes a higher hurdle. For those job seekers who have good oral communication skills, it is even more important to appeal to them in the hiring interview. Many Japanese companies use the JLPT to check Japanese language skills when screening documents, so obtaining the certification is also important. But anyway, if you can pass the document screening and proceed to the interview, and if you can appeal your oral communication skills on your own, you may be able to get hired. The contents of your resume and curriculum vitae are important in passing the document screening process, so you may consider having someone who is familiar with Japanese companies check them beforehand. If you are still not confident in your Japanese skill Ideally, you should have obtained N1 or N2 of JLPT, but if you are not yet confident in your Japanese, then aim to obtain N3. In addition, engineers with a strong background in emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain, for example, or those who have the high level of IT skills required by companies are highly valued, so be sure to include such information in your website profile, resume, and CV. There are many cases where your positive attitude toward learning Japanese and your high level of skills can lead to employment. Summary Currently, jobs that do not require Japanese language skills tend to require a high level of engineering skills, and conversely, if you have little experience as an IT engineer, Japanese language skills are required. To be active as an IT engineer in Japan, not only are development skills and rich experience as an engineer required, but also a high level of Japanese language proficiency. However, even if you don’t have both skills and language ability from the start, you can improve those abilities while working, which can lead to higher income and career growth in the future. This is because foreign engineers with high Japanese language skills are rare and attractive to Japanese companies. If you are a foreign IT engineer who wants to use your Japanese level and engineering skills to change jobs, register with GitTap, a job site for foreign IT professionals, and you may receive scouts from companies. Start by signing up.The post Raising your profile with your Japanese language skills by the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)! first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

Engineers are an indispensable occupation as society becomes more and more IT-oriented. A report on software engineers produced by a recruitment website Hired found that the number of jobs for AR/VR engineers grew by 14 times in the year 2019. In this article, we will focus on VR/AR engineers, which have been in growing demand in recent years, and look at the details of the position and the skills required. What you can learn from this article What is VR/AR? We posted the definition in our last article, but we will briefly review it again.VR is a computer-generated virtual space. When you put on the goggles, you can create a sense of immersion as if you are in another world. AR is augmented reality, better known as Pokémon Go. The AR information is superimposed on the actual scenery seen through a camera or other device. While VR engineers create virtual worlds, AR blends the real world with virtual experiences, but the first step for both is the same. Let’s take a look at what skills are needed to become a VR/AR engineer by referring to this page ( https://hrd.cm/3n9PRPS ) Skills required for VR/AR engineers Skills required for beginners ・Basic knowledge of coding・Knowledge of C #, C ++, and Java languages・Experience of 3D software・Moderate proficiency in Unity or Unreal The figure below shows the popularity ranking of programming languages in Japan. The higher the number, the more people are using that language. Based on this ranking, those who have mastered the C++ language may be able to play an all-around role in the engineering industry. What is Unity? It is a popular game engine that allows you to develop games for many platforms, including PC, Mac, WebGL, Android, iOS, tvOS, XBox 360, XBox One, PS4, 3DS, Wii U, and Switch, using mainly C# and C ++ languages. Unreal is a game engine as well. Skills required for senior level ・At least 3 years of experience in software programming・At least 3 years of experience in languages such as C#, C++, Java, etc.・At least 2 years of experience with Unity or Unreal・Practical knowledge and experience in 3D programming・Know-how of VR devices provided by Oculus, HTC Vive, and Microsoft・Practical understanding of 3D mathematics・Basic computer science・Ability to think creatively and generate new concepts and ideas C++ is ranked as the most popular programming language, and it is also a necessary skill for VR/AR engineers. In other words, those who master C++ will be able to perform well in a variety of situations. Notable VR/AR related companies in Japan We introduce four companies that are developing services using VR and AR technologies. VR and AR are not only used in the entertainment industry, but are also expanding into a variety of other industries such as education, medicine, and retail. There is no doubt that they will become an essential part of society in the future. If you have IT knowledge ・ExaWizards　A start-up company that is coping with social issues by providing AI-based solutions and in-house services. Using deep learning and VR technology, it has developed a “multimodal AI robot” that does not require programming. It contributes to solve the problem of declining working population. If you are fluent in Japanese ・UniFa　A company that conducts research and development of childcare-related technologies using AI, IoT, and other technologies. Developing “Smart Hoikuen®”, a next-generation nursery school that ensures the safety of children and the confidence their parents and reduces the burden of childcare work. It contributes to solving the problems of families and childcare workers through the application of technology. ・S-ccubism　A company specializing in the retail industry related to major distribution, providing solutions through IT technology and operational know-how. Among its many services, it offers a service called VR Commerce, which allows users to experience purchasing in a VR store. The company provides users with VR stores that allow them to freely create the interior of the store using full CG. ・amana inc.A company that produces visuals, mainly for advertising, plans and produces communication content, and sells creative materials. It creates video content and applications that make full use of VR to maximize the additional value of companies and brands. Chaos Map of the current VR industry Venture Reality Fund, a VA/AR investment fund, has released a VR industry chaos map for 2019. (See chart below) There are more than 550 companies listed in total, which is an increase of about 20% from when it was listed in 2017. As you can see from this figure, many of the leading companies in the modern world, Facebook, Google, Sony, and other major companies have entered the market. As a result, the VR market is expanding and many startups are entering and growing. Summary According to the skills required for VR/AR engineers and the ranking of popular programming languages in Japan, we found out that C ++ is a key language. With the expansion and advancement of the industry, the demand for VR/AR engineers is on the rise. I hope that the previous and current articles on VR/AR will further stimulate your interest in the VR/AR industry. If you are a VR/AR engineer or a foreign IT engineer who would like to change careers using related skills, you can register on GitTap, a recruitment site for foreign IT professionals, and you may receive scouts from companies. Start by signing up. The post Skills required for VR/AR engineers, and companies to watch first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

As IT advances, entertainment is becoming more diverse, and the VR and AR industry is gaining momentum. As you can see from the fact that Facebook and Apple have each assigned more than 1,000 employees to AR and VR initiatives, they become more important in the society. If you want to know the definition of VR/AR or the current status and future of the VR/AR industry, or if you are interested in becoming a VR/AR engineer, this article will do good for you.What you can learn from this article First, let’s look at the definition of what AR and VR are. Glossary One of the most popular AR games is Pokémon Go. Through the camera, you can experience the world as if Pokémon existed in the real world. AR has also been introduced into the filters of Instagram. The range of video shooting is becoming wider and wider. Increasing demand for VR/AR engineers The demand for VR/AR engineers is increasing every year. According to a report on software engineers by the recruiting site Hired, the number of jobs for AR/VR engineers grew 14 times from 2018 in the year 2019. As you can see from the graph, this is an overwhelmingly rapid growth rate. I believe there is no other IT occupation in recent years that has seen its demand growing up to 1400% in just one year. Diverse business domains of VR/AR The reason why there are so many job openings for engineers is because VR/AR is expanding its market not only in the entertainment industry but also in various business domains. Let’s take a look at the potential of VR/AR and its domains in business with reference to this page (https://bit.ly/3bawpAm). 1. Retail VR/AR has enabled simulations, virtual try-on and product customization before buying. By using VR goggles, you can enjoy shopping in a virtual space without visiting stores. IKEA, a company that sells furniture, has developed an app that allows users to place furniture in their own rooms by using a camera, or to walk through a kitchen in a virtual space. This kind of service can help promote sales by providing information for consideration before purchasing. 2. Military / Defense VR/AR is used to create a simulation environment and is used to optimize military training and actions. One application being considered by the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is to virtually share the situation and environment with personnel in remote locations in the event of a bombing or other crisis situation. It is said to be useful for planning personnel deployment and crisis management strategies. 3. Events and Conferences VR conferencing allows for facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and a sense of presence that online conferencing could not compensate for. This creates a situation that replaces the face-to-face space by sharing the same created space. It also allows for remote participation, bringing a broader audience to the event. We may be entering a new phase of online communication. Reference： https://www.sumave.com/20200721_18761/ 4. Marketing and Advertising One familiar AR marketing is Instagram’s AR filter. Companies are creating game-like effects and ingenious filters that make people want to take pictures. While this provides fun for the user, it also creates a spreading effect when the photo is posted, and thus various companies are getting involved. 5. Law Enforcement and Police Like the military, the police train using simulation scenarios that use visual, auditory, and physical stimuli. Even within the virtual training environment, interactions between trainee and characters can be intensified or converged, which leads to the development of judgment and decision-making skills. VR/AR training can also help understand and manage the impact of police stress in actual situations. 6. Recruitment, Talent Management, Human Resources With the same applications as VR conferencing, VR-based recruiting has the potential to become popular in all industries. In fact, Lloyds Banking Group, one of the UK’s largest banks, used VR to evaluate candidates for its internship program. The widespread use of VR devices could allow remote and in-office workers to interact more effectively, thereby strengthening team relationships and reducing turnover. VR may become a more important factor in achieving culture fit. 7. Manufacturing and Logistics AR allows holographic images to be superimposed over an Individual’s real world view by means of goggles. With goggles, professional knowledge, such as how to operate large machines or special equipment, can be easily taught remotely. This could be useful for technicians in any industry. It is an innovative technology that can solve the labor shortage and provide professional training. 8. Healthcare and Medical Care The educational use of AR mentioned in section 7 is also growing in medical education, where AR is used for surgical simulation and telemedicine. A specialist in a remote location can share his or her view with a local surgeon and use AR to give instructions on the patient’s incision, etc. The local surgeon can then perform the surgery based on the instructions. Many companies are also attempting to provide apps that can customize the visualized patient’s health information. 9. Journalism and Media Publishing The media industry has also begun to adopt VR. The New York Times, an American daily newspaper with a circulation of over one million, offers a service called NYTVR, which allows users to experience news in real time through a VR application. The Android and iOS versions of the app are available for free and can also be viewed on the web browser. CNN also used virtual reality to broadcast the first Democratic presidential debate. With the appearance of various start-up companies, “immersive journalism” will be further promoted. 10. Agriculture VR and AR can help farmers visualize large amounts of crop data. By using drones that are equipped with inertial sensors, GPS, powerful processors, and image sensors, farmers can see the status of their fields. In addition, VR and crop data will enable them to apply more precise care to their crops, resulting in improving yields, fewer diseases, and improved costs. Infosys, an Indian IT company, has already introduced VR and AR into agriculture, developing sensors and camera systems to measure crop health. The farmer can check this information through goggles and adjust water, light, fertilizer, etc. 11. Education Through the Corona disaster, the learning methods of students have changed dramatically. Likewise, AR/VR technology will see changes through further popularization. Nearpod, an educational technology company, offers VR materials on the theme of interactive-learning. By providing reality-based learning, it leads to increased motivation to learn and early understanding. Summary In this article, we have selected a variety of areas to introduce. In addition to the entertainment industry, VR/AR is needed and the technology is being developed. As it is a developing field, the demand for VR/AR engineers is expected to increase. In an upcoming article, we will introduce the skills needed to become a VR/AR engineer. If you are a VR/AR engineer or a foreign IT engineer who would like to use related skills to change jobs, you can register on GitTap, a recruitment site for foreign IT professionals, and you may receive scouts from companies. Start by signing up. The post VR/AR business is booming! Explaining the reasons for the 1400 %increase in engineering jobs and the industry! first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

Have you ever thought about how an IT engineer feels when they work for a Japanese company? We bring you the reality of foreign IT engineers working for Japanese companies through the voices of Filipino engineers who are successful in Japanese companies. This time, we will focus on “what they actually felt” after working in Japan, and ask them about their impressions of Japanese people and how they were able to grow. From the answers, you can understand the differences in working styles and the characteristics of Japanese people. This is a must-read for HR professionals who want to hire foreign engineers, and for foreign nationals who are interested in working for Japanese companies!＊Click here for Part 1 of the interview. Interview Part2 What is your impression of the Japanese co-workes you work with? Lawrence: Everyone is very honest and sincere. I get the impression that they are always aiming for perfection or quality in the things they do. I have been wanting to work with businessmen like them in terms of team collaboration for a long time. Marco: Japanese people are enthusiastic and passionate about their work. In addition, they are very focused and hardworking to achieve their goals. Therefore, when I work with them, I can correct my attitude and say, “I have to work hard, too!” Working with them is a great motivation for me. Aldrin: What I like about working with Japanese people is that they are always willing to share their thoughts and ideas. Furthermore, they lead the people they work with to the right path. There are rare occasions when communication does not go smoothly due to the language barrier, but my colleagues are willing to explain things more carefully when I do not understand, and I am able to cover it up by asking questions myself. Danniel: The first time I came on board with the Japan team they were very helpful, kind, and friendly. I am now involved in development by dividing into the Philippines team and the Japan team, and I like the way they share information among the teams because they are very kind. I especially like their high level of professionalism and their willingness to share their knowledge even on business days. Such communication is a good opportunity for me to explore my skills. What do you think is the best thing about working for a Japanese company? Lawrence: The good thing was that I could exposure to world class projects while maintaining an Asian feel to work. Since the Philippines and Japan are both Asian countries, there are many similarities in thinking and cultural backgrounds. The environment where you can engage in high-level work while maintaining an Asian atmosphere is very appealing. Marco: The products and services provided by Japanese companies are all of very high quality. Being able to be involved in the development phase is a unique opportunity for me to improve my skills and gives me confidence and pride. I am glad to be working for Japanese company. It has enhanced my reputation as a businessman. Aldrin: The same can be said for Japan and the Philippines, but there is no end to providing services that  will ease up the work of any user in the world. Working for a Japanese company, you can feel this more strongly. I was able to acquire an attitude of repeated improvement and a high level of ambition. Danniel: What I observe working here while working with a Japanese company is they are flexible, open to more advanced technology out there. Giving an opportunity to others to expand and explore new skills. As a developer, I feel very grateful for this environment. Are there any changes in your working style or lifestyle since you started working for a Japanese company? Lawrence: I think Japanese companies are very particular about state quantified documents and preparation before meetings. You cannot attend a meeting without any preparation, and sometimes conversations cannot take place unless an agenda is prepared. Therefore, I feel that I have developed the habit of thinking ahead and preparing well in advance. Marco: Since I started working in Japan, I have become more organized. In addition, I became more conscious of objectively grasping the situation and understanding my own workload and its status. As a result, I am now able to produce high quality output in a timely manner. In terms of coding, I have been able to learn a lot of techniques from Japanese engineers, which has improved my coding style and standards. Aldrin: I can say this from my lifestyle and work style, but once I set a goal, it became a habit to make it specific. My company uses agile methods, so I make a list of tasks to be done every day. At that time, I clarify the targets and goals for each task. By doing so, I can focus on achieving those goals. I feel that my work style has improved through working for a Japanese company. Danniel: To be honest it changed the way of my working style. It improved the way I deliver a good code quality and having a goal has really improved how I also handle my schedule. What are your future goals and what do you want to achieve? Lawrence: My future goal is to grow and empower my members and have them enjoy their stay at the company while they deliver world class projects to support the company’s growth in terms of Business and Technology. Since our department is not that big now, I want to develop quality members that will stay with us for a long period of time and train newcomers in return. When I onboarded the company, I told myself I am going to show them my best work yet by far. Marco: My goal is to improve the quality of life for many people through IT technology. To achieve this goal, I would like to be better as a software engineer who can perform advanced tasks by learning more through my work. Aldrin: For my goal, I want to improve my skill set, not just on web development. I want to expand my skills also on building mobile applications & how to handle the infrastructure to the best way and of course as a senior developer, I want to share the best of my knowledge to the team, especially the fresh developers. Danniel: One of the things I want to accomplish is to improve my coding skills more to provide and produce a good quality product. I would also like to share a lot of knowledge and ideas with my colleagues. Every day, I would like to expand my knowledge by touching various technologies that can also be helpful to our future upcoming projects. Message for those who is interested in working for a Japanese company I think the biggest concern for anyone working for a foreign company is the language difference. I think it is very curious to know if you can communicate well when working for a Japanese company. However, Japanese people are relatively positive about learning and speaking English. English can serve as a language bridge between Japanese and Filipinos. Also, if both of us pay attention to how we should communicate, we can have smooth communication. For me, the language barrier is rarely a major obstacle in my work. I think that working with Japanese businessmen is a great opportunity for me to develop myself. Summary Throughout the interviews, I felt that it is important to have an approach to communication that is ingenious even if the language is a bit difficult to understand. If both the hiring company and the foreign engineer are willing to understand each other and do a good job together, there are many cases where smooth communication can be achieved beyond the language barrier.Furthermore, being exposed to Japanese culture and work style can be a good inspiration for many foreigners. Working with Japanese businessmen can be a great opportunity for personal growth. As the IT engineers I interviewed said, most Japanese people are very kind and welcoming. I hope that you will consider working for a Japanese company as a career option.The post Reality of IT engineers working for Japanese company [Interview #2] first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

For those in charge of human resources who want to hire foreign engineers, and for foreign engineers who are interested in working for Japanese companies, To answer this question, we interviewed four Filipino engineers who are successful in Japanese companies to find out the differences in the way they work! The questions we asked this time are as follows. Interview Part１ What kind of work do you do now? Lawrence: My main job is to manage the development team. I manage all aspects of the business, but IT management is the main focus. I manage projects using Agile Project Methodology. I focus on forming a carefully selected team with advanced skill sets in web and mobile development. Currently I have 19 IT staff in my department that I manage. Additional 5 members will be on board next month. Marco: I am a full stack engineer developing web services. I build APIs for projects and sometimes support members as a scrum master. Aldrin: I am a member of the development team for a job matching website. I work on both the backend and frontend, developing features that help job seekers use the site to find the best jobs. In addition, I occasionally support the financial management system project that I have been working on for some time. Danniel: I am currently working as a junior software developer  for almost two years now. I am currently working under the job matching website project, working together with the Japanese developers as well. Why you decided to work for a company that has a connection to Japan. Lawrence: Japan is known worldwide for their excellent work ethics, trustworthiness, and exposure to world class quality. Therefore, I was looking for a company where I can work for a long time because I believe I can grow more by working for a Japanese company. I have worked with international people such as Europeans and Australians. This is the first time for me to work with Asians, but now I am really enjoying working with Japanese people. Marco: I used to work with clients in the US. Like Sir Lawrence, I was looking for an environment where I could grow. Many Japanese companies are known for their creativity and the high quality of their engineers. I chose a Japanese company because I thought it would be the best working environment for me. Aldrin: I already have experience working in a Japanese owned company when I was a fresh graduate. I like the culture and the work life balance nature of the Japanese company. In addition, I chose to work in Japan because of the country’s innovative and advanced technology. Danniel: Number one reason is to build my confidence working with a different culture and also to enhance and share my knowledge and skills to Japanese developers.  How did you find your current job? Lawrence: Via online website ad. I was currently looking for an opportunity back then for an office with a closer location ever since I transferred South area with my family and practices Agile and their ad seems to fit for a company that I want to work with for long-term. Marco: I found this position through the most popular job finding platform in the Philippines. I thought it    would be a great opportunity to be part of a pioneering team for internal design. In fact, in my current position, I have been able to get involved in more teams and projects than I did in my previous job, which has allowed me to increase my contribution to service development. Aldrin: I also found it on a job site. When I looked at the job requirements, the job description and the location of the office were perfect. I took the plunge and applied for the job and was lucky enough to pass the employment test. Danniel: I am already into development and programming so after I graduated school and saw my company  looking for a developer which fit my skills. I browsed the background of the company and made me more interested. That’s why I had no doubt and submitted my resume right away. Are there any points that you found curious or impressive when you actually work there? Lawrence: Most of all, I was impressed by the Japanese people’s respect among peers and their punctuality. When I actually stepped into a Japanese office, it was very quiet and everyone was working very hard, and the sense of professionalism I felt was still remarkable. The culture in itself is notably still present when you step into the office premises. Marco: I was impressed by the punctuality of the workers. Furthermore, all Japanese people have very well-manners and are kind to me. Aldrin: My colleagues are very positive about using the latest technology and I admire their attitude. Not only did they use the latest technologies to improve their projects, but they also acquired skill sets that they don’t currently have, and I found their attitude of trial and error to be wonderful. Danniel: I would say the work culture in Japan has a strong sense of teamwork and a very good work ethic. In addition, I am attracted to the fact that there are many opportunities to grow as a developer because my companies often deal with cutting-edge technologies. Are there any similarities in thinking, working style, or Company Culture between Japan and the Philippines? Lawrence: Japanese is reserved and similar to Filipinos and are careful in expressing their thoughts tactlessly, unlike western workers I have worked with, which are more extroverted.Japanese are open to change yet they still have a culture that is preserved as their own as Asians and not westernized.They like to go out after work and eat and drink, which I do enjoy. Quiet and professional in the office, but knows how to socialize after work. I think they are fun to be with, and never made me feel awkward. Marco: In my experience, Filipinos and Japanese are similar in the way they get things done on time. They also have a similar attitude of trial and error until the last minute to make sure the work is of high quality. Aldrin: I feel that Filipinos are similar to Japanese in that when there is a goal, they just focus on achieving it. Danniel: We are similar in that we have a very high sense of achievement in our ongoing projects. However, I feel that Japanese people are even more motivated than Filipinos to achieve. Summary How was it? I hope you were able to get a feel for the reality of foreign engineers working in Japanese companies. Through this interview, I hope I was able to introduce you to the company culture and social image that has taken root in Japan. In Part 1, we introduced the answers that focused on the reasons for working for a Japanese company and how they work. Contents in Part 2 is,・Impressions of the Japanese people you work with.・Things that I feel good about working for a Japanese company and the things that helped me grow.・Changes in work styles and lifestyles.・Future goals and what you want to achieve.Practical advice for those who want to work for a Japanese company is also included, so please look forward to it! The post Reality of IT engineers working for Japanese company [Interview #1] first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

In recent years, the work from home or remote work has become more common, especially in many cases of IT engineers. Therefore, there is an increase in the number of jobs that are not based on a regular employment contract with a company, but instead are based on an outsourcing contract or contractor contract. In this article, I would like to explain what procedures need to be followed when working in Japan under an outsourcing contract, as opposed to a regular employment contract where the company provides most of the support. Contents １．Foreigners residing in Japan and working under an outsourcing contract are required to obtain a working visa. As remote work becomes more common, there are more opportunities in Japan to outsource work to IT engineers in various locations through outsourcing contracts. When a foreigner lives outside of Japan and works for a Japanese company under an outsourcing contract, he or she does not need to go through any work-related procedures (in order to receive exemption from Japanese withholding tax, reporting is required based on the tax treaty made between the country of residence and the Japanese government). When a foreigner lives in Japan and works for a Japanese company under an outsourcing contract, it is necessary to go through various procedures related to obtaining a working visa and approval of status of residence. For this reason, the Japanese company outsourcing the work needs to confirm the visa status of the foreign worker in advance and may need to provide additional support. Also, if you have a contract with multiple companies, you may need to apply for a working visa with the company that offers the higher fee. ２．Conditions and precautions for working visa The “Technical/Humanities/International Services” category is usually applied for when applying for a visa based on an employment contract, but it is also possible to obtain a working visa based on this category for outsourcing contracts. Generally, IT engineers apply for this category. Show that the contract is an appropriate outsourcing contract under labor law When applying for a working visa, you will need to attach a signed outsourcing contract. It is important to show that the terms of the contract is legal under Japanese labor law. If the terms of the contract is inappropriate under labor law, you will not be granted a working visa. Therefore, when preparing a contract for outsourcing work, make sure that the contract clearly states the appropriate working conditions, and if you are still unsure about the legality of the content, consult a specialist (lawyer, labor and social security attorney, etc.). Indicate that the contract is long-term and stable Just as in the case of applying for a working visa under a regular employment contract, the content of the outsourcing contract must be long-term and capable of providing a stable income. Although the term “long-term” does not specify how long it should be, a contract of only one or two months may not be approved for a visa application. However, if the contract is for a short period of time, or if the contract is to be renewed every few months, and if the contract is to be renewed as long as there are no major problems, it can be approved by explaining that point in the application. Show that you have sufficient ability to perform your job As with most employment contracts, a certain level of education or work experience is required in relation to the type of work being offered. You are required to have graduated from a postgraduate school, university or college in Japan or abroad, or a vocational school in Japan, or to have at least 10 years of work experience (or at least 3 years, depending on the job). In the case of IT engineers, it is also possible to substitute these educational backgrounds with national qualifications related to information technology in Japan. ３．Difference between an employee and a sole proprietor When a foreigner is hired as an employee of a company under a regular employment contract, the staff member of the company needs to take care of various procedures such as withholding tax, calculation and payment of pension and health insurance, etc., so the burden on the foreign employee will not be so heavy. On the other hand, if a foreigner works under an outsourcing or contracting agreement, they are obligated to file their own tax return as a sole proprietor and calculate and pay all income tax, resident tax, pension, and health insurance. In addition, when applying for the renewal of your residence status, you will be asked to submit your taxation certificate and health insurance card, so if you do not follow these procedures properly, it will be difficult to extend your stay in Japan in the future. Therefore, if you are going to work with a company under an outsourcing contract or a contractor agreement instead of a regular employment contract, you need to understand these points in advance. If you are not confident to handle the procedures on your own, you can ask a tax accountant or administrative scrivener who is used to dealing with foreigners, but a minimum basic knowledge of the Japanese social security system and taxation system is essential. If you work under an outsourcing contract, be aware in advance that you will have to pay for the “time and cost” of such procedures. Summary As remote work has become more common as a measure to cope with Covid-19, it is expected that more companies will outsource work to IT engineers who prefer to work from home in order to ensure the availability of human resources. However, compared to a standard employment contract where the company conducts most of the procedures, an outsourcing contract requires more procedures to be completed by the contractor, which can be a big burden for foreigners. When searching for a job, it is important to know these advantages and disadvantages beforehand depending on the contract. If you are a foreign IT engineer who wants to change jobs, you can register with GitTap, a job site for foreign IT professionals, and you may receive scouts from companies that can help you with the visa process. Start by signing up.The post Things to remember when working as an outsourced IT engineer in Japan first appeared on GitTap BLOG.