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The Japanese labor market continues to face high demand and limited supply, creating a challenging seller's market for companies. The technology sector, in particular, is grappling with a severe shortage of skilled professionals. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), the shortage of IT personnel could reach up to 790,000 by 2030.
A recent survey conducted by METI among IT vendors further underscores the struggles faced by companies, highlighting issues such as the inability to hire the necessary personnel and difficulties in providing adequate training.
These survey findings paint a clear picture of the significant obstacles companies face in securing the critical human resources required to maintain their competitiveness.
In all industries, companies are currently confronted with an urgent need to attract, retain, and develop talented professionals to address the ongoing workforce challenges.
Japan's High-Tech Industry Outlook and Rising Demand for IT Jobs
Japan, as a nation, is actively promoting digital transformation (DX), and this initiative holds great promise for the high-tech industry. The rapid advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and blockchain are fueling the demand for skilled IT professionals. This demand is further supported by the government, which is actively working to foster innovation and facilitate sustainable development in the technology sector, recognizing its importance for maintaining competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Consequently, the requirement for IT specialists, including software engineers, security experts, and other professionals, is continuously on the rise across various industries. As Japan embraces digital transformation, the need for these specialized talents becomes increasingly crucial for organizations to adapt and thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
The Top 5 IT jobs in demand for 2023
1. Software Engineers (front-end/back-end/full-stack)
In our modern, digitally-driven society, companies are recognizing the importance of introducing new software and applications to enhance production efficiency. Furthermore, consumers of all age groups are increasingly engaging with businesses through digital channels, including online shopping and other online interactions. As a result, the development of user-friendly software that boosts internal productivity and aligns with the evolving demands of today's consumers becomes paramount for achieving business success.
Moreover, the rapid evolution of new technologies necessitates that software development embraces innovative techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI) and harnessing the potential of big data. Incorporating these cutting-edge methodologies ensures that businesses stay at the forefront of technological advancements, enabling them to deliver improved products, services, and customer experiences. By embracing these innovative approaches, companies can effectively leverage the power of AI and big data to drive their success in the digital era.
2. Bilingual Project Managers
With the ongoing promotion of digital transformation (DX), the role of project managers remains crucial. Project managers are entrusted with the responsibility of effectively coordinating and collaborating with various IT professionals, overseeing essential tasks such as schedule management and resource allocation. Furthermore, in today's globalized business landscape, project managers are required to excel in cross-cultural and multilingual environments, ensuring seamless execution of vital projects by fostering harmonious teamwork among members from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
As international business development and foreign investments continue to surge, the demand for bilingual project managers capable of effective communication in English remains high among many companies. Their ability to bridge language barriers and facilitate clear and efficient communication across international teams becomes a valuable asset for organizations striving for success in the global marketplace. Bilingual project managers are instrumental in driving projects forward and ensuring smooth collaboration among team members, contributing to the overall achievement of project objectives.
3. Bilingual Product Manager
The role of a Product Manager is critical in overseeing the entire product lifecycle, from defining requirements to product release, by effectively communicating the product vision and leading the team towards its successful realization.
In today's fiercely competitive global market, achieving business success necessitates a deep understanding of customer expectations in target regions and countries. It involves developing products that align with market needs and demands. Effective cross-cultural communication and coordination are vital for the development of such products, and English-speaking Product Managers play a pivotal role in this regard. They bridge language and cultural gaps, enabling seamless collaboration and understanding between global teams. Moreover, with supply chains becoming increasingly globalized, the ability to adapt to diverse regulatory environments is crucial.
Bilingual Product Managers who possess the skills to manage global teams, comprehend different languages and cultures, and handle product planning, development, and market introduction are indispensable for companies seeking to thrive in the international arena. Their market value continues to rise as they contribute significantly to successful product management in diverse global markets.
4. Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, SRE Engineer
Infrastructure engineers and network engineers are highly sought-after IT professionals due to their crucial roles in designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining IT infrastructure and networks. These professionals are instrumental in enabling the effective utilization of various technologies across industries. Moreover, as digital transformation (DX) and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to evolve, the significance of IT infrastructure and networks remains paramount, ensuring their sustained demand in the future.
Furthermore, the increasing reliance on web systems and cloud computing has led to a growing need for Site Reliability Engineers (SRE). SRE engineers play a vital role in the operation and optimization of web systems and cloud infrastructure, ensuring their reliability, scalability, and efficient performance. Given the continuous growth of web-based services and the increasing adoption of cloud computing solutions, the demand for SRE engineers is expected to rise steadily.
The expertise of infrastructure engineers, network engineers, and SRE engineers is critical for organizations to effectively navigate the digital landscape, embrace emerging technologies, and ensure the smooth operation of IT systems. As a result, the demand for these professionals is expected to remain high as businesses strive to leverage technology for their success.
5. Engineering Manager
In an era marked by technological advancements and widespread digitization, the scale and complexity of technology projects have significantly increased. As a result, the presence of a competent and capable Engineering Manager is crucial for the success of these projects within a company.
The role of an Engineering Manager encompasses various responsibilities, including strategic planning, efficient execution, and effective management of technical projects. They are responsible for guiding and mentoring engineering teams, ensuring their productivity and development. Additionally, Engineering Managers play a vital role in resource allocation, task prioritization, schedule management, risk mitigation, and ensuring the overall quality of deliverables. Given the critical nature of these tasks, the demand for Engineering Managers with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience is consistently high in the labor market.
The Engineering Manager serves as a linchpin, combining leadership prowess and technical expertise to drive project success. Their ability to navigate the complexities of technology projects, manage diverse teams, and deliver exceptional outcomes is highly valued by companies seeking to thrive in the digital landscape. As technology continues to advance and organizations increasingly rely on innovative solutions, the demand for skilled Engineering Managers is expected to remain strong.
Summary
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the high-tech industry is experiencing substantial growth, resulting in a rising demand for IT professionals. As companies prioritize digital transformation (DX), the need for skilled IT personnel is projected to continue expanding, offering stability and promising opportunities.
By pursuing a career in a high-demand field, you can enhance the value of your skills and experience, strengthening your competitive advantage in the job market. Considering a career transition into the tech industry can be a strategic move as you acquire the necessary skills and expertise to meet the evolving market demands.
At Robert Half, our consultants stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the IT and technology industry. They possess the expertise to guide you through your career change and provide valuable insights. We also have a wide range of IT industry job opportunities available. If you require career advice or assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
