Remote work became a buzzword in Japan after 2020 — but even today, many companies label themselves “remote OK” without really meaning it.
For foreign developers looking to live and work flexibly in Japan, knowing which companies actually allow full remote (Anywhere in Japan) is critical.
Let’s look at the current reality in 2025 — who really walks the talk, and who just posts the hashtag.
🌏 The Reality of ‘Anywhere in Japan’ Remote Work
Japan’s tech industry has come a long way since the pandemic.
Many firms now allow remote work within Japan, but “fully remote” positions — where you can live anywhere in the country, with zero mandatory office days — are still rare.
As of 2025, only a handful of tech companies openly support true full-remote for developers.
Here are the verified examples.
✅ Companies That Truly Offer Full Remote for Developers (2025)
| Company | Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PayPay | Work From Anywhere (within Japan) | Introduced “WFA – Work From Anywhere” policy. Some developer positions listed as fully remote. While their main site describes a hybrid model, multiple verified listings confirm full-remote options. |
| SODA | Fully Remote (Japan-based) | Job listings explicitly say “Full remote work possible anywhere in Japan.” Most engineering teams work asynchronously using English and modern stacks. |
| TimeTree | Remote-first culture (Japan-wide) | Their official site mentions “自由な働き方 (freedom to choose workplace).” Engineers can work remotely from anywhere in Japan, with occasional team meetups. |
| Timee | Full Remote (developers only) | Allows full remote for engineering teams, though other roles are hybrid. Uses async tools like Slack and Notion to coordinate. |
| Note | Full Remote (Japan-based employees) | Listed in GitHub’s remote-jp repository. Multiple developers work entirely remotely across Japan. |
💡 All companies above require you to reside in Japan for tax and legal reasons — but within Japan, location is fully flexible.
🏢 Hybrid Remote — Still the Majority
While full remote is growing, most Japanese tech firms still operate under hybrid models.
These companies allow partial remote work but require a few office days per week or monthly team syncs.
| Company | Office Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mercari | “Your Choice” hybrid model | Employees can choose between home and office, but many teams meet 1–2 days weekly. |
| SmartNews | 2 office days per week | Structured hybrid setup to support both flexibility and collaboration. |
| Money Forward | 2 mandatory office days / week | Official “ハイブリッドワークスタイル (hybrid work style)” requiring at least two in-office days. |
| freee | Remote with HQ sync days | Remote-first mindset, but occasional office attendance required. |
| Bekind Labs | Hybrid remote with high flexibility | Engineers can work remotely most days, with regular team syncs at the Daikanyama office. Focuses on creative collaboration and open communication culture. |
💬 Hybrid work in Japan usually means “flexible schedule, but office visits required.”
If you’re based outside Tokyo, confirm the exact expectations before applying.
🔍 How to Find Real Full Remote Jobs in Japan
Finding truly full remote roles in Japan takes a bit of digging.
Job descriptions can be vague, and even within the same company, remote policies often differ by department or team.
Here’s what to actually do:
- Read job listings carefully. Look for explicit mentions like “フルリモート (work anywhere in Japan)” or “在宅勤務.”
- Confirm during interviews. Ask clearly about remote frequency, expected office visits, and whether the policy applies to your specific role.
- Don’t rely only on company-wide policies. Some firms advertise flexibility but still require developers to be near Tokyo or come in monthly.
👉 At JapanTechCareers, we directly verify each job.
So whether you’re looking for a full remote position or a flexible hybrid setup, you’ll find listings that reflect the actual work style — no surprises later.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Full remote in Japan is no longer a dream — but it’s still not the default.
Companies like PayPay, SODA, TimeTree, Timee, and Note are leading the way, showing that developers can build great careers without commuting or relocation.
If you’re a global engineer exploring Japan’s tech scene, check out the latest verified full-remote and hybrid jobs on JapanTechCareers.
Find companies that truly respect your time, skills, and the way you work.
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