Intro
For those wanting to work as international engineers in Japan, information is scattered and difficult to access.
While better opportunities with better conditions certainly exist, many miss out due to lack of information.
Of course, existing job boards have good positions too.
But simultaneously, they're flooded with bulk postings where actual hiring intent is unclear, or positions from companies with poor reputations.
This makes candidates doubt whether they should really apply, while companies struggle to find suitable talent.
I experienced these problems firsthand and became determined to solve them.
Founder's Background
Despite graduating from a liberal arts university in Korea as a non-CS major, I moved to Japan as a new graduate and started my engineering career at Rakuten.
Later, seeking greater growth, I moved to a startup and transitioned to PM role, achieving approximately 50% salary increase in the process.
I then joined Mercari as Group Product Manager and Engineering Manager, leading teams in a global environment.
During this period, I achieved another 50% salary increase, and even while employed, experienced an additional 40% raise based on performance.
At Mercari, as a Hiring Manager, I directly hired engineers, designers, and PMs, actively supporting team members' growth and promotions.
Through countless interviews, I learned firsthand that "good hiring transforms both company and individual growth."
While employed, I also interviewed dozens of times with global companies like Amazon, Indeed, Apple and Japanese companies, receiving multiple offers.
This gave me deep understanding of not just the hiring perspective, but also the expectations and anxieties of job seekers.
Looking back, I had experienced hiring and career transitions from every angle: candidate, Hiring Manager, coach, and job seeker.
This journey became the driving force behind creating JapanTechCareers.
Why I Built This Service
- "I wanted to curate only verified, quality hiring information from the field."
- "I wanted to create a portal where international candidates could apply with confidence."
- "I wanted companies to quickly and reliably connect with global talent."
The difficulties I faced changing careers, and the fulfillment I felt helping others with theirs, became the starting point for JapanTechCareers.
What Makes JapanTechCareers Different
- Not just any company can list on JapanTechCareers.
- Only companies I'm directly connected with through executives or hiring managers, and have verified through office visits, are registered.
- Of course, there are many more good positions in the world. But what appears on our platform are only "companies I can personally recommend."
Additionally, through my career community of hundreds of professionals, I exchange with current employees to obtain real field information that even HR managers might not know.
This allows me to deliver not just job postings, but opportunities with context.
Closing
I know from personal experience how careers can dramatically change lives.
I hope JapanTechCareers can help even a little in those crucial moments of choice.
👉 If you need help with relocating to Japan or career growth in Japan, feel free to reach out on LinkedIn.