If you're thinking about working in Japan but don't speak much Japanese, you're not alone. One of the most common questions among international tech talent is:
Can I work in Japan using only English?
The short answer is: yes, but it depends — on your role, your company, and your goals.
What Types of Companies Hire English-Speaking Developers?
Here are the main categories of companies that typically offer English-friendly work environments:
1. Global Tech Companies with Offices in Japan
- Examples: Google Japan, Indeed, Amazon, Netflix
- Common language: English (especially in engineering and PM teams)
- Interview: Conducted mostly in English
2. Foreign-Led Startups or Bilingual Startups
- Examples: Mercari, SmartNews, PayPay, WovenByToyota
- Common language: English or mix (some internal meetings in Japanese)
- Often have international team members and documentation in English
3. Remote-Friendly or English-Adaptive Product Teams
- Examples: SmartHR, freee, Cybozu, LegalForce, Autify
- Traits:
- Well-established SaaS companies with modern dev practices
- Some teams use English internally, especially in engineering or international tracks
- Not fully English-only, but adaptable for skilled engineers
- Work flexibility: hybrid or partial remote possible
These companies are not always hiring fully English-only roles, but they are modern, product-led, and open to global talent, especially in high-demand tech areas like backend, infra, or ML.
4. Recruiting-Focused English Roles (E.g., Backend Devs, Data Engineers)
- Some domestic companies hire English-only staff when they can't find enough local talent
- But onboarding and promotion may be slower if you can't participate in Japanese meetings
Can I Get Hired Without Speaking Japanese?
✅ Possible If:
- You're applying for highly technical roles (ML, backend, infra, etc.)
- The company has a history of hiring foreigners
- You have a strong resume or GitHub/portfolio
⚠️ Challenging If:
- You're aiming for roles like product manager, designer, or customer support
- The company mainly serves domestic clients and users
- You want to get promoted into management quickly
How Much Japanese Do I Need?
| Role | Recommended Level |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer (backend/frontend) | Conversational (JLPT N3~N4 or none if team is global) |
| Engineering Manager / PM | Business level (JLPT N2+ recommended) |
| Customer Support / Sales | Fluent or native-level (JLPT N1) |
You can survive with zero Japanese in the right team — but learning the language definitely increases your options.
English-Friendly Companies in Japan (2025)
Here's a non-exhaustive list of well-known companies with English-friendly environments:
| Company | Japanese Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mercari | Low–Medium |
| SmartNews | Low |
| PayPay | Medium |
| Indeed Japan | Low |
| Treasure Data | Low |
| Google Japan | Low |
| Ubie | Medium |
| LegalForce | Medium |
| Autify | Medium |
| SmartHR | Medium |
| freee | Medium |
| Kintone | Medium |
| CADDi | Medium |
✨ Tip: Sites like JapanTechCareers, JapanDev, or TokyoDev often tag jobs with language requirements and visa support options.
Final Thoughts
- Yes, it's possible to work in Japan using only English — especially in engineering roles
- But knowing some Japanese can unlock better jobs, smoother onboarding, and more social interaction
- Choose your companies wisely, and consider learning Japanese while working