Japan.

The land where you can find a copy of Brave Fencer Musashi for 500 JPY (around $3.50 USD)

The home of the gaming juggernauts of days of future past: Nintendo, Playstation, SEGA.

You dream of working in video games in Japan for a Japanese company.

To provide you with the insights you need about Japan’s gaming sector, we sat down with Julie Sergent, gaming industry expert at Wahl+Case.

Julie answered 15 questions we get about working in gaming in Japan.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Japanese gaming market:

Industry Overview and Opportunities

1. Can you give us an overview of the gaming industry in Japan? How does it compare to other major gaming markets globally?

Japan remains a key player in the global gaming industry, renowned for its cultural influence and historical legacy, with companies like Nintendo, Sega, and Sony leading the way.

However, North America and China have grown significantly and, in some areas, have surpassed Japan in market size and revenue.

Mobile gaming, in particular, is booming in China, as seen with popular titles like Genshin Impact.

2. What makes Japan’s gaming industry attractive for job seekers?

Japan’s gaming industry is highly appealing due to its prestigious companies and their global influence.

Many people grew up playing Mario from Nintendo or Sonic from Sega, and now dream of working at these iconic studios.

Companies like Sony, Nintendo, and FromSoftware are renowned worldwide and offer incredible opportunities for job seekers passionate about gaming.

3. What are the most in-demand roles in Japan’s gaming industry right now?

The most sought-after roles in Japan's gaming industry include game engineers, designers, and artists. Companies are particularly looking for:

• Engineers with expertise in C++, C#, and experience using engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.

• Game designers who specialize in creating engaging game mechanics.

• Artists skilled in 3D modeling and animation using tools like Blender, Maya, and ZBrush.

Skills, Certifications, and Preparing for the Job Market

4. What technical skills are most sought after in Japan's gaming industry? Are there any specific programming languages or tech stacks that professionals should focus on?

For mobile games, Unity and C# are widely used, while for console games, Unreal Engine and C++ are in high demand.

On the art side, tools like Blender, Maya, and ZBrush are critical for creating game assets.

These skills are essential if you want to land a role in Japan's gaming industry.

5. Are there any certifications or qualifications that are particularly valued in the Japanese gaming industry?

A degree in computer science is often a requirement for engineering roles. Certifications in specific game development tools, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, can help your profile stand out.

Additionally, while not mandatory, Japanese language proficiency—often measured by the JLPT—is highly valued.

6. How can international candidates best prepare themselves to meet the qualifications expected by Japanese gaming companies?

Building a strong portfolio is key. Candidates should showcase their skills by working on diverse game development projects and obtaining relevant technical certifications.

Learning Japanese is also crucial, as language proficiency significantly improves your ability to collaborate with local teams.

7. What challenges do foreign professionals face when entering this industry in Japan, and how can they overcome them?

The primary challenge is the language barrier. While having a JLPT certification is helpful, candidates need to demonstrate conversational Japanese skills during the interview process.

Cultural differences can also pose challenges, but Japan’s work culture has become more flexible, especially with the rise of remote and hybrid work options.

8. What are the typical salary ranges for roles in Japan’s gaming industry?

Salaries in Japan’s gaming industry vary based on the role and experience level.

Generally, you can expect salaries ranging from ¥4 million to ¥12 million annually, depending on your position and the company.

Section 3: Industry Trends, Misconceptions, and Career Growth

9. How critical is Japanese language proficiency in Japan’s gaming industry?

Japanese language proficiency is very important, with around 95% of companies requiring at least conversational Japanese, often at the N2 level or higher.

This ensures effective communication between teams.

10. Are there opportunities for non-Japanese speakers in Japan’s gaming industry?

Yes, but they are more limited. Non-Japanese speakers can find opportunities, especially if they have significant experience working on large console games or well-known IPs.

However, competition is fierce, and most companies prioritize Japanese-speaking candidates.

11. How do Japanese gaming companies approach emerging technologies like AR/VR or AI in game development?

Japanese companies are increasingly incorporating AR, VR, and AI into their games. Pokémon GO is a prime example of AR integration, and AI is being used to enhance game design, such as improving NPC behavior or personalizing player experiences.

These technologies are becoming integral to game development in Japan.

12. What are some frequently asked questions from people interested in working in Japan’s gaming industry?

Some common questions include:

• Do I need to speak Japanese fluently?

• What technical skills are most important for getting a job?

• How do I make my portfolio stand out when applying to Japanese gaming companies?

• What’s the typical recruitment process for game developers in Japan?

13. Are there any misconceptions about working in Japan's gaming industry?

A common misconception is that Japanese work culture involves long hours and a poor work-life balance.

While this might have been true in the past, many companies have shifted towards more flexible working conditions, with remote and hybrid options becoming the norm since the pandemic.

14. What trends do you see shaping the future of Japan’s gaming industry, especially in terms of technology and design?

The future of Japan's gaming industry will likely see more investment in VR/AR technologies, AI integration, and the rise of indie game development.

More individuals and small studios are creating their own games and finding success on platforms like Steam and the Nintendo Switch.

15. Any final advice for those considering a career in Japan’s gaming industry?

Mastering the Japanese language and building a strong portfolio are essential steps.

Stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies like VR, AR, and AI. Networking with professionals and understanding Japan's gaming culture will also give you an edge.

Ready to work in gaming in Japan?

Use this link to message us and find out what gaming jobs are open in Tokyo!