UI/UX Designer in Japan: Everything You Need to Know
Where the rubber hits the screen.
That’s what Donald Norman envisioned when he coined the term "user experience" in 1988’s The Design of Everyday Things.
Norman flipped the old idea of "user-centered system design", making it clear: it’s not about the system—it’s about you.
The Youser, if you will.
Let’s get you into the design role of Norman’s dreams.
Here’s your ultimate guide to building a career as a UI/UX designer in Japan.
What Will You Be Doing as a UI/UX Designer?
As a UI/UX designer, your job is to make digital products not only look great but also work seamlessly.
You’ll be the one designing user-friendly interfaces; making sure every interaction feels intuitive.
Here’s what your day-to-day might include:
Designing Interfaces (UI): You’ll create buttons, icons, layouts, and entire page designs. It’s about making everything users see and interact with feel polished and professional.
Crafting Experiences (UX): You’ll map out how users navigate your product, making sure it’s simple, intuitive, and enjoyable.
Wireframing and Prototyping: Before anything goes live, you’ll sketch out ideas and build prototypes to test concepts. It’s your chance to experiment and collaborate with the team.
Team Collaboration: You won’t be working alone. You’ll partner with frontend developers to bring your designs to life, product managers to align with business goals, and researchers to gather user insights.
Skills and Tools You’ll Need
To succeed as a UI/UX designer in Japan, you’ll need the right mix of skills, tools, and mindset.
Here’s what to focus on:
Your Toolbox: Tools like Figma (a favorite in Japan), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), and prototyping platforms like InVision will be your best friends.
Technical Know-How: HTML/CSS knowledge goes a long way in working smoothly with developers. Understanding responsive design is a must for creating designs that work on different devices.
Research & Psychology: You’ll be digging into how people think and behave, conducting user interviews, and running usability tests. Knowing why people click (or don’t) is a huge part of the job.
Soft Skills: Communication is key. You’ll need to explain your ideas, collaborate across teams, and, let’s face it, sometimes defend your designs to stakeholders.
Do You Need to Speak Japanese?
This is a big question for a lot of people.
While some international companies don’t require Japanese, most roles will ask for business-level proficiency.
This is especially true if you’ll be doing user research or designing interfaces for a Japanese audience.
Knowing the language helps you communicate better with your team, your users, and understand the nuances that influence design in Japan.
Career Path
The career progression for UI/UX designers in Japan varies depending on the company size and industry, but here’s a typical path you can expect:
Junior UI/UX Designer:
Your starting point, where you’ll focus on supporting senior designers, building wireframes, and contributing to design projects.
Experience Required: 0–2 years or a strong portfolio from bootcamps or internships.
Focus Areas: Learning tools like Figma, conducting user research, and honing collaboration skills.
Mid-Level UI/UX Designer:
At this stage, you’ll take ownership of projects, conduct usability tests, and work closely with cross-functional teams.
Experience Required: 2–5 years.
Focus Areas: End-to-end design, presenting to stakeholders, and working on increasingly complex products.
Senior UI/UX Designer:
A leadership role where you’ll guide junior designers, take charge of strategic design decisions, and ensure alignment with business goals.
Experience Required: 5–8 years.
Focus Areas: Mentorship, team collaboration, and influencing company-wide design practices.
Design Lead/Manager:
Overseeing a team of designers, setting design standards, and aligning design goals with business strategies.
Experience Required: 8+ years.
Focus Areas: People management, design strategy, and stakeholder communication.
Head of Design/UX Director:
You’ll define the overall design vision and strategy for the company, ensuring design is integrated into the company’s core values.
Experience Required: 10+ years.
Focus Areas: High-level strategy, team leadership, and aligning with C-suite goals.
Salaries for UI/UX Designers in Japan
Salaries for UI/UX designers in Japan vary depending on experience, location, and the type of company. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Junior UI/UX Designer:
¥3.5M–¥5M per year (~$25K–$35K USD)
Entry-level roles in smaller companies or startups may start on the lower end, with international companies offering higher salaries.Mid-Level UI/UX Designer:
¥5M–¥8M per year (~$35K–$55K USD)
You’ll see a bump as you gain more experience and take on greater responsibilities.Senior UI/UX Designer:
¥8M–¥12M per year (~$55K–$85K USD)
Larger corporations or international companies often pay well at this level, especially for specialists.Design Lead/Manager:
¥10M–¥15M per year (~$70K–$105K USD)
Leadership roles come with a significant salary increase, reflecting your expanded responsibilities.Head of Design/UX Director:
¥15M+ per year (~$105K+ USD)
Top-level design roles often offer competitive salaries, particularly in global companies or in-demand industries like gaming or FinTech.
What Influences Your Salary?
Company Type: International companies and large corporations often pay more than local startups or SMEs.
Industry: Gaming, FinTech, and B2C sectors tend to have higher budgets for design roles.
Language Skills: Business-level Japanese can open up more opportunities and higher salaries.
Specialization: If you’ve built expertise in a niche like mobile UX, AR/VR, or interaction design, you’re likely to command a higher salary.
Who Will You Be Working With?
As a UI/UX designer, you’ll be part of a larger product team.
Here’s what that team might look like:
Product Managers: They’ll set the business goals and help prioritize what features to design.
Frontend Developers: These are your partners in crime, turning your designs into reality.
Backend Engineers: While you won’t work as closely with them, they make sure the product functions smoothly behind the scenes.
Design Leads or Directors: They’ll review your work, set design standards, and guide the overall direction.
In smaller companies, your role will blur into other areas like graphic design or marketing.
In larger organizations, you’ll have a more defined focus on either UI, UX, or both.
Tips to Get Ahead
If you’re ready to jump into a UI/UX design career in Japan, here’s how you can set yourself apart:
Build a Killer Portfolio: Don’t just show off the final product—include your process, like user research, wireframes, and prototypes.
Learn Japanese: Even if you’re targeting international companies, Japanese language skills can open up more opportunities.
Stay Current: Tools like Figma and new trends in UX design (like motion design or AR/VR integration) will keep you competitive.
Get Certified: Programs like Nielsen Norman Group’s UX certifications can boost your resume.
Network: Attend design meetups or connect with tech recruiters who know the market well.
FAQ: UI/UX Design in Japan
Here are some frequently asked questions about being a UI/UX designer in Japan. If you’ve been wondering about these topics, you’re not alone!
1. Do I need to speak Japanese to work as a UI/UX designer in Japan?
It depends. For roles in international companies or startups targeting global markets, English is often enough. However, for most local companies, business-level Japanese is typically required, especially if you’ll be conducting user research or working on Japanese-language interfaces. Learning Japanese can significantly expand your job opportunities and help you collaborate better with local teams.
2. What tools should I be familiar with to get hired in Japan?
Figma is the most commonly used tool in Japan for UI/UX design, so make sure you’re comfortable with it. Other essential tools include Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and prototyping tools like InVision or Axure. Having a working knowledge of HTML/CSS is also highly valued, as it helps you communicate effectively with developers.
3. What’s the difference between UI and UX design in Japan?
UI (User Interface) design focuses on the look and feel of a product—think buttons, icons, and layouts. UX (User Experience) design is more about the overall journey a user takes, including user research, wireframes, and testing. Many companies in Japan, especially smaller ones, combine the two roles, so you might be expected to handle both.
4. Is it better to specialize or be a generalist?
This depends on the company size and type. Smaller companies often prefer generalists who can handle UI, UX, and even graphic design. Larger companies, particularly in industries like gaming or e-commerce, are more likely to hire specialists for dedicated UI or UX roles. Knowing where you want to work can help you decide which path to take.
5. What industries in Japan have the highest demand for UI/UX designers?
The demand is strong across several industries, but the biggest opportunities are in:
Gaming: Designing immersive, interactive interfaces.
E-commerce: Creating smooth, engaging shopping experiences.
FinTech: Developing user-friendly, secure interfaces for financial tools.
B2B SaaS: Improving usability for complex enterprise products.
6. How can I stand out when applying for UI/UX jobs in Japan?
Showcase your process in your portfolio: Include research, wireframes, and prototypes, not just the final designs.
Highlight any experience with user-centric design or projects specifically for mobile or web platforms.
Learn and demonstrate familiarity with Japanese design principles or cultural nuances if you’re applying for local companies.
7. What’s the career progression like for UI/UX designers in Japan?
Career paths vary by company, but common progressions include:
Junior UI/UX Designer → Mid-Level Designer → Senior Product Designer
Senior Designer → Design Lead → UX Director or Head of DesignIf you’re interested in management, you can move into roles overseeing design teams or working on broader product strategies.
8. Is UI/UX design in Japan different from other countries?
Yes, in a few key ways:
Cultural Focus: Japanese design often emphasizes simplicity and aesthetics, which might differ from a more functionality-driven approach in other countries.
Team Structures: Smaller companies may require you to take on multiple design roles, while larger organizations offer more specialized positions.
Design Value: While design is becoming more appreciated in Japan, some companies still see it as “making things pretty” rather than a strategic tool. You might need to advocate for the value of good design.
9. Do I need to know coding as a UI/UX designer?
You don’t need to be a coding expert, but understanding HTML and CSS can be a big plus. It helps you collaborate with developers and ensures your designs are feasible to implement. Some companies may even require basic coding skills, especially for frontend-heavy roles.
10. Are there resources to help me transition into UI/UX design in Japan?
Absolutely! Here are a few ways to get started:
Bootcamps: Programs like Le Wagon or Code Chrysalis offer courses in design and development.
Certifications: UX certifications, such as those from Nielsen Norman Group, can give you an edge.
Networking Events: Tokyo has a thriving tech and design community, so attend meetups or events to connect with other professionals.