Top 4 In-Demand IT Skills and Career Strategies in Japan

As digitalization accelerates in the IT industry, the demand for engineers with highly specialized skills is rapidly increasing. According to a survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, it is predicted that there will be a shortage of approximately 790,000 IT professionals by 2030, and the IT talent market continues to be a seller’s market.

In this article, we will explain the IT skills that are in particularly high demand in Japan, along with market trends, future potential, and salary information.

I’ll translate this article into natural English while maintaining its format and structure.

1. The Current State of Japan’s IT Talent Market

Japan’s IT talent market is currently at a major turning point. As digitalization spreads across all industries, the demand for IT professionals has reached unprecedented levels.

There is a particularly notable shortage of highly specialized talent in areas such as DX promotion, cloud migration, and security measures.

The Reality of the Worsening IT Talent Shortage

According to a survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, it is predicted that there will be a shortage of up to 790,000 IT professionals by 2030. The main factors behind this serious talent shortage are the increased demand due to the rapid progress of digitalization and the current situation where the development of specialized IT talent is not keeping pace.

Furthermore, the creation of new demand due to DX promotion in traditional industries is also accelerating the talent shortage. This situation suggests that the seller’s market for IT professionals will continue in the future.

Rising Corporate IT Needs with DX Promotion

The digitalization of Japanese companies has accelerated significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A particularly notable change is the standardization of remote work and online meetings.

Many companies are also fully implementing cloud services and promoting the digitalization of business processes. Efforts to improve operational efficiency using AI and IoT are also becoming more active, and it is expected that the demand for IT professionals who can adapt to various changes will continue to increase.

2. Top 4 In-Demand IT Skills in Japan

With the rapid evolution of technology, the skill sets required in the IT industry are changing dramatically. There is a surge in demand for highly specialized talent, particularly in the fields of AI, cloud, security, and data science.

Here, we will explain in detail the key IT skills that are predicted to be in particularly high demand over the next 10 years.

AI and Machine Learning Related Skills

In the AI and machine learning field, skills in developing machine learning models using Python and PyTorch are especially valued. There is also high demand for specialized knowledge in natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision.

MLOps, which involves the operational management of machine learning models, and knowledge of AI ethics and governance are also expected to become increasingly important in the future.

Cloud Architecture Design

In the field of cloud technology, practical experience with major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP is important. In particular, knowledge of microservice architecture design and container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes is required.

As companies advance their use of cloud services, demand is also increasing for skills in cloud security and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).

Cybersecurity

In the field of cybersecurity, specialized knowledge of cloud security is essential in addition to basic knowledge of network security.

Comprehensive security skills are required, including incident response capabilities, security audit implementation skills, and the ability to conduct penetration testing.

With the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks, the demand for professionals with these skills is expected to continue to increase.

Data Science and Analysis

In the data science field, data analysis skills using R and Python are fundamental. Skills in big data processing technology, data visualization, and knowledge of statistical analysis are also important.

The ability to analyze and visualize data using business intelligence tools is also required by many companies. As data-driven decision-making becomes more common, the value of professionals with these skills will continue to increase.

3. Essential IT Skills by Job Type

In the IT industry, the specialization required varies greatly depending on the job type. Understanding the technology stack specific to each job type and developing appropriate skills is essential for career development.

Here, we will look in detail at the essential skills that should be acquired for each major IT job type.

Skills Required for Backend Engineers

In backend development, mastering server-side languages such as Java, Python, and Go is essential. The ability to design and manage databases and design and implement APIs is also important.

Understanding microservice architecture and the ability to practice CI/CD are also indispensable skills for modern backend development.

Essential Skills for Frontend Engineers

In frontend development, understanding JavaScript and TypeScript is required. Practical skills in modern frameworks such as React, Vue.js, and Angular are also essential.

In addition to the basics of HTML5 and CSS3, the ability to optimize web performance, understand SEO, and implement responsive design are also positioned as important skills.

Skills Needed for DevOps Engineers

For practicing DevOps, the ability to build CI/CD pipelines and an understanding of containerization technology are essential. The ability to code infrastructure, monitor, and respond to failures is also important.

The ability to efficiently automate processes from development to operations using automation scripting skills is also required.

4. IT Skills That Can Lead to High Income

One of the characteristics of the IT industry is that a high level of specialization tends to directly translate to income. Particularly in cutting-edge technology fields, high compensation can be expected due to the rarity of skills and high demand.

Here, we will explain IT skills that are particularly likely to lead to high income and their market value.

Technology Stacks That Can Achieve an Annual Income of 10 Million Yen

Highly specialized skills that lead to high income include AI architect, cloud architect, and security architect.

The income levels of data scientists and SRE engineers are also considered high. These job types require advanced specialized knowledge and practical experience, but there is a possibility of obtaining compensation commensurate with those requirements.

High-Rate Skills for Freelancers

Although various conditions apply when working as a freelancer, cloud-native development, AI model development, blockchain development, and security consulting can be expected to command high rates.

These fields have the potential to earn high compensation as a freelancer due to their high specialization and high market demand.

5. Roadmap for Acquiring IT Skills

When acquiring IT skills, a planned and phased approach is important. Understanding effective learning methods and approximate time frames for each level, from beginners to experts, allows for more efficient skill improvement.

Below, we explain specific learning steps and resources that can be utilized.

Efficient Learning Sequence and Duration

When acquiring IT skills, it is important to start with basic skills and continue learning while gaining experience. Since IT technology evolves daily, maintaining an attitude of constantly acquiring information and learning will also lead to positive evaluation.

Main Flow of IT Skill Acquisition

1. First 3-6 months	2. 6-12 months	3. Continuously
• Learn programming basics<br>• Algorithms and data structures<br>• How to use Git/GitHub, etc.	• Select and deepen a specialized field<br>• Learn the basic theory of each specialized area<br>• Aim to acquire necessary qualifications while gaining practical project experience	• Participate in internships<br>• Contribute to open source projects<br>• Create portfolios, etc.<br>• Improve practical skills

Recommended Learning Resources

For learning IT technology, online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and edX are effective. Learning from technical books and official documentation, as well as participating in hands-on workshops, is also important.

Furthermore, by participating in technical communities, you can catch up on the latest technology trends and develop practical skills.

6. How to Identify IT Skills with High Future Potential

In the IT industry, where technology evolves rapidly, the ability to identify skills with high future potential is important. By accurately understanding market trends and predicting changes in demand, effective skill investment becomes possible.

Here, we explain specific methods for evaluating the future potential of IT skills and trends in the global market.

How to Grasp Technology Trends

Effective methods for grasping technology trends

• Participating in technology conferences
• Checking industry reports
• Regularly viewing technology blogs
• Analyzing GitHub trends

Changes in the number of job openings, annual income levels, corporate investment trends, and startup recruitment trends are also important evaluation indicators. By comprehensively analyzing information, you can identify technology areas with high future potential.

Demand Trends in the Global Market

Technology areas with particularly high demand in the global market

• Cloud-native development
• AI and machine learning
• Cybersecurity
• Blockchain
• Edge computing, etc.

The above skills have great value not only within Japan but also in global career development. By understanding global technology trends and developing skills accordingly, you can secure a wider range of career options.

7. Always Catching Up with Skills in High Demand in Japan’s IT Industry

The IT industry continues to evolve with technological innovation, and the skills required are changing daily. Specialization in AI, cloud, and security fields in particular is expected to remain in high demand in the future.

By identifying the necessary skills according to your career plan and proceeding with planned learning, the possibilities for success in the IT industry will greatly expand. Acquiring skills with high market value and maintaining continuous learning will be the shortcut to success in the IT industry.