Whether a person is suited to be a programmer depends more on fundamental qualities—such as personality, thinking patterns, and values—than on technical skills alone.

In this article, we explain the 10 essential conditions for long-term success and salary growth as a programmer from the perspectives of personality, skills, and values. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive guide to successful career changes, covering the aptitudes required in the AI era, market trends based on Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare data, specific self-diagnosis methods, and career strategies for beginners.

1. What is a Programmer? Understanding the Job and Role

Before understanding the conditions for success, you must clarify the definition of the profession and the actual work involved. To judge your own aptitude correctly, it is vital to grasp what tasks programmers handle daily and what roles they play.

Basic Definition of a Programmer

A programmer is a technician who creates computer programs. Their primary duty is to implement software and systems based on design documents and specifications using programming languages.

According to the “job tag” (Occupational Information Network) by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a programmer is defined as someone who “creates and tests programs based on design documents and specifications in the development of software products and systems.”

Specifically, they are required to perform coding, unit testing, and debugging to complete a program. In the modern era, the role is highly specialized; they are not just “coders” but engineers responsible for the quality and maintainability of the entire system. While System Engineers (SE) generally handle requirements and design, programmers write the actual code. However, these boundaries can be fluid depending on the company.

Primary Responsibilities of a Programmer

A programmer’s daily life involves more than just writing code. Their work is multifaceted.

• Coding and Implementation: Implementing software using languages like Java, Python, JavaScript, or C# based on project goals.
• Debugging and Testing: Verifying operations and fixing bugs. A significant portion of time is actually spent on this trial-and-error process.
• Maintenance and Operations: Modifying existing systems, adding features, and improving performance.
• Team Development: Collaborating via code reviews, pair programming, and version control (Git).

Industries and Domains Where Programmers Thrive

• Web Development: Creating web applications (Front-end and Back-end).
• Business Systems: Supporting corporate efficiency through financial or logistics systems.
• Embedded Systems: Developing firmware for IoT devices, cars, and home appliances.
• Gaming and Entertainment: Producing mobile games, VR/AR content, and consumer games.

2. 10 Conditions for Those Suited to Be a Programmer

If you meet 5 or more of the following conditions, you likely have high aptitude.

1. Logical Thinking Ability

The essence of programming is breaking down complex problems and assembling solutions orderly. If you naturally ask “Why did this error occur?” or “What sequence is most efficient?”, you are suited for this role.

2. Interest in New Technologies and Trends

The IT tech cycle is fast (3–5 years). Those who naturally enjoy trying new gadgets or apps maintain high market value.

3. Ability to Continue Learning

Becoming a pro requires long-term study. You must constantly update your knowledge on security, frameworks, and new languages.

4. Enjoying Trial and Error

Most of the work is facing error messages. If you view failure as a “learning opportunity” and enjoy puzzles, you will thrive.

5. Valuing Efficiency and Automation

Being “lazy” in a smart way is a talent. If you hate repetitive tasks and prefer using Excel macros or scripts to automate them, you have a programmer’s soul.

6. Love for Craftsmanship (Monozukuri)

Programming is the creative act of giving shape to the intangible. Finding joy in building something—like cooking or DIY—translates well to coding.

7. High Concentration and Focus

Entering a “flow state” for hours to solve a single problem is common. If you lose track of time while reading or working, you have this trait.

8. Cooperativeness and Teamwork Skills

The image of a “lone coder” is a myth. Modern development is a team sport requiring clear communication and the ability to accept feedback.

9. Habit of Researching the Unknown

Search skills are core. If you reflexively look up words you don’t know and don’t leave questions unanswered, you can work independently.

10. Resilience to Long Hours of Desk Work

Programmers typically look at screens for 8+ hours. If you are comfortable with desk work and can manage physical health (eye strain, posture), you can sustain this career.

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3. Characteristics of Those Not Suited to Be a Programmer

These characteristics might make a programming career difficult, though they can be improved with effort.

• No Interest in IT: Without interest, learning becomes a chore.
• Inability to Sustain Learning: In an industry where tech becomes obsolete quickly, stagnation leads to a loss of market value.
• Dislike for Meticulous Work: A single missing semicolon causes an error. If you cannot stand fine details, debugging will be painful.
• Seeking Instant Results: Programming is not an overnight skill. It requires patience for long-term growth.

■Ready to Find Your Perfect IT Role in Japan?

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4. Programmer Aptitude That Realizes Salary Increases

To increase your income, you must possess aptitudes that the market values. According to the “IT White Paper 2020,” companies feel a serious shortage in the quality of IT talent.

Summary of Key Points for High Income

• Technical Skill + Business Understanding: Solving business problems with tech adds the most value.
• Communication Skills: Explaining technical concepts to non-engineers and leading teams.
• Adaptability: Investing in self-improvement to match market needs like DX (Digital Transformation).

High-Income Tech Domains

1. Cloud Technology: AWS, Azure, GCP, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
2. AI/Machine Learning: Python, data science, and model development.
3. Security: Secure system design and vulnerability assessment.

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5. Aptitude Required for Programmers in the AI Era

While AI handles simple coding, humans are needed for high-level judgment.

Skills in Demand

• Structuring Problems: Breaking problems down into units AI can process.
• Prompt Engineering: Clearly articulating instructions for the AI.
• Technical Judgment: Critically evaluating AI-generated code for security and maintenance.

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6. How to Self-Diagnose Your Programmer Aptitude

1. Use Public Career Aptitude Tests

The JILPT Vocational Aptitude Test (G-Test) measures logical reasoning, numerical processing, and attention to detail. These are highly correlated with programming success.

2. Try Free Programming Sites

Actual experience is the best test. Try platforms like Progate or Dotinstall.

• Check for: Do you feel a sense of achievement when code works? Can you tolerate the screen time?

3. Consult a Career Advisor

Speak with IT-specialized recruiters to get an objective view of your market value and realistic career paths based on your background.

■Related Reading

Prepare for technical interviews in Japan with our comprehensive guide covering cultural expectations, common questions, and proven success strategies.

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7. 3 Steps to Succeed as a Programmer

Step 1: Basic Learning and Language Selection (3–6 Months)

• Web: JavaScript, Ruby, PHP.
• Business: Java, C#, Python.
• Mobile: Swift, Kotlin.

Step 2: Portfolio and Achievement Building (3–6 Months)

• Condition 1: Originality (not just a tutorial copy).
• Condition 2: Technical completeness (no errors, clean code).
• Condition 3: Documentation (clear README on GitHub).

Step 3: Job Hunting and Salary Negotiation (3–6 Months)

Focus on demonstrating your learning motivation and logical thinking. Even if starting at $30k–$40k, strategic moves into Technical Lead or Architect roles can push you to $70k–$80k+ within 5 years.

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8. Balancing Aptitude with Market Value for Programmers

Success as a programmer is determined by your ability to translate fundamental traits—like logical thinking and continuous learning—into market value. With the demand for IT talent expanding, those who sharpen their skills strategically will find ample opportunities for high salaries. Start today by testing your aptitude through a free learning site and mapping out your career path.

■Start Your Programming Career in Japan Today

Your aptitude for programming combined with professional guidance can lead to a successful career in Japan’s thriving tech industry. BLOOMTECH Career for Global offers free career consultations, visa support, and access to companies actively seeking foreign talent. Take the first step in just 30 seconds.

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